<aside> During a crisis, the emergency manager plays a crucial role in coordinating response efforts that are culturally appropriate, community-driven, and effective. Their primary responsibility is to protect lives, minimize harm, and ensure the response aligns with the Nation’s governance structures and traditions. Key responsibilities include:

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1. Incident Coordination and Leadership

• Activate the emergency operations/coordination center (EOC/ECC) to coordinate the Nation’s response efforts.
• Ensure Chief and Council, Elders, and leadership are fully informed and involved in decision-making.
• Maintain constant situational awareness by gathering information from first responders, external agencies, and community members.

2. Ensuring Effective Communication

• Provide timely and culturally appropriate updates to Citizens/members, ensuring messages are accessible and, where necessary, translated into Indigenous languages.
• Establish direct communication channels with external agencies, provincial/territorial governments, and emergency response organizations.
• Use community-based communication methods, such as local radio, social media, and traditional messengers, to keep Citizens/members informed.

3. Coordinating Emergency Services and Mutual Aid

• Deploy local emergency responders while working with external emergency services.
• Activate pre-existing mutual aid agreements, ensuring external agencies respect Indigenous leadership and governance.
• Address logistical challenges in remote communities by working with partners to coordinate the delivery of emergency supplies.

4. Prioritizing the Safety of Vulnerable Citizens

• Ensure emergency shelters are culturally safe, with spaces for Elders, families, and those needing additional support.
• Arrange for traditional healing and mental health supports, including access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers for trauma-informed care.
• Work with community health professionals to ensure medical aid reaches those who need it most.

5. Managing Evacuations and Community Movements

• Implement evacuation plans that respect family and cultural ties, ensuring families stay together.