Tribal Updates: Indian Country Addresses COVID-19

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: Tribal Recipients
Based on the President’s national emergency declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, tribal governments may be a Recipient or Subrecipient for FEMA Public Assistance. The following guidance supports questions related to the tribal recipient/subrecipient assistance process pursuant to the nationwide COVID-19 emergency.
Tribal Options for Assistance

• Tribal governments do not need to request separate emergency declarations to receive FEMA assistance under this nationwide declaration.
• A tribal government may choose to be a Subrecipient under a state that has chosen to be a Recipient of FEMA assistance or choose to be a direct Recipient of FEMA.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also has funding available, including $40 million dollars specifically identified for tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal health service providers.