As leaders from across Alaska gather in Anchorage for the 2026 Emergency Management Conference, Tlingit & Haida’s Public Safety team is helping shape the future of coordinated emergency response, while earning statewide recognition for their work. 

Hosted by the Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, the annual conference brings together tribal, local, state and federal partners to strengthen preparedness, response, and coordination across communities. The event serves as a critical space for sharing training, exchanging strategies, and building relationships that are essential when disasters and emergencies arise. 

Tlingit & Haida sent three members of its Public Safety team to participate in this year’s convening, reflecting the Tribe’s continued investment in building a strong, responsive and culturally-grounded emergency management program. 

Statewide Recognition for Tribal Emergency Operations 

During the conference, the Alaska Emergency Management Association (AKEMA) honored Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Emergency Operations Center (TEOC) with a Certificate of Achievement. The award recognizes outstanding dedication to the emergency management profession in Alaska. 

AKEMA’s mission focuses on strengthening the capabilities and leadership of emergency management professionals across tribal, local, state, federal and private sectors. Its certification program highlights excellence in supporting communities through every phase of the disaster cycle from preparedness and response to recovery and mitigation. 

Building Strength Through Partnership 

This recognition reflects the continued growth of Tlingit & Haida’s emergency management efforts and the professionalism of its Public Safety team. It also underscores the importance of strong partnerships across Alaska, ensuring that when emergencies occur, communities are supported through coordinated, informed, and culturally responsive approaches. 

As the conference continues, Tlingit & Haida remains engaged alongside partners from across the state, strengthening relationships and bringing back knowledge that will help protect and serve tribal citizens and Southeast Alaska communities. 

About TEOC 
On March 24, 2020, with unanimous support from Tlingit & Haida’s Executive Council, President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson signed Resolution EC 20-12 enacting a “Declaration of a State of Emergency Related to COVID-19 Pandemic”.  Shortly thereafter, he activated a Tribal Emergency Operations Center (TEOC) to enable Tlingit & Haida to provide timely, integrated, and coordinated responses to emergencies that addresses the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.