Federal And State Agencies Aid Native Americans
Release Date: November 15, 2003
Release Number: 1498-25
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PASADENA, Calif. -- Federal and State agencies are reaching out to Native Americans to assure them that they have the same benefits as others affected in the fires.
"Native Americans who live on tribal lands are eligible for the same benefits available to others in the disaster declared counties," said William Carwile, III, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Southern California wildfires. "FEMA works in concert with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies to provide services to all those who were affected."
California has 109 federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes located throughout the state. Seven tribes in San Bernardino and San Diego counties were affected by the recent wildfires. Although tribes are eligible for the same benefits as others, the method for coordination of benefits is different due to the sovereign status of tribes. Regardless, the first step in applying for assistance is by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362).
For residents on the rural Barona Reservation, FEMA brought in a mobile phone bank. The phones were connected via satellite and were free of charge to tribal members registering for assistance or calling the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-FEMA to inquire about their application status.
FEMA coordinated with the Tribal leadership of the Rincon and San Pasqual Bands to establish a local assistance center. The center was designed to provide program information and personal help with applications to those who have already registered for assistance.
Financial assistance was not directly provided at these centers, but representatives of state and federal agencies were present. Under California law, state agencies are authorized to cooperate with California Indian Tribes on matters of economic development and improvement. Disaster programs available through teleregistration include FEMA rental assistance and minor home repair, U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes, and awards for uninsured disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, including personal property, medical, dental, or transportation expenses.
Also available through teleregistration are supplemental grants from the state (when maximum assistance through FEMA has been exhausted), referrals to disaster unemployment assistance through the California Employment Development Department, and referrals to various other state and local government services.
Damage inspection is more difficult in rural areas, and many homes have been destroyed on the San Pasqual (at least 67 homes), Barona (at least 39 homes), and Rincon (at least 25 homes) reservations. FEMA inspectors are visiting reservations to check out damaged or destroyed homes and determine eligibility for disaster assistance programs.
FEMA, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other tribal, state and federal agencies are currently working to find appropriate alternative housing for those whose homes were destroyed by the fires. Many Native Americans who have lost their homes have been staying with family members. During the emergency, 900 tribal members were sheltered at the Pechanga Hotel.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with FEMA, tribal governments and other state agencies to address multiple recovery and health issues as well as identifying opportunities for future collaboration on mitigation and emergency efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Nov-2003 07:57:13