Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs Encourage Residents to Get Moderna Vaccine
The Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs encourage all eligible Tłı̨chǫ citizens and residents of the Tłı̨chǫ region to get the Moderna vaccine. They would like their citizens to know that they will be first in line to get the Moderna vaccine when their turn comes. This will to help protect Tłı̨chǫ communities from any future spread of COVID-19.
Tłı̨chǫ elders from the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors home have reported getting a sore arm, similar to other vaccines, but otherwise are experiencing little to no side effects from the vaccine.
It is important that as many people as possible take the vaccine because it protects not only those that get it from coronavirus, but it stops the virus from being able to spread to those who cannot get the vaccine. COVID -19 is much more deadly for older people than the flu and it is only by the majority of our community residents taking the vaccine will we protect our elders and those that are immunocompromised. There is now active cases in the NWT and there will always be a risk of the virus coming into our communities. We must all work together to protect our communities and we can avoid community outbreaks by taking the vaccine.
Tłı̨chǫ chiefs would like citizens to know that taking the vaccine is not just about protecting yourself but protecting your loved ones and all community members.
The leadership of Dr. Kami Kandola throughout this pandemic has helped to keep coronavirus out of the North, and the Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs trust in her continued leadership to keep us safe. Dr. Kandola is recommending that all eligible Northerners get the vaccine, and the Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs will be following her advice and are asking citizens to do the same.
The vaccine is a good news story after having being in the dark for a year. We have been impacted in a lot of different ways and this is the light at the end of the tunnel. This vaccine will help to protect our people and our communities.” – Whatì Chief Alfonz Nitsiza
“I was the #1 person to get the vaccine in Wekweètì and I hope that all my family, community, and family of Wekweètì also get the vaccine. It is the best way to protect ourselves from getting sick.” – Wekweètì Chief Charlie Football
“Not everyone is eligible to get the vaccine. So those of us who can get vaccinated can do our part and help protect our loved ones and community members, who can’t get the vaccine, safe from COVID-19.” – Gamètì Chief David Wedawin
“We know people are scared about the vaccine, that it was made too quickly or that it’s not safe. The top doctors and experts in Canada made sure it is safe for our people to take. As leaders, we are all getting the vaccine and would like to encourage our people to get it too”. – Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels
“We saw what happened in Nunavut and how quickly an outbreak can happen and the virus can spread in a community like ours. Even though there are no cases right now, we don’t ever want that to happen here. Our best defense is to stop the virus in its tracks so that it has nowhere to go. We can do that by getting 75% of our population vaccinated”. – Grand Chief George Mackenzie
NWT Public Health updates vaccine dates regularly, check here for the latest updates: NTHSSA Website
Vaccines will take place in the Tłı̨chǫ region on the following dates:
Behchokǫ̀ :
- Date: January 18th, 19th and 20th
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Sportsplex
- Who: Priority residents:
- Residents over the age of 60 years old
- Work regularly out of territory or at work camps with out-of-territory workers (including MINE WORKERS)
- Those who travel regularly for medical purposes (including medical escorts)
- AND those who have chronic disease (i.e. Chemo in Edmonton)
- People who do jobs in which they could spread the virus to people at risk of getting very sick from (such as frontline health care workers, or those who provide care to high-risk vulnerable populations)
Wekweètì:
- Date: Next clinic dates to be announced. Call Behchokǫ̀ health centre for more information.
- Who: All eligible population 18 +
Whatì:
- Date: January 20, 21, and 22nd
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m.
- Location: Culture Center
- Who: All eligible population 18+
Gamètì:
- Date: January 18th and 19th
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Youth Center
- Who: All eligible population 18+
Yellowknife:
- • Dates: January 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2021
- Time: Call 767-9120 to book an appointment time
- Location: Public Health Office in Jan Stirling Building (4702 Franklin Avenue – across the street from Red Apple)
- Who: Priority populations:
- Residents over the age of 60 years old
- Work regularly out of territory or at work camps with out-of-territory workers (including MINE WORKERS)
- Those who travel regularly for medical purposes (including medical escorts)
- AND those who have chronic disease (i.e. Chemo in Edmonton)
- People who do jobs in which they could spread the virus to people at risk of getting very sick from (such as frontline health care workers, or those who provide care to high-risk vulnerable populations)
Questions about the vaccine? CLICK HERE. If you have further questions or concerns, please call your local health centre and talk to a health professional. Wekweètì residents can contact the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre.
