COVID-19 Vaccines - Protecting Our Communities
BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee on the COVID-19 Vaccine
BCAFN Knowledge Keeper Dr. Gwendolyn Point speaks about COVID-19 and the importance of getting the vaccine.
As the COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out across British Columbia, the BC Assembly of First Nations has launched a campaign aimed at reducing vaccine hesitancy. The “Protecting Our People” public service announcement will be shown on television and across social media starting March 8th.
The video features beautiful visuals by Derek Edenshaw, a Haida and Cree artist, and a soundtrack by Kym Gouchie of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. In it we see how the vaccine protects our communities, and particularly our elders. Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BCAFN narrates the piece, stressing that the vaccine is safe and has gone through rigorous testing.
“When you look at the numbers coming out of surveys on the vaccine, you see a high degree of hesitance for anyone under 65. We know that this disease can target anyone, and can have lifelong impacts. We wanted to do our part to help dispel myths, and encourage everyone to be vaccinated. That’s the only way to protect our communities, and I myself will be getting vaccinated as soon as I can,” said Regional Chief Teegee.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the public service announcement, can be found here.
*New FNLC COVID-19: Resources Information
FNLC COVID-19 Resources PDF
The BCAFN offices in Lheidli T'enneh/Prince George and Vancouver are closed. The Vancouver office is closed. Most staff are working from home and can be reached by phone or by email.
Events are being held online through Zoom or other virtual platforms. Watch for announcements. Check our websites or contact us for updates. With lots of information being rolled out, it’s important to receive and share accurate information, so that you can take the necessary steps to keep yourself and those around you safe.
We Will Get Through this Together
Have health related questions about COVID-19? Visit the First Nations Health Authority website.
Looking for resources, supports and news, related to the COVID-19 pandemic? Visit the First Nations Leadership Council's new website.
"In our collective histories, our ancestors experienced pandemics and survived! Please listen to and heed our hardworking health professionals and authorities advice for good health practices. Mussi Cho!"
Regional Chief Terry Teegee.
Remember to do the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
- Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least two metre distance between yourself and others
- Avoid touching your face
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home and isolate from others if you are feeling unwell
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early; call 8-1-1, a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia.
Health information on COVID-19 (coronavirus) go to First Nations Health Authority
Visit FNHA Website
First Nations Leadership Council
New FNLC COVID-19 Information website
COVID-19 emergency information and resources site. Here you will find accurate and timely information for all BC First Nations, including how to access financial support, health resources, and the latest news on COVID-19.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) COVID-19 Response
March 23, 2020
Motion: State of Emergency
The Assembly of First Nations declares a national State of Emergency in respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
March 31, 2020
Motion: State of Emergency Motion #2 (March 23, 2020) Amendment
Read more
April 6, 2020
Motion: COVID-19 Funding and Supplies
The Assembly of First Nations declare the federal government funding of $215 million that First Nations have so far received is not nearly sufficient and does not meet the minimum immediate needs in this COVID-19 crisis. This brings to the forefront the drastic underfunding that First Nations receive. Many First Nations have depleted the current allocation of this $215 million, therefore we expect this investment immediately. Read more
April 6, 2020
Motion: Funding for Urban/Off-Reserve First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations direct all organizations who are not First Nations governments but are continuing to receive funding for our urban band members, be held accountable to who they are providing services to and what services they are providing by providing written reports to First Nations governments. Read more
April 6, 2020
Motion: Liquor Stores and Border Closures
The Assembly of First Nations strongly encourage the provincial and territorial governments to immediately close all liquor stores and/or limit store hours where First Nations have given direction. We recognize that this may cause a secondary health crisis for those who suffer from serious alcohol addiction therefore we recommend that appropriate mental health and health support strategies be immediately implemented including indigenous mental health supports once liquor stores are closed. Read more
April 6, 2020
Motion: Price Increases
The Assembly of First Nations direct that the federal government set penalties for all grocery stores, pharmacies, individuals and all related stores that provide food services, supplies and health supplies including cleaning supplies and those items on the Nutrition North program during the COVID-19 crisis, to not increase their prices and provide direct links to First Nations. Read more
April 6, 2020
Motion: COVID-19 Task Force
That the AFN Executive Committee approves that a COVID-19 Task Force be created and that members shall be professionals and experts in health, policing/legal, military and communications. The primary role of the Task Force is to communicate factual and up-to-date information to the Executive Committee who can then share the information to their regions. Read more
April 21, 2020
Motion: Task Force Terms of Reference
That the AFN Executive Committee approves the COVID-19 Task Force Terms of Reference, as presented. Read more
Indigenous Services Canada
Accessing financial benefits and support during the COVID-19 outbreak PDF
Preparedness and Response to COVID-19 PDF
COVID-19: First Nations Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports PDF
