Northern Saskatchewan First Nations trying different tactics to raise COVID-19 vaccine rates

By Jaryn Vecchio, paNOW

First Nations across northern Saskatchewan are trying different tactics to try and get their members vaccinated against COVID-19.

As of Oct. 4, 34 per cent of eligible individuals in First Nations among the Prince Albert Grand Council have received both doses.

That’s according to the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, an organization comprised of the PAGC, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

From misinformation to legitimate concerns, many have decided they would rather fight the virus without the vaccine.

To combat this, some First Nations have started offering incentives to their members.

This includes the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

“We’ve had draws in some of the communities, we’ve also provided cash incentives in some of the communities,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.

She notes many of the communities within the Nation are seeing good vaccine rates, some as high as 80 per cent for the first dose.

However, it’s tougher to find the exact numbers for La Ronge as they’ve also provided shots to non-members.

Cook-Searson credits the healthcare professionals, who’re providing the shots, for the current rates the Indian Band is seeing as they’ve started going door-to-door to encourage individuals to get the vaccine and remind them of their appointments.

“The staff are going above and beyond, and I think if we were able to get a lot more help and people actively promoting the vaccine… it is our only way out of the pandemic,” Cook-Searson said.

They’ve also set up multiple clinics for members to take advantage of.

The Muskoday First Nation, which is currently dealing with an active outbreak, has also focused on providing these clinics.

Multiple have shown up recently in the community with members taking full advantage.

“They got a number of people vaccinated who were first-time vaccinators, so that was good,” said Ava Bear, Chief of Muskoday First Nation.

Around 50 per cent of eligible individuals in the First Nation have received both doses.

Bear believes the proof of vaccination policy brought in by the provincial government at the beginning of the month is playing a big part, along with the community’s outbreak.

“Up until this point, we did not have anyone in the hospital… we had some cases, but no one was ill enough to be hospitalized,” Bear said.

The PAGC has also started some initiatives of their own to increase vaccine numbers across northern Saskatchewan.

This includes addressing concerns and sharing information with people one-on-one, sharing fact-based videos on different social media platforms, and offering their own incentives such as money and opportunities to win prizes.

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow