Kwe’

While it has been a long week, perhaps the heavy snowfall this morning will provide some of you with a healthy way to get some fresh air while practicing the concepts of physical distancing. I hope that all of you are finding ways to be peaceful and happy in our time at home in self-isolation.

Each day, we learn of the increasing number of COVID cases in Newfoundland. I want to remind you all that we must be careful. There are some important tips that we should all be following, and I hope that we are each doing our best. Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of infections is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your face; when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and if you can, stay home.

Many of you have heard about a funding allocation for First Nation communities. We have been at the table for many discussions regarding this funding however, it has largely been allocated for reserve communities. We continue to work with our partners in Indigenous Services Canada to find ways to access funds and resources to support our membership.

We are as well looking at existing programs and services to see if we can find any ways to provide some assistance to members at this time of need, but we do not anticipate government support at this time.

I would like to remind you all that our staff and Council continue to work from home, to maintain the service and programs on which we rely. I would like to thank our staff for their professionalism and adaptability during this difficult time, and I look forward to seeing what they’ve been working on with new video programs to help us all feel more connected while learning new things. Programming begins on our Facebook page next week.

Take care, everyone.

Wela’lin

Chief Brendan Mitchell