As the Tribal Chairwoman of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, I am enacting an Emergency Declaration in accordance with the inherent sovereign authority of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. By that authority, I am implementing the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (March 2013) and the assignment of responsibilities as outlined in the Emergency Management Plan. This declaration will be in effect until the next regularly scheduled Business Committee meeting on March 23, 2020, or until ratified by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Business Committee at a special meeting, whichever event is sooner to occur. Upon ratification by the Business Committee, this declaration will remain in effect until rescinded by the Business Committee.
The pandemic Corona Virus COVID-19 represents an impending threat to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe community and its tribal members. It is spreading in Western Washington and is anticipated to find its way into our tribal community. I have determined that it is prudent to understand the threats associated with the pandemic virus and I am directing all tribal programs and departments to cooperate with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Executive Director and the Office of Emergency Management to provide assistance in the way of personnel and equipment to mitigate the effects to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe community and its tribal members. The Executive Director is directed to work with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Office of Emergency Management, the Lower Elwha Health Department, the Lower Elwha Social Services Department, the Lower Elwha Police Department and the Finance Department to set in place a plan to mitigate this threat so we are prepared and ready to help our people.
This declaration authorizes the Tribe’s Executive Director and the Business Committee to take emergency measures to work through the response to COVID-19, including but not limited to implementation of emergency fiscal procedures for expenditures and procurement. This declaration further directs the Tribe’s Executive Director to coordinate with and seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the State of Washington in response to this emergency.
For more information regarding this declaration, contact the Tribe’s Public Information Officer, Keri Ellis, at (360) 452-8471, ext. 7418.
Frances G. Charles, Chairwoman
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe