Northern First Nations Look for Answers as Work Camps Bring the Virus
Wet’suwet’en Elders in Witset have identified five COVID-19 cases directly linked to workers returning from job sites.
Amanda Follett Hosgood lives and writes amidst the stunning mountains and rivers of Wet’suwet’en territory. Find her on Twitter @amandajfollett. SHARES Violet Gellenbeck, Kiliset: ‘It was our job then to begin to protect our families. And that s where we’re at today.’
Photo by Mark West.
Violet Gellenbeck, Kiliset, is an Elder and Ts’ako ze’, a female chief, who has barely left her home in the Wet’suwet’en community of Witset since March.
Kenny Sam admits that he’s one of the lucky ones.
Announcements, Events & more from Tyee and select partners
We’re hiring a newsletter specialist, audience development analyst, and office co-ordinator. Check it out and spread the word!
“I get the chills, and that’s the roughest part, I think,” he says from his home at Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation. “I couldn’t warm up.”
Sam is one of about 40 active COVID-19 cases announced Thursday by the Northern Health Authority in the area around Fort St. James and Nak’azdli Whut’en, communities 115 kilometres northwest of Prince George. Other than an occasional cough, the 67-year-old says he’s feeling “off and on, up and down,” but generally on the mend.