Native Public Media Receives Wells Fargo Support to Enhance Tribal Emergency Alert Systems

Flagstaff, AZ – Native Public Media (NPM) received a significant grant from Wells Fargo's Invest Native Initiative to support Native American Tribes in enhancing public safety through a specialized alert system for Missing and Endangered Persons. NPM will utilize this funding to create a robust ecosystem supporting the launch of the alert for adults in September 2025. By collaborating with Native radio stations and other community organizations, NPM is building an integrated approach to emergency management that strengthens the ability of Tribes to respond swiftly to critical cases of missing and endangered individuals.

Through this grant, NPM will assist Native stations in developing comprehensive Emergency Management Plans and work with FEMA on crucial training for Tribal governments, equipping them to become FEMA-designated Alerting Authorities. This designation will empower Tribal entities to issue alerts within their jurisdictions, significantly improving response times and increasing the reach of critical information to protect their communities.

"Empowering Tribes as alerting authorities is a significant advancement in promoting community safety," said Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media. "This initiative builds our capacity and upholds our core values of preserving and protecting Native lives through a network of preparedness and rapid response. The ecosystem support for the MEP Alert requires that we pay attention to rescue and recovery, cold and current cases, data consolidation, jurisdictional cooperation, and training. There is a lot of work that lies ahead."

This grant is part of Wells Fargo's broader $20 million Invest Native commitment, which supports Native-led efforts in six states—Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The 2024 cohort of grantees includes 33 organizations dedicated to strengthening economic opportunities, housing, and public safety in Tribal communities.