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Atlanta, GA - The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IV Saturday for its work in establishing the first Emergency Management program among the Native American Tribes in the Southeast. Extensive hazard awareness education and coalition building were necessary for the program to be successful.

"While we cannot prevent hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters from occurring, we can do something to reduce the possibility of personal injury and the amount of property damage," said FEMA Region IV Director Ken Burris. "That is what Disaster Resistant Communities are all about."

The State of North Carolina nominated the Eastern Band as a Project Impact Community in 2000, making the Eastern Band of Cherokees the first, and only, Native American Tribe to receive that designation. The Eastern Band has been selected by the National Congress of American Indians to be the pilot Tribe for developing a multi-hazard mitigation plan.

The award was presented during the Southeast Disaster Resistant Communities Summit in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 22. The award was in the Public Agency category, one of 12 categories in which government entities, businesses and individuals were recognized for their work in safeguarding communities by making them more resistant to natural disasters. Award recipients were nominated by county, state or federal emergency management workers.