While in the midst of the pandemic and while managing the ongoing pandemic efforts for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Emergency Management Director, Nelson Andrews Jr has also had to find time for some critical grant writing. One of the many grants that have been written this year through the EM Dept. was the FY 20 Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THGSP).
After the efforts were made including a past year of research, prep and planning, the tribe was awarded the second highest in the grant programs history, in the amount of $1,124,652.00. This amount stems from a total of $15M that is divided across the tribes that are selected. This total amount was increased in 2020 from the previous $10M total. Director, Andrews also sits as the Co-Chairman for the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) Homeland Security and Emergency Service Committee. Through the efforts at the congressional level from this USET committee, resolutions were submitted to congress which in turn raised this year’s total amount available for all tribes. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department was also featured as FEMA’s first tribal grant case study this year for the department’s previous years successes with the THSGP grant.
The THSGP funding announcement was made on the last day of June. The last day of June was also a significant day for another award. Nelson had also been working on additional funding towards the pandemic planning efforts involved with COVID-19. A grant through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was worked on through the Memorial Day weekend and submitted the Monday following. The award notification was also made on June, 30th in the amount $1,500,000.00.
Director, Nelson Andrews Jr stated, “Throughout my years of experience and work with the federal government and providing assistance to various tribes across Indian Country, one of the main issues that I have noticed, is that indigenous people of the United States, do not get dealt a fair hand”. - “States will automatically receive funding on an annual basis for their Emergency Management Programs and tribes do not. We have to fight and strive with every ounce of energy that we have, just to ensure that we are almost at an equal playing field to support our communities through our departments”. – “It can be done, but it takes round the clock determination and dedication. I am pleased to have these opportunities to assist our people and grow the EM dept. to lead the way for our people and ensure that we are ready for whatever hazard or major emergency that we may encounter”.
In addition, the MWT Emergency Management Department has also submitted other very significant grants this year and is awaiting the potential anticipated announcements.
