Moderator: Patti Bruns, Arctic Mayors’ Forum
Description: What is the role of Tribes and other Indigenous organizations in disaster response? Beyond being first responders according to their local plans, we also have various roles in other incidents within our regions. Using the Aleutian Pribilof Island Association’s Tribal Emergency Response Program as an example to demonstrate these roles, we will discuss some of the areas of concern, different ways to engage the response structure, and services that these kinds of organizations can provide. Please come with questions, your own experiences and thoughts about effective activities that complement Indigenous Peoples’ stewardship in response.
Speaker: Karen Pletnikoff, Aleut International Association
Description: The Government of Canada's Integrated Marine Response Planning Initiative unites federal departments and agencies involved in oil spill response across the country to develop cohesive, nationwide oil spill response plans. In the Arctic, the process begins by incorporating community and regional priorities, which then inform the strategies and tactics used by responders in the region. This presentation will outline the steps involved in community workshops, hazard mapping sessions, and the development of draft regional integrated response plans. These plans aim to blend Indigenous traditional knowledge with Western science to establish a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem before a spill occurs. Additionally, the presentation will highlight how Indigenous Knowledge has been integrated into Canadian Coast Guard response operations in the Arctic.
Speaker: Kevin Knapp, Canadian Coast Guard (virtual presentation)
Affiliation: Aleut International Association (AIA)
Bio: Karen Pletnikoff is the Environment & Safety Program Administrator at the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, where she provides technical assistance to Tribal Environmental Programs, supports Co-Management, and oversees the regional Tribal Environmental Response Program. At Aleut International Association, she serves as the Head of Delegation for the EPPR working group.
Affiliation: Canadian Coast Guard
Bio: Kevin Knapp is the Deputy Superintendent of Marine Environmental and Hazards Response for the Canadian Coast Guard Arctic Region. His team is responsible for community preparedness and planning initiatives across the region, and are the lead responders for marine pollution incidents in the Eastern Arctic.