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.