MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee got the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine alongside Manitoba’s top doctor Brent Roussin.

Settee got the Astra Zeneca shot in Winnipeg on Friday, which was administered by the medical lead for Manitoba’s Vaccine Taskforce Doctor Joss Reimer

A press release states MKO has been working closely with the province, and met with Health Minister Heather Stefenson about the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to First Nations.

Settee says he got the vaccine because he wants to protect both himself and his community, and to help slow the pace of the virus.

He goes on to encourage MKO citizens to learn as much as they can about the vaccine, and to talk to health care providers should they have any questions.