The 911 Call That Might Never Be Answered—Why Virginia’s Tribal Communities Deserve Better

As Virginia upgrades its emergency communication systems, the state moves into the future with Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). This technology brings faster, smarter services—allowing text messages, video, and precise caller location. But while many counties benefit from this progress, there’s a troubling silence surrounding Virginia’s tribal communities. 

In too many cases, tribal lands are being left behind. 

Tribal nations in Virginia—like the Pamunkey, Chickahominy, Rappahannock, Nottoway, and others—often lack access to upgraded 911 services. Many do not operate their own emergency dispatch centers (PSAPs) and rely on county systems that may not fully understand their communities or even know how to find them on a map. Some PSAPs are still using outdated infrastructure, and critical broadband gaps make NG9-1-1 impossible in these areas. 

This is not just a technical issue. It’s a public safety issue. And more deeply, it’s an equity issue. 

Federal programs allow states to use funding to support tribal NG9-1-1 implementation. But in Virginia, this support hasn’t materialized. Tribal leaders report being excluded from planning conversations. There’s no formal mechanism to ensure funding reaches them, and the gap between intention and impact continues to grow.

What happens when a tribal elder has a heart attack and 911 can’t find the home? What if a domestic violence victim texts 911 but the system can’t receive it? What if a wildfire breaks out and there's no way to alert residents in time? 

These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re the lived risks of underinvestment and political inaction. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. We know what works. Inclusion. Representation. Targeted investment. And respect for sovereignty. 

Virginia should establish a Tribal NG9-1-1 Equity Task Force. It should allocate specific funding for tribal PSAPs and broadband infrastructure. It should ensure all recognized tribes—federally or not—have a voice in emergency service planning. And nationally, we should support the creation of a National Association of Tribal 911 Administrators to help tribes advocate, collaborate, and lead. 

Modern emergency response should serve everyone. Because when 911 doesn’t work for tribal communities, it’s not just a technical failure. It’s a moral one.