(Toronto, ON, February 1, 2021) Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, on behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, is applauding Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and ORNGE for accelerating their vaccination efforts in northern Ontario and launching Operation Remote Immunity.

“The launch of Operation Remote Immunity brings new hope in the battle against COVID-19 for remote fly-in First Nations. I applaud Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and ORNGE on their collaboration to quickly provide the COVID-19 vaccine to hundreds of residents in our most vulnerable communities,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald.

These vaccination teams consist of highly trained medical professionals representing several organizations, including the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), the First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNHIB), the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, northern Paramedic Services, the Porcupine Health Unit, among others, will travel to 31 northern, remote NAN communities over the next three months to deliver and administer the vaccine to residents who wish to receive it. Before their arrival, individuals on the vaccination teams will have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and cultural sensitivity training that will guide the vaccination process.

“I appreciate all the continuing hard work from First Nations leadership and the leadership of NAN to ensure these vaccination efforts are rolled out effectively. It will be both remarkable and a relief to watch as 31 remote and isolated First Nations communities have fully vaccinated and culturally trained teams fly-in to distribute and administer the Moderna vaccine to First Nations residents who wish to receive the vaccine.

When it comes to the battle against COVID-19, we all play a key role in protecting ourselves and our loved ones. The best defence to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community is to receive the vaccine. It is encouraging to see the amount of community members that are eager to receive the vaccine.

I want to say meegwetch and thank you to NAN, ORNGE and the Federal and Provincial Governments for the determination, hard work and tremendous efforts to protect Elders, families and the next seven generations. These partnerships and positive working relationships will help us to walk out of this dark and challenging time into the light, together.”

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Chiefs of Ontario – Media Contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org