What are the most effective ways to communicate with Native American communities during a crisis?

Collaboration among stakeholders and the creation of culturally relevant emergency solutions will empower indigenous communities and strengthen their resilience during emergencies.

Tribes helping Tribes has always been a great working model, or “best practice” when implementing new programs, new concepts and new ideas in Indian Country. Emergency Management is a very new discipline. The National Tribal Emergency Council #NTEMC and the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Councils, #nwtemc are both groups that can aid Tribes in developing their programs while respecting Tribal Sovereignty.

Listen. In all the answers given was the, verb listen was missing. Comit to listening and the realm of the possible opens. It's the key to any human map-reading really. Time, attention and active listening. Cheers

In my experience it is important to come as a partner and build a respectful relationship before the emergency happens. The worst thing you can do is show up and tell them what needs to be done, especially as an outsider who has never engaged with the tribal nation previously.

Learn their history. Respect their culture. Ask to be invited into their community. Build genuine relationships with trust at the epicenter. Don’t go there with an agenda. And yes, I said “go” there. Get off your butt and go. Ask how you can help, then listen. It is not your expertise that will earn their trust, it is your heart.

It is an interesting thing in dealing with native tribes bur from an emergency management standpoint there are a few things you can do off the bat. First off respect their knowledge and traditions. Second their independence and third they're beliefs.

During emergencies I never seen a lot of red tape. Wildfires, Blizzards and flooding they usually welcome any help they can get, as fast as they can get it. Their also quick to respond in mutual assistant calls, statewide when needed.

For proper communication to take place, one must always be culturally sensitive. This entails being aware of a communities value system, “dos and don’ts”, and proper/most effective communication channels. The same is true when attempting to communicate with Native Americans as with any other tribal community.

Walk up to the community and cheer them up with their favorite food such as Indian corn, maize, beans, squash, pumpkins, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peanuts, avocados, papayas, potatoes and chocolate instead of being another TV news line.

I think the question is flawed on its face. It assumes "Native American communities" are homogeneous enough that there are techniques that can be used with that entire group that somehow won't work with any distinct culture(s). Having said that in my experience working with 1st Nation peoples in Canada, one phrase which I've always considered innocuous but was very triggering was the term "stakeholder". In the case of the people I was working with, they considered their role in any project that dealt with their ancestral heritage to transcend something they had a "stake in", and wanted to be identified as "rights holders", not stakeholders. They believed this distinction more clearly captured their role in any process or decision.

This must go beyond engagement and be a learning journey, especially for those of us coming from a colonial world. Create relationships and become a student of culture.

Engaging cultural brokers and liaisons is vital when working with Native American communities, as they possess a deep understanding of the community's cultural norms and values. These trusted individuals or organizations serve as bridges between your agency and the community, facilitating effective communication. By leveraging their insights, you can ensure that information and services are delivered accurately, timely, and in a culturally sensitive manner.

It is one means to an end to engage with cultural brokers if one remains discerning at all times. No-one is without an agenda, and some agendas are deeply fractious though not visible. In my experience, using brokers adds a layer of complexity that direct contact and communication could obviate

Respect is key. Respect their culture, norms, values and beliefs. Nothing more than you would expect for yourself. Without these items you won't gain their trust or respect as a SME.

Identify and Connect with Cultural Brokers: Reach out to individuals or organizations that are recognized and trusted within the community. These could be tribal elders, cultural advisors, local non-profit organizations, or community leaders who have established relationships and understanding of the community's cultural dynamics. Leverage Their Expertise for Cultural Sensitivity: Use the insights of these cultural brokers to understand the community's cultural norms, values, and communication preferences. They can guide on the nuances of language, symbolism, and protocols that are significant to the community. Adapt Based on Feedback: Be open to adapting your strategies based on the feedback and guidance provided by cultural liaisons.

Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partner with local organizations that are already trusted within the community for better outreach and credibility.

We support American natives for more freedom and rights at different levels. they could take advantage of histocal right at lnads, making decisions and leasing

One thing I would recommend is understanding the challenges that native Americans have and work alongside them to ensure that communications and decisions behind actions are fully exsplained.

To effectively reach Native American communities, it's crucial to recognize their diverse access to communication tools. Utilizing multiple and appropriate channels such as radio, television, social media, websites, newsletters, and more ensures efficient communication. Tailoring messages to include native languages, symbols, stories, or visuals enhances the appeal to emotions and values, fostering a more impactful connection. This approach takes into account variations in location, infrastructure, and resources within these communities.

Listen! Listen to the stories of the First Nation, hear the ancestors who still dance in the voices of the elders. Their pathways are well worn and have much to teach humanity. Our collective mother...

I want to believe that there are protocols in place regarding communication with Native American communities that stem from their traditions and "rules of engagement". It would be best to determine what those are, and utilize them in them most effective and appropriate way. To use a spray-gun approach may be less effective that focused, specific communication in appropriate channels

In many cases you will need a way to communicate. That will probably require a trusted source such as a council or elder to push the informaiton out. You can use several public sources, but without the support of these groups, it probably won't be accepted well.

Have conversations with Elders and Nation traveling mobile providers (ex: letter carriers, propane delivery, VFD) in *advance* about message courier routes, trusted spokespeople, etc. Even in the face of a fire/flood,etc. there are places where outsiders are not welcome or safe. Taking an Elder with the ambulance, rescue rig, etc. opens doors and communication. Don’t assume the Council has all the answers or trust.

Assess Communication Preferences: Before a crisis occurs, assess the preferred communication channels within different communities. This might involve surveys, community meetings, or consultations with tribal leaders to understand the most effective ways to disseminate information. Radio and Television: Utilize local radio and television, as they are traditional but still very effective channels, especially for reaching elders or those without internet access. Face-to-Face Meetings: Organize community meetings or gatherings. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement mechanisms for the community to provide feedback on the crisis response. This could be through community hotlines, social media channels, or feedback forms on websites.

As a boy growing up watching grotesque images of Hollywood movies, you gave me hope and inspiration. You lit in my soul a passion and total respect for the magnificence of your people's. The first sin in a new land, was committed against the First Nation of an ancient people. You fill me with pride, you always have. Aho. With all respect to the ancestors...

The best way to rebuild trust is to be authentic in word and deed. If there are specific programs available to deal with trauma and oppression, it will be helpful to make those available. Proud nations however, do not want to be humiliated or demeaned for what was done to them. Mocking them by emphasizing their strengths etc will be less helpful. True respect demands an acknowledgment of the situation and a respectful, co-partnering into the future

Take the time to understand their history and how they overcame things. This can give you great insight for helping them understand the significance of your message. Look at things from their perspective not your perspective.

Again, "nothing for us, without us". There is no long lasting success if anything is done without the Native American communities

Listening and being open to each individuals perspective is vital. Also be sincere in your efforts to get community leaders’ feedback, concerns and goals. Within a crisis management context, the traditional First Nations community will have a deep understanding of crisis response strategies. Communicating effectively and seeking input can hopefully align shared goals for public safety responses.

Having even a simple tabletop drill will open a lot of eyes. Leveraging Scout, Youth, or Athletic groups allows them to see this kind of community building activity and builds buy in from multiple generations. Above all, let locals vett scenario design and be some of the evaluators.

Listening and being open to each individuals perspective is vital. Also be sincere in your efforts to get community leaders’ feedback, concerns and goals. Within a crisis management context, the traditional First Nations community will have a deep understanding of crisis response strategies. Communicating effectively and seeking input can hopefully align shared goals for public safety responses.

Communicate in the manner they choose to communicate most effectively. I worked on a project where we occupied reserve lands - we took our direction (during no less than 4 types of natural disasters over a three year period) from the Chief and Band Council. ASK how they would best be reached. ASK what methods work best for their teams. Recognize and acknowledge the traumas and celebrate wins when you can. Be open to listen, empathize and assist.

Acknowledge they are unique and gain an understanding of their culture. This will help you understand them better and better solve their problems. Never assume, generalize or steriotype them and their beliefs. If you do you are defeated at the start.

Another way would be establishing a prior line of communication so that it's already available and easy use during crisis considering their culturally sensitive specific community standards.

Don't wait until there is an emergency or disaster to communicate. Establish a relationship prior. This relationship is based on trust and understanding.

First, listen. Hear all they are saying. Second, be able to deliver what you offer. Don’t offer intangibles. Third, deliver, but let the community share it with their members. Don’t be the frontman. Let them share with their community. Fourth, follow through to the end- their end.

For crisis communication using local examples and evidence is a more effective way to best inform the community about the nature of the crisis and probable impacts.

Identify the Key Message: Clearly define the core message you need to communicate. This message should be concise and focused on the most important information. Provide Actionable Steps: If your message requires action, be clear about what needs to be done. Provide specific, step-by-step instructions if necessary. Seek Feedback and Respond: Allow for feedback to ensure your message has been understood and to address any questions or concerns. Be open to dialogue and provide clarifications when needed. Follow-up: In some cases, especially in ongoing situations, regular updates or follow-up messages may be necessary to keep your audience informed.