“We act as one”: intersections between culture and native elder disaster management

An increasing number and intensity of natural and man-made disasters highlights the importance of supporting disaster management, such as preparedness before, response during, and recovery after a disaster. Due to health challenges related to age and Native identity, Native older adults, sometimes called elders, are especially vulnerable during and after disasters.

This dissertation explores Native perceptions around disaster management and the role of culture and Native elders in determining disaster management practices. The three studies aim to 1) identify Native elders’ perceptions associated with disaster management behaviors through an online survey, 2) explore how Native elders navigate disasters and pass on lifesaving knowledge to younger generations through in-depth interviews, and 3) investigate cultural adaptation needs for an existing disaster management program and evaluate the fit of an Indigenous implementation model for one tribal community through a series of surveys and interviews with tribal organizational leaders and one community elder.

This dissertation found that culture plays a key role in determining the disaster management strategies of Native elders. As keepers of traditional and cultural wisdom, Native elders can serve as guides in determining how public health can incorporate culture into existing disaster management strategies. Additionally, public health systems must consider the unique role of tribal government in supporting Native elders. Future research must engage Native community members and elders to determine how to measure disaster management in a culturally sensitive manner.