First Nation communities continue to ‘prevent, prepare, and respond’ to COVID-19 concerns – CBC

Mar 30, 2020

The deputy grand chief Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) says remote First Nation communities are trying hard to “prevent, prepare, and respond” to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a lack of necessary resources.

“Although we have made great strides there is a huge huge lack of resources in our First Nation communities, our biggest worry of course is if COVID-19 were to make its way to the north we’d be in deep trouble,” said NAN deputy grand chief Derek Fox in an interview with CBC.

Fox said many First Nation communities have put in place necessary measures to protect against the spread of the virus, while NAN executives are working to ensure funds are allocated appropriately to meet the needs of each community.

“There’s going to be funding coming but as far as the specifics and how that will be rolled out that hasn’t come out… but we’ve encouraged our First Nations to ensure that they keep track of what they’re spending on.. we’ll do our job and ensure that all those funds are reimbursed,” said Fox.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-covid-1.5512433