WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Durant, Oklahoma, inside the Choctaw Nation reservation this week, where she attended the National Advisory Council year-end meeting, toured the Choctaw Nation’s headquarters and participated in social dancing, showcasing the rich culture and history of the Choctaw people.
For the first time in FEMA’s history, a Tribal Nation hosted the annual council meeting, which held focused discussions on improving Nation-to-Nation relationships and supporting tribal sovereignty.
“The Choctaw Nation and Tribal Nations across Indian Country represent an important part of the emergency management enterprise and are critical partners in FEMA’s mission to help people before, during and after disaster,” said Administrator Criswell. “The National Advisory Council is made richer by their contributions, and it was an honor to have this year-end meeting hosted by a Tribal Nation, for the first time in FEMA’s history. We remain committed to working with the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations, to break barriers and make preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters more accessible to all.”
The National Advisory Council advises the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation for disasters and national emergencies. Council members represent a substantive cross-section of officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations. Since its creation in 2006, the council has provided nearly 400 recommendations to FEMA on a variety of key emergency management topics.
CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell meets with the Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Gary Batton. (FEMA Photo)
CHOCTAW NATION -- National Advisory Council members receive a tour of the Choctaw Nation headquarters. The building incorporates cultural features with each floor representing a different element of nature. (FEMA Photo)
CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addresses members of the National Advisory Council. (FEMA Photo)
CHOCTAW NATION -- The National Advisory Council panel discussions addressed emergency management issues when working directly with Tribal Nations. Here, FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson (far right) sits with Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. J. Michael Chavarria (far left); Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Staff Attorney Lindsay Dowell (2nd from left); and Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director Kevin Enloe. (FEMA Photo)
CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, (center right), Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson (far right); FEMA National Tribal Affairs Advisor Kelbie Kennedy (center left); and National Advisory Council Chairman Jeff Hansen, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma takes a photo with the NAC members who attended the meeting in person and virtually. (FEMA Photo)
CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell participates in Choctaw Social Dancing. These dances showcase the history and culture of the Choctaw people. (FEMA Photo)