Behchokǫ̀, NT (April 09, 2020) – The Chief Executive Council (CEC) acknowledges that Easter is a time for family gatherings. As Tłı̨chǫ people, during this Holy Week, we have traditionally come together to be with each other, to pray together, and eat together to celebrate the importance of Easter.
However, these are difficult times because of the spread of the Covid-19 virus and we must do things differently at this time. It is important that we do not gather together during this week. The Bishop has told us that it is important that we listen to the public health officers who are telling us to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our elders.
As much as possible we must ensure that we stay at home, practice physical distancing from each other, wash our hands frequently and avoid touching our faces especially our eyes, nose and mouth. This is how we are going to stop this virus from spreading and causing harm to the people we love in our communities.
We can stay home and still pray for our families, our elders and for people all over the world who are being affected by this sickness. We can also participate in Good Friday and Easter services by watching these services on television, and taking part in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith online services on Facebook.com/dioceseofmackenzie
We respect and honor our elders and in these days we can and must do our part to protect them…we can still talk to them on the telephone, ask them how they are doing, and we can continue to cook for them and deliver meals to their homes being careful to maintain physical distancing guidelines.
We will get through these times by working together and obeying the public health messages of the NWT Chief Public Health Officer. We all have important parts to play.
Please protect yourself, elders, family, and those around you by using social distancing to build immunity against COVID-19 in the Tłı̨chǫ Communities.
“We respect and honor our elders and in these days we can and must do our part to protect them…we can still talk to them on the telephone, ask them how they are doing, and we can continue to cook for them and deliver meals to their homes being careful to maintain physical distancing guidelines.” -Grand Chief George Mackenzie
Related Links:
Update from Government of the Northwest Territories visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/covid-19-coronavirus-disease
Updates from the Government of Canada, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
For more information, contact:
