Cite as: 63 CNCA § 402

The purpose of this act is to enhance the existing emergency management structure to ensure the efficient use of all Cherokee Nation resources during events, disasters and states of emergency resulting from natural or man-made causes. To ensure preparation for the Nation to adequately mitigate, respond and recover from disasters or emergencies. Provide for the common defense and protect the public peace, health, safety, preserve the lives and property of the citizens and carry out the objectives of the Cherokee Nation survival and recovery in the event of a disaster or emergency.

1. Establish a Cherokee Nation Department of Emergency Management (CNEM);

2. Provide for the formulation and execution of an emergency operations plan for the Nation;

3. Codify for the Principal Chief and the executive branch of the Nation emergency powers as guided by the Cherokee Nation Department of Emergency Management, including but not limited to the authority to declare a "State of Emergency" or an "Anticipated State of Emergency."

4. Provide for an Emergency Management Advisory Committee and Task Book Committee.

5. Provide for the rendering of mutual aid agreements within the reservation, the state of Oklahoma and other states to coordinate with the federal government with respect to carrying out emergency management functions and hazard mitigation; and

6. Provide sufficient organization to mitigate, prepare, respond, recover, prevent, or reduce emergencies in the best interest and welfare of the public and the Nation.

7. Establish the Cherokee Nation Community and Citizens Emergency Response Fund consistent with the recommendations of the Cherokee Nation Task Force on Disaster Response of December 4, 2024.

Historical Data

LA-12-20, eff. July 20, 2020. Amended LA 06-25, eff. February 12, 2025.