The Families on the Land (FOTL) Assistance Program has resumed for Phase 4 for Tłı̨chǫ Citizens in the Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè area beginning on January 17th, 2022.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government believes that the land is a safe place to be even during a pandemic provided that specific guidelines are followed. The FOTL assistance will cover gas and groceries up to a total of $400.00, for citizens on the land up to 10 days. If you choose to stay out longer, you can apply again. Remember that this program is to aid and NOT intended to cover all your costs of having your family out on the land during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Families that are already out on the land, can have their expenses reimbursed upon submission of receipts and proof of being out on the land with their family. While out on the land, the Tłı̨chǫ Government encourages you to stay healthy and always practice, safety first by following measures to prevent catching and spreading COVID-19 and getting very sick while out on the land:
1. All of the COVID precautions are to be followed while out on the land.
- regular handwashing or use hand sanitizer
- avoid touching face (eyes, nose, ears and mouth)
- coughing into your sleeve (or into a tissue and discarding)
- practice social distancing
- do not share water bottles, dishes, utensils, and clothing that covers the face.
- stay with your home family unit, do not mingle with other households
2. Daily check-ins be completed with your community emergency person that you have listed on your application to let them know how your family is doing. This means you need to be in cell service area or have a Satellite phone to be able to communicate with your emergency contact person.
3. As soon as someone is feeling unwell you are to inform your community contact and return to town. Once in town you are to contact the health center to explain someone is not feeling well (symptoms include: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, new or worsening cough, generally feeling unwell, abdominal pain, chills, muscle aches, fatigue or weakness, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, loss of sense of smell/taste, skin changes or rashes, loss of appetite.) and ask to get tested for COVID.
Please follow the above guidelines to help keep you and your family safe. We wish you a wonderful time with your family while preserving and enhancing the Tłıc̨ hǫ Way of Life. Please stay vigilant against the COVID-19 fight. Together, we can beat it. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please make arrangements to get vaccinated.
If you have questions regarding the Families on the Land Program please contact your Community Director.
Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault
Director, Department of Culture and Lands Protection
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (867) 445-5496 (please only call during the business day, Monday to Friday 9-5)