Indigenous Worldviews and Tribal Priorities in Hazard Mitigation Planning

Abstract

This research examines the integration of Indigenous worldviews and Tribal priorities in hazard mitigation plans (HMPs) in the State of Washington. We analyze findable HMPs for the 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington, including Tribal HMPs and multi-jurisdictional HMPs adopted by Tribes. Utilizing a coding framework adapted from Lyles, Berke, and Smith (2014) and the Tribal Climate Change Principles from Gruenig et al. (2015), our research evaluates the cultural responsiveness and incorporation of Indigenous perspectives in HMPs. The study reveals differences in public outreach, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies across plan types. Tribal HMPs and annexes distinctively focus on protecting cultural assets and natural mitigation features compared to the multi-jurisdictional HMPs analyzed in our sample. We provide recommendations for FEMA policy changes and future research to support the equitable integration of Indigenous priorities in hazard mitigation strategies.