WINNIPEG The chief of one Manitoba First Nation said the opening of an ice road in his community this week will create some additional COVID-19 risks. Earlier in the pandemic, the federal government sent members of the Canadian Armed Forces to Shamattawa First Nation to help the community in its fight against the disease. Chief of Shamattawa First Nation Eric Redhead told CTV News Winnipeg on Tuesday that Shamattawa is down to just three active cases. “Right now, as of today, we have three active cases and that’s down from 445 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shamattawa,” he said. Redhead noted 445 is the total number of cases in the community thus far. However he believes the number is likely higher due to asymptomatic cases.
Posted: Jan 27, 2021 5:00 AM CT | Last Updated: January 27
A senior was the first in Peguis First Nation to get the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Chief Glenn Hudson says 237 out of 270 vaccines have been administered, and the rest will be used up on Wednesday.(Peguis First Nation/Facebook)
In many Manitoba First Nations, there are far more people who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than there are available doses.
Within weeks of arrival, communities like Sagkeeng First Nation, York Factory First Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation have used up all their doses on the most vulnerable members. We have 200 vaccines that arrived on Jan. 7. That was five [minutes to] 7 p.m. and by 7:07 we were able to vaccinate the first person right away, said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias.
Posted: Jan 26, 2021 5:00 AM CT | Last Updated: January 26
Shamattawa First Nation Chief Eric Redhead said an ice road checkpoint will help keep his community members safe.(Tyson Koschik/CBC)
As COVID-19 cases surge in Manitoba s north, First Nations are doing their utmost to contain the spread through strict lockdowns and even setting up perimeter security to ensure nobody with the virus comes in or leaves unless it s absolutely essential.
First Nations communities nationwide have imposed a range of travel restrictions to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19, and funding requests for perimeter security have been the top request through a federal support fund.
Brandon Sun By: Michele LeTourneau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Posted:
Chief Norman Bone
Birdtail Sioux First Nation and the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation have both seen COVID-19 vaccine roll out in their communities this week.
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Elders in both communities are at the top of the list.
But Birdtail Chief Ken Chalmers did say vaccine fear is real. He said at least one person is waiting to see how it works out for others. But we’re campaigning to get that done, he said, but that vaccine wasn’t wasted as someone further down the list, according to age, took it.
Create: 01/08/2021 - 03:14
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The COVID-19 emergency assistance provided by the Canadian military has ended in the community of Shamattawa. At one point there were 370 known cases among the community s on-reserve population of 1,300. That number is now under 30 active cases and declining still.
Timeline of military assistance:
On December 4, 2020, about six Canadian Rangers from the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) were activated in the Shamattawa First Nation to assist local officials in COVID-19 relief efforts. Canadian Armed Forces assistance complemented and enhanced support drawn from provincial and local resources.
The Rangers provided:
Support to the local community in the production and distribution of real-life-support requirements such as food, firewood and care packages