(File photo/CJME News)

By Derek Craddock

UNFAIR COMMENTS

PAGC disappointed in Premier’s comments over vaccination rates in Indigenous communities

Sep 24, 2021 | 5:56 PM

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and leaders from northern Saskatchewan say they’re offended by recent comments made by Premier Scott Moe on low COVID-19 vaccination rates in Indigenous communities.

On Thursday, Moe posted a video to social media calling out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not doing his part to help with low vaccination rates in some northern Indigenous communities.

“The Prime Minister’s role to play in our battle against COVID-19 is not in spouting divisiveness about our vaccination rates,” Moe said. “Our Far North and Indigenous communities are running at a vaccination rate of less than 50 per cent, an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction.”

Those comments have received sharp criticism from many including Indigenous leaders with the PAGC.

Community support

The Hunger Games return to Prince Albert

2h ago

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

9h ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

Dec 14, 2024

“I am greatly disappointed and frustrated, considering the effort we had made in northern Saskatchewan to be safe and protected,” said Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie.

“The words the Premier has used to describe the situation in northern Saskatchewan is inaccurate and a disservice to our health staff at all levels. They have been working tirelessly at their command centres, health clinics, band offices and other strategic places in the community. Premier Moe, they deserve to be appreciated as opposed to being criticized. They have earned that respect.”

“The North was described as vulnerable; yet, this government did not distribute the vaccine in what was perceived as a fair manner,” added Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “The political leadership of the North had to lobby for a proper allotment of vaccines. The message was not one of inclusion, rather it was exclusion.”

Others who criticized Moe included Federal Indigenous Minister Marc Miller who said the statements were untrue and that the Moe’s misunderstanding of the province’s healthcare system and the role it plays together with the Athabasca Health Authority & Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) is alarming.

Executive director of the NITHA, Tara Campbell said frontline workers in that region deserve more credit for their role in fighting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, CEO of the Athabasca Health Authority, Allan Adam said Moe needs to focus his attention on other real matters instead of attempting to be divisive.

“The frontline workers who are putting in long hours, being with the sick who are struggling for their lives need to be told by Premier Scott Moe that they are doing a great job and they should be praised for that,” Adam said.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) also provided comment stating that many communities and regions, not just First Nations communities have a low vaccination rate and that levels of government must work together to end the pandemic.

—

Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock