Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) has announced a $1 million grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) in support of the Protecting Our Relatives Through Emergency Preparedness and Partnerships project.

The funds will be used to enhance emergency and resiliency competencies accumulated during the first two phases of the project, which built a foundation of local capacity. Areas of focus will include active community engagement systems, more involved training and services, and sustainability of environmental response and recovery teams and partnerships. When emergencies arise in Tribal communities, PWNA responds by providing essential materials and relief. The grant will enable PWNA to continue helping Tribes develop and implement emergency preparedness strategies.

“We are immensely thankful to MACP for this continuation funding, which will greatly impact our Native-led training efforts and technical support for emergency preparedness,” said PWNA president and CEO Joshua Arce. “Less than 1 percent of charitable giving goes to Native causes, making grants like this immensely important. MACP’s support will help us enrich emergency systems, including partnerships and protocols to provide resources to 15 active Native communities and reach eight more communities across the Dakotas, Montana, and Nebraska.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/ThePalmer)