Tribal Governments Course
U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison Addresses Tribal Government Representatives
ABOVE: August 5, 2004 - U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison addresses tribal government representatives attending the Emergency Management Institute's Emergency Management Framework for Tribal Governments course in Emmitsburg, MD. Related Link: Emergency Management Institute.
U.S. Fire Administrator Dave Paulison spoke on August 5 to tribal government representatives attending FEMA's Emergency Management Framework for Tribal Governments course, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He emphasized the need for Federal, Tribal, State and local governments to work together to protect the people of this nation against all hazards. Administrator Paulison provided specific examples of what happens when first responders cannot communicate with one another and they use different command and control systems. To overcome these type problems, he noted, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) developed the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Nation's first standardized management approach to be used at all levels of government for incident response. Training on the NIMS system is being integrated into the first responder training offered throughout DHS.
The tribal course was developed to teach Native American communities how to write basic emergency operations plans that include the unique challenges faced by tribal people. The entire course is structured around the concept that building a plan is much like framing a house. For example, the foundation of a plan is the laws, financial assistance, and hazard analysis; the interior, the emergency support functions; and the sides, the assistance provided through partnerships with other governments, voluntary agencies, and the private sector. Since the initial offering in 2002, representatives from over 80 different tribes have participated in this popular course.
U.S. Fire Administration Deputy Administrator Charlie Dickinson provided a historical perspective of the training facility. He also talked about the need to utilize distance education forums such as the Internet to be more responsive to the large demands for EMI and NFA courses.
Robert Holden, a representative from the National Congress of American Indians, an organization that represents a majority of tribal governments on tribal issues, expressed appreciation to Administrator Paulison for his support of tribes in the fire grant process. To date, over 29 tribes have received funding through the fire grants program.
Last Updated: August 12, 2004 03:59 PM
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