<aside> Recovery is not just about rebuilding—it is about restoring, strengthening, and healing the community after an emergency disaster. For Indigenous Nations, recovery must be holistic, considering not only the physical reconstruction of homes and infrastructure but also the well-being of Citizens/members, cultural preservation, and long-term community development. The emergency manager plays a critical role in ensuring that recovery efforts are community-led, culturally grounded, and equitable. Key responsibilities include:

1. Conducting Damage Assessments and Accessing Support

• Work with community leadership, public works, and emergency officials to assess damages to homes, community infrastructure, and essential services.
• Ensure the completion of Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) damage assessments, a required step for federal recovery funding.
• Support Citizens/members in completing the Statement of Loss and Damage (SoLD) process, which allows individuals to seek financial support for lost and damaged personal belongings.

2. Advocating for Fair and Timely Assistance

• Work with Indigenous Services Canada and other government agencies to ensure funding is distributed fairly and in a way that meets community needs.
• Ensure that emergency financial aid, reconstruction funds, and housing support are made available as quickly as possible.
• Ensure displaced Citizens/members receive adequate temporary housing until permanent solutions are in place.

3. Rebuilding Community Infrastructure with a Focus on Resilience

• Advocate for rebuilding efforts that incorporate climate resilience and traditional land-use planning.
• Ensure community infrastructure is rebuilt to higher safety standards to prevent future disasters from having the same impact.
• Engage local tradespeople and businesses in reconstruction efforts to support economic recovery.

4. Supporting Healing and Mental Health Recovery

• Establish culturally appropriate mental health and trauma support programs for those affected.
• Facilitate community gatherings, healing circles, and cultural ceremonies to support collective healing.
• Ensure that Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders are actively involved in emotional and spiritual recovery efforts.

5. Economic Recovery and Community Development

• Work with leadership to identify economic recovery opportunities, such as job training programs and community infrastructure projects.
• Advocate for funding to support business recovery and traditional land-based livelihoods.
• Ensure that recovery planning includes opportunities for long-term economic development and self-sufficiency.

6. Strengthening Future Emergency Preparedness

• Use lessons observed and learned from the disaster to improve emergency management plans.
• Advocate for stronger emergency management funding and infrastructure investment.
• Ensure that Citizens/members are involved in shaping future emergency plans, ensuring a stronger, more prepared community.

By leading these recovery efforts, the emergency manager ensures that the Nation not only recovers from disaster but emerges stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future challenges. Recovery is an opportunity to restore not just buildings, but the strength and spirit of the community.

</aside>