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Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh encourages citizens to adhere to public health guidelines during the third wave of COVID-19 and continue the vaccination efforts in the Treaty #3 territory.

“It is good to see the vaccine rollout continuing in our communities,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “I received my second dose yesterday and I am thankful to all the service providers and the community workers across the territory that made this possible. It is essential that we get as many people vaccinated as we can to reduce the constant risks that our communities have faced over the past year.”

The leadership of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 face added pressure due to the fact that many communities have a disproportionately high number of children that are currently unable to be vaccinated. This has made vaccination of adults even more important than in the general population. Additionally, many Anishinaabe Nation citizens live in urban settings such as Thunder Bay which have further complicated the communities’ attempts at ensuring citizens are able to receive vaccinations.

“Our communities can only consider returning to normal if we get over 70% of people vaccinated,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “That level of group immunity will require in most of our communities that every person over 18 get vaccinated. We have to remember that even though many of us are now vaccinated with our first doses our children are not, and will not be able to be for many more months.”

In the past two weeks, the outbreak in the Emo area has been of concern to numerous surrounding First Nation communities. The outbreak reaching the New Gold mine site also places communities at risk due to community members travelling there daily for work.

“We need to always remember that we must continue to act as though COVID is present in our communities,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “Even if you are vaccinated, you can still help the virus move around and that endangers both our communities and our neighbours. Although many of our people are being vaccinated, we will not be safe until many, many more people in the region are vaccinated.”

Grand Council Treaty #3 encourages all citizens to follow their community guidelines, the advice of public health professionals, and to be kind to each other as we all weather this third, and largest wave.

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For more information please contact: Daniel Morriseau, Political Advisor – (807) 464-2647 or by email daniel.morriseau@treaty3.ca

PDF – April 21, 2021 – Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh Encourages Continued Vaccination Efforts