Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in their response to COVID-19 and is working closely with Indigenous organizations and provincial and territorial governments.
As of June 7, 2021, vaccination has reached an important milestone, with more than 30,042,916 COVID-19 vaccine doses being distributed across the country.
Based on Statistics Canada's 2020 population projections, as of June 8, 2021, over 80% of individuals aged 18 and older in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Over 72% of individuals aged 12 and older in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of this group, 41% have received their second dose.
Indigenous leadership, including the guidance offered by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, have been central in promoting vaccine confidence, encouraging communities to get vaccinated and ensuring people have the information and resources needed to stay healthy and combat COVID-19. In most provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples aged 12 and older are currently eligible to register for their first vaccine dose.
As of June 8, 540,581 vaccine doses have been administered in individuals aged 12 and older in 687 First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities. Different approaches are being implemented across Canada, including home-based, school-based, family-based and drive-thru clinics to reach households and support uptake. Many provinces and territories are prioritizing first doses to the population aged 12 and older.
Despite many challenges throughout the pandemic, it is important to recognize the resilience and hard work of Indigenous communities in Canada. While the vaccine results are encouraging, Indigenous communities are making decisions based on ensuring the health and well-being of their community, recognizing the need for continued vigilance as outbreaks continue to occur. At an individual level, it remains essential to keep our loved ones, our communities and ourselves safe. This includes minimizing in-person interactions with people outside our immediate household, avoiding gatherings, wearing a mask and washing our hands frequently.
As of June 9, 2021, the following COVID-19 data have been confirmed:
- 30,568 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases
- 761 active cases
- 29,455 recovered cases
- 348 deaths.
The Government of Nunavut also provided reports on June 9, 2021, confirming one active case of COVID-19 in Iqaluit.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continue to assist Indigenous communities across the country.
As part of Operation VECTOR, which is the CAF's support to the federal, provincial and territorial governments in distributing COVID-19 vaccines, Canadian Rangers and additional CAF personnel are assisting provincial vaccination authorities with logistics and general duty tasks in various communities of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Northern Ontario. This is in response to a request for assistance to support the Government of Ontario and ORNGE partners with the delivery of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to community members aged 12 to 17.
As part of Operation LASER, which is the response to a worldwide pandemic situation, Canadian Rangers are currently activated in Attawapiskat First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation and Long Lake 58 First Nation in Ontario to provide assistance with COVID-19 response efforts in these communities
ISC is aware of and is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreaks in communities along the James Bay Coast. ISC is participating in regular calls with the leadership of each community, the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), the Ontario Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and other partners to ensure immediate measures are taken to reduce the chances of further spread; identify additional supplies, resources and supports the communities may need to help protect residents; and ensure health protocols can be undertaken effectively.
