The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations executive is calling on the provincial government and RCMP to ramp up efforts to help curb the spread of COVID-19 on the Buffalo River Dene Nation in northern Saskatchewan.
According to an FSIN press release, the community is battling the quick spread of the virus due to the lack of public health orders and restrictions in place. The FSIN also cites lack of enforcement by the RCMP to ensure those who test positive stay in isolation and to stop gatherings.
“Chief Elmer Campbell and his health staff are running out of options and the death of our most vulnerable could increase unless reinforcements are brought in by the province and RCMP to enforce rules to keep COVID-19 numbers from continuing to climb,” says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
“We support his calls for action and are calling on Premier Scott Moe to help immediately”
Cameron says he recognizes “community members are frustrated and facing COVID fatigue, but we must come together to ensure our vulnerable community members are safe.”
The FSIN is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated immediately and to continue to follow safety protocols like wearing a mask, practicing ceremony safely and isolating if tested positive.
“We are doing all that we can to support of Chief Elmer Campbell and his staff who are working around the clock to help contain this COVID-19 outbreak but more must be done” says Meadow Lake Tribal Council Tribal Chief Richard Ben.
“They need more health support staff and they also need the RCMP to step in to enforce health and safety protocols to ensure gatherings are stopped and COVID-19 is taken seriously. It’s going to take a co-ordinated and collaborative effort to get this outbreak under control before it continues to spread.”
