<aside> Preparedness is a critical phase of emergency management that ensures Indigenous communities are equipped to respond effectively to crises while maintaining cultural integrity, sovereignty, and self-determination. The emergency manager plays a central role in building community resilience through strategic planning, capacity-building, and collaboration. Their responsibilities include:

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to integrate traditional knowledge into risk assessments.
• Identify historical disaster patterns and environmental changes affecting the community.
• Conduct community hazard mapping that considers local land use, traditional harvesting areas, and climate adaptation.

2. Developing Culturally Relevant Emergency Plans

• Ensure the emergency management plan reflects the Nation’s/community's governance structures and cultural protocols.
• Include protocols for evacuations that respect community ties, family units, and traditional land-based practices.
• Develop specific plans for protecting sacred sites, cultural artifacts, and language archives in the event of a disaster.

3. Strengthening Community Capacity and Training

• Facilitate emergency preparedness training that is accessible in Indigenous languages and aligns with community values.
• Organize emergency response drills that incorporate traditional knowledge, such as land navigation and fire stewardship practices.
• Engage youth in emergency management initiatives to build long-term community resilience.

4. Establishing Emergency Communication Systems

• Develop communication strategies that incorporate community radio, local networks, and traditional messengers.
• Ensure that communication systems remain operational in remote areas with limited connectivity.
• Work with Elders and leadership to ensure messaging is trauma-informed and culturally respectful.

5. Building Relationships with External Agencies

• Advocate for Indigenous-led emergency response agreements with federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
• Ensure mutual aid agreements respect Indigenous sovereignty and decision-making.
• Strengthen partnerships with Indigenous organizations, non-profits, and emergency services to enhance response capabilities.

6. Resource Management and Infrastructure Preparedness

• Identify and maintain emergency stockpiles of essential supplies, prioritizing community-specific needs.
• Develop emergency shelter strategies that consider cultural and family dynamics, ensuring the well-being of Elders, children, and vulnerable members.
• Secure funding and advocate for infrastructure improvements, such as climate-resilient housing and emergency escape routes.

7. Community Education and Engagement

• Develop culturally relevant emergency awareness campaigns that use storytelling, artwork, and oral traditions.
• Ensure that community members understand their roles in disaster response through clear and accessible preparedness materials.
• Work closely with Knowledge Keepers to ensure that emergency preparedness aligns with the Nation’s values and traditions.

By fulfilling these roles, the emergency manager strengthens the Nation’s/community's ability to respond to crises effectively while upholding its sovereignty, culture, and traditions. Preparedness is not just about readiness, it is about empowering Indigenous communities to protect their people, lands, and way of life in the face of emergencies.

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