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The death of an influential Cree teacher due to COVID-19 has increased pressure on the Saskatchewan government to prioritize educators in its vaccination plan.
Victor Thunderchild, 55, died in Prince Albert on Saturday and family members say he was infected with the virus while working at a high school in the city.
“His passion was always education,” said his brother Harvey Thunderchild.
Posted: Apr 20, 2021 9:40 AM CT | Last Updated: April 20
Premier Scott Moe says other groups could be prioritized for a COVID-19 vaccine once the age eligibility reaches 40 and over, but he has not specified which groups.(Michael Bell/The Canadian Press) comments
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says conversations about prioritizing more groups for COVID-19 vaccines are underway.
The province announced last week it was adding first responders like police and firefighters to the vaccination plan, with 140 police officers in Regina being vaccinated between April 10 and 11.
On Monday, Moe told reporters that the province is looking into other priority groups for vaccinations when the general age eligibility drops to people 40 and older.
Saskatchewan Teachers Federation president Patrick Maze. (980 CJME file photo)
Patrick Maze believes there have been a lot of missed opportunities to deal with COVID-19 in Saskatchewan classrooms.
The president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation said more teachers recently were able to get vaccinated due to the increased age ranges becoming available across the province.
But many are still waiting.
“I know some teachers have been vaccinated but I also know there are a whole lot of other teachers who are quite concerned,” Maze said Monday. “Ultimately, it’s just kind of a waiting game.”
That waiting game for age restrictions to increase isn’t one Maze wants to play. He said he has received communication from concerned teachers, including those with immunocompromised families.
Posted: Apr 17, 2021 3:00 PM CT | Last Updated: April 17
Violet and Victor Thunderchild. Violet says her husband is being remembered as a man who overcame racism throughout his life to become a teacher, using education to help others in his community.(Violet Thunderchild/Facebook)
Victor Thunderchild stared down and overcame racism and stereotypes as he pursued his dream to become an educator.
Working at the Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert, Sask., the 55-year-old was passionate about teaching future generations and allowing them to thrive.
On Saturday morning, that work was cut short, when Victor died as a result of COVID-19.
Sask guidance counsellor dies of COVID-19 after calling on province to get teachers vaccinated saskatoon.ctvnews.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from saskatoon.ctvnews.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.