Tips for Disaster Responders: Cultural Awareness when Working in Indian Country Post-Disaster

Publication date: 2022

Usage: Public Domain Mark 1.0

Publisher: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Collection: salis; americana

Language: English

T6 pages. Includes bibliography. This tipsheet is a revised/updated document discussing Cultural Awareness working post-disaster in Indian Country. Responding to a disaster or traumatic event in Indian Country provides response workers with multifaceted challenges and opportunities that must be addressed to ensure tribal recovery and resilience. Every tribe has unique attributes, values, and resources available that can both heighten their vulnerability to the effectsof disasters and support the development of healthy coping and recovery skills. It is vital that disaster responders make an effort to respect cultural values, understand historical trauma, and emphasize community strengths while supporting response efforts in Indian Country.