Update on MKO First Nations
Grand Chief of MKO, Garrison Settee, spoke with Arctic Radio News to share an update on steps they're taking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One important initiative undertaken was to set up checkstops at the entry points to first nations communities.
Settee encourages first nations members to remain in their communities to keep COVID-19 at bay.
"It is a challenge for First Nation people because self-isolation is virtually impossible because of the crowding housing that we have to live in and the inadequate supplies and inadequate medical services. But at the same time it is something that we have to continue to encourage our people to stay within their first nations. Our response will determine the impact of COVID-19 in First Nations."
Settee says another main challenge facing first nations during this pandemic is the lack of reliable phone and internet services. This impedes MKO's efforts to reach their leadership and will also impact education for students on first nations.
Rather than online or distance education options that urban centres have, first nations students will have to rely on educational packages dropped at their homes.
Settee also provided an update on what's happening in regards to supplies making it to northern First Nations.
"We've been in contact with the corporations working with our First Nations communities
to ensure that their inventory is going through and that's been happening. But the medical supplies, as you know, there's a shortage everywhere in Canada for hand sanitizer and masks. So those things are a bit of a challenge still."
Settee says hunters and medicine people have been encouraged to go out to stock up on the traditional foods and medicines that they rely on to promote good health.
He says the response has been very good and could be essential in providing food in the communities if supplies are delayed.
To hear the update with MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee check out the podcast here on thompsononline.ca. Go to the "Home" banner, then "Audio" and then "Thompson Today" to find the full interview.
