<aside> Purpose

The purpose of a deadly crisis communications plan is to outline the Nation’s or community’s protocols and procedures for coordinating communication in the event of a crisis. The plan should detail how essential information will be shared with Citizens/members, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and external parties, including the media, governments, the general public, suppliers, and key stakeholders.

Each crisis communication plan should reflect the unique needs, governance structures, and traditional knowledge systems of the Nation to ensure that it aligns with cultural values and addresses community-specific risks, as identified in the Nation’s risk assessment process. Given the fast-moving and evolving nature of crises, it is essential to have a well-prepared and adaptable crisis communication plan in place before an emergency occurs.

A strong crisis communication plan should be carefully developed to include clear guidelines for responding to various situations, while also allowing flexibility to address unexpected circumstances. Beyond developing the plan, it must be tested regularly to ensure that staff, Citizens/members, and leadership are familiar with its procedures and that it remains relevant to the Nation’s needs.

Key Elements of an Effective Crisis Communication Plan

Leadership Support and Cultural Alignment

A crisis communication plan must have the full support of Chief and Council, Elders, traditional leaders, and executive leadership. Their role is essential in ensuring the plan is recognized as a guiding framework for emergency response, incorporating traditional knowledge and governance structures where appropriate.

Identify Potential Hazards and Risks

A thorough risk assessment is the foundation of a crisis communication plan. This should take into account both Western emergency management methodologies and Indigenous ways of knowing, including historical knowledge of environmental changes, land-based risks, and cultural sensitivities.

Designate a Crisis Communications Team

In larger Nations or Tribal Councils, crisis communications may be managed by a dedicated team, while smaller Nations may rely on a designated individual.

The crisis communications team should:

• Develop the plan in collaboration with community leadership, Elders, and emergency management personnel.
• Be empowered to act quickly when a crisis occurs.
• Be trained in culturally appropriate messaging and trauma-informed communication.
• Ensure the team’s authority and responsibilities are clearly defined in a Policies and Procedures document.

Identify Your Audiences

Communication is a two-way process, and the Nation must anticipate both sending and receiving messages. Different audiences will require different approaches, including:

• Internal Audiences: Citizens/members, Elders, youth, Knowledge Keepers, governance bodies, and employees.
• External Audiences: The media, governments, emergency response agencies, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Culturally Specific Considerations: Use Indigenous languages where possible and ensure messages are conveyed in ways that reflect cultural values and traditions.

Failure to effectively communicate with both internal and external audiences can result in misunderstandings, negative perceptions, and challenges in emergency response coordination.

Select and Train Spokespersons

The designated spokesperson(s) will act as the face and voice of the Nation during a crisis. This role should:

• Be filled by an individual who is respected in the community and understands both Indigenous governance and crisis communication principles.
• Provide messages that reflect the Nation’s values and cultural perspectives.
• Be mindful that every Citizen/member could potentially act as an unofficial spokesperson through social media and word-of-mouth.
• Ensure an Employee Crisis Communication Policy is in place to guide internal discussions and public messaging.

Establish Notification and Communication Channels

The crisis communication plan should clearly define how information will be shared internally and externally, considering:

• Internal channels: Staff meetings, direct calls, community radio, band office announcements, social media groups, or messaging apps.
• External channels: Public statements, media releases, Nation websites, newsletters, and social media.
• Contingency planning: Alternative communication methods if standard channels fail (e.g., loss of internet, power outages, or disrupted cell service).

Develop Clear Policies and Procedures

The Policies and Procedures section of the plan should provide a straightforward guide to how crisis communication will be handled, ensuring:

• Messaging aligns with the Nation’s cultural protocols and governance structure.
• The response team has clear roles and responsibilities.
• The plan is adaptable to the unique circumstances of each crisis.

Create Key Messages

Pre-scripted messages should be developed in advance to enable quick and effective communication during a crisis. These messages should:

• Use plain language and, where possible, include translations into the Indigenous language spoken in the community.
• Be trauma-informed and considerate of the emotional impact of the crisis.
• Reflect cultural values and emphasize community safety, unity, and resilience.

Maintain an Up-to-Date Contact List

A regularly updated contact list should include:

• Internal leadership, staff, and key community contacts.
• Emergency responders and mutual aid partners.
• Media representatives and government liaisons.

Include Supporting Documents

Additional documents may be useful to have on hand, such as:

• Profiles of key leaders and spokespersons.
• Fact sheets on identified risks and mitigation efforts.
• Templates for public statements and media advisories.

Test the Plan Regularly

A crisis communication plan should be tested annually through:

• Drills and tabletop exercises with leadership, emergency responders, and communications personnel.
• Workshops for staff and community members to ensure awareness and readiness.
• Updates based on feedback from these exercises to improve the plan’s effectiveness.

Verify the Situation Before Acting

To avoid unnecessary panic or misinformation, all crisis communications should be based on verified facts. This step ensures that responses are accurate and measured.

Implement the Plan with Clarity

A clearly defined activation policy will ensure that all members of the organization understand when the plan is in effect and how they will be notified.

Prioritize Respectful and Ethical Communication

Best practices for crisis communication include:

• Acknowledging the situation with empathy and honesty.
• Providing culturally appropriate support to those impacted.
• Ensuring all messaging centers on the well-being of Citizens/members.
• Avoiding speculation or blame.

Monitor the Narrative and Address Misinformation

It is crucial to track how the crisis is being discussed in the media and on social networks. Active monitoring and timely corrections can help prevent the spread of misinformation that could harm the community’s reputation or response efforts.

Resolution and Recovery Messaging

Once the immediate crisis has passed:

• Clearly communicate recovery efforts and next steps.
• Address lingering concerns from Citizens/members and stakeholders.
• Continue monitoring community sentiment and feedback.

Conduct a Post-Crisis Review and Update the Plan

After the crisis is resolved:

• Conduct a debriefing with leadership, responders, and communications personnel.
• Gather feedback from Citizens/members.
• Update the plan based on lessons learned.

Conclusion

A well-prepared crisis communication plan is deadly. It is also essential for protecting the well-being of Indigenous Nations and communities. By integrating traditional knowledge, cultural protocols, and modern communication strategies, this plan ensures that Indigenous governments can effectively respond to crises while maintaining trust, transparency, and resilience within their communities.

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