Richardson said the website, called Maad ookiing Mshkiki Sharing Medicine, is an attempt to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Launched on Feb. 4, the website provides information about COVID-19 vaccinations for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to help them make informed choices. She said the website information is of high quality, scientifically and culturally. The creation of culturally relevant educational materials that allow Indigenous people to make informed choices about the vaccines is critical, she said.
The website was developed by the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women s College Hospital in Toronto, the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, Anishnawbe Health Toronto, the Indigenous Health Program at University Health Network and Shkaabe Makwa an Indigenous-focused branch of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Chiefs of Ontario: Inmates returning home, workers coming onto reserve pose COVID 19 spread concerns, say chiefs
February 5, 2021
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Delegates at the Chiefs of Ontario’s virtual Special Chiefs Assembly Feb. 3 voiced concerns over testing and the need to inoculate a wider range of people as the COVID-19 vaccination program rolls out.
While Elders rightfully remain a priority, chiefs said attention needed to be paid to workers coming on reserve to do vital work, personal health workers moving from home-to-home caring for Elders and community members, released inmates returning to their communities, and women living in the protection of shelters.
Mass vaccination clinics in Kashechewan see big turnout: chief
February 5, 2021
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The vaccination drive held in Kashechewan First Nation earlier this week had a big turnout, according to the chief.
Chief Leo Friday said 73 per cent of people over the age of 18 were vaccinated in Kashechewan over the course of three days.
“I am extremely happy the community came out in force to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” Friday said in a statement. “This is a testimony of the community’s spirit in helping keep friends and family safe in a pandemic that has wreaked havoc in the lives of our First Nation.”
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What you need to know, at a glance
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday ongoing vaccine delays and reduced shipments have forced the province to push scheduled vaccinations of long-term care, high-risk retirement homes and First Nations elder care homes to Feb. 10, from Feb. 5
The province is expecting approximately 310,000 doses to be delivered in the remaining weeks of February
Meanwhile, there will be “fluctuations” in Ontario’s daily COVID-19 case counts this week as public health data from Toronto has now migrated to the provincial data system
Due to the changing system, Tuesday’s daily case counts reported only only 745 new cases, which Health Minister Christine Elliott described as an “underestimation”
That’s according to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon.
Young Hoon says 100 per-cent of doses received have gone long term care homes across the region.
“This is over 300 shots and currently 68 per-cent of long-term care home residents have now received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine.”
The health unit received that shipment last week, with vaccinations continuing over the next week to ensure remaining residents receive their first shots.
Young Hoon adds they only have vaccines for LTC residents and residents and staff of Elder Care homes on First Nation communities right now, explaining vaccines come as they are needed but also as they’re available to the province.