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Admin Login Emergency Message Boards Internal Resources KTI Contacts Crisis Resources Covid-19 Public Messages		Rumors-Reputational Plan A crisis situation of this nature could include a rumor, accusations or event that threatens the reputation of the Tribe. Quick-Find Links:   Examples   Roles   Response Strategy   Goals for Response   Spokespeople   Audiences to Consider   Message Framework Guide   Message Path   Subject Matter Experts   Courtesy Notifications Examples:     Back to Top Sudden leadership change, embezzlement, leadership scandal or criminal allegation,, large protest, or any serious allegations against the Tribe that gain traction in the media. Roles:     Back to Top The Communications Team will lead the development of messages and will collaborate closely with Tribal Council. This collaboration will be especially important if the rumor or situation is centered on a Tribal Member (accusations, scandal, sudden leadership change, etc.). Response Strategy:     Back to Top In a rumor scenario, we will almost always be responding to individual inquiries, rather than proactively or broadly communicating. We want to contain or dispel the rumor and avoid creating broader interest in the situation.   We should not proactively release information about rumors to external audiences. We don't want to create more interest in a potential crisis.   Once we receive an inquiry, we should respond to that specific inquiry only.   If we receive more than one inquiry about a rumor, we want to ensure we are giving the same information to each media outlet we speak with. Consistency is key to protecting the Tribe¡¦s credibility and reputation.   If members are at risk we should proactively communicate directly with our members and use other external resources, like the media, as a channel to share information, but only after Tribal Employees have been communicated with first. Goals for Response:     Back to Top   Correct inaccuracies (if any).   Minimize/contain interest in the issue.   Prevent issue from becoming a larger story.   Protect/restore trust and credibility. Spokespeople:     Back to Top   Tribal Council Member (if there are victims or if the issue poses a significant threat to Tribe¡¦s reputation)   Communication Team member Audiences to Consider:     Back to Top   Kalispel Tribal Council   Kalispel Tribal Employees   Kalispel Tribal Employees   Media (if inquiry is made) Framework Messaging Guiding Principles and Examples (in order):     Back to Top GUIDING PRINCIPLE EXAMPLE MESSAGE 1.  Keep messages simple, but specific.   Today at X time, X happened. 2.  Communicate empathy, especially if there are victims.   We are sorry to learn of this incident. Our hearts go out to all of the people and families affected by this situation. 3.  Communicate concern.   Tribal core values...   We are taking this situation seriously. 4.  Share what action(s) are being taken to demonstrate how we are taking this seriously.   As a result, we are conducting an internal investigation to fully understand what has occurred. We have immediately begun... 5.  Share the facts we know and our position if we have one.   We have confirmed.... (who, what, when, where, why, how). 6.  Don't restate inaccurate information and correct any misinformation.   That's not true. The facts are.... 7.  Share process/procedure if we have one. 8.  Cooperation with authorities/investigators.   We are working closely with local authorities (mention specific authorities, if known). 9.  Zero tolerance (or other) policy, especially important when there are victims.   The Kalispel Tribe has zero tolerance for... 10. Communicate timing of next steps and where to go for more information.   We are in the process of conducting a full investigation. We anticipate that investigation will take at least X days   Please continue to check our website for additional updates and information. 11. Commitment to resolution or a change in process/procedure.   We are committed to preventing this situation from occurring in the future. *Click Here For Sample Messages Messaging will take one of two paths:     Back to Top Rumor/Allegation Confirmed Incident Investigating/Gathering information Correct any misinformation Cooperating with authorities Commitment to transparency, Tribal values Working toward a resolution Empathy/Apology Share facts Cooperating with authorities Actions taken/Next steps Changes made as a result of incident Subject Matter Experts:     Back to Top   Technology related: IT expert.   Third party validators (if appropriate). This could be partner organizations, non-profits, attorney, others who can serve as character witnesses (e.g. “I've worked with the Tribe for X years and I see firsthand how out of character this is for the majority of tribal leaders and/or members.”). Courtesy Notifications:     Back to Top   Protest: Facilities, security, neighboring businesses/residents who may be impacted   Sudden leadership change: Community leaders, major partners, etc.   FBI (if relevant)   ATF
	Kalispel Tribe of Indians | PO Box 39 | Usk, WA 99180 | 509.445.1147 or Toll free: 800.240.6778

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US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207