By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
This socially active community interwoven with close intergenerational family ties have shown social responsibility in their response to COVID-19. From drive-by parades, wellness checks on the residents, meals for shut-ins, food deliveries to homes, support for their essential workers and virtual bingo games, the community has come together to meet the challenges of this time.
Chief Greg Nadjiwon says he is happy with the response of the community and their practice of social distancing. Residents were asked to use the Food Bank, rather than going outside of the community. They were also asked to limit two persons to a vehicle if possible. There is 24 hr monitoring of vehicles going and coming into the community, via one access road. Band members residing in urban areas were asked to refrain from visiting, and cottage owners advised not to rent their cottages. The Campground and trails are closed and signs posted.
The Chief and Council meet weekly with Grey Bruce Health, and with the Pandemic Working Group made up of representatives from the Band Programs. The Chief is in contact with the Regional Chiefs and the Independent First Nations Alliance to discuss common issues/responses.
Each week the Chief posts a video to update the community, and a weekly bulletin with updates and information on community services is sent to all residents.
Each household has been given a red/yellow/green sign, and first responders drive by twice a day to check. Red signs mean an immediate action is required. Residents at risk (such as receiving medical treatment, e.g. chemo) are specially identified. The Chief says this well-being check has helped lowered the anxiety level of community members.
The Chief was asked by a band member what he was going to do for the frontline workers, he replied “I’ll supply a meal, what are you going to do?” The band member replied he would also supply a meal. Every meal donated by a band member is matched by the Chief and Council. The benefit is not only recognition for the frontline workers but support for the cottage industries involved in food preparation and catering.
Community volunteers pack and deliver groceries, prepare meals for seniors and shut ins and raise funds to buy produce for the Food Bank. There has been lots of support from neighbouring communities to ensure supplies for the Food Bank, including gloves and hand sanitizers; and well as monetary donations.
There are on-line activities to reach out to the community using ipads, cell phones and computers. The Chief offered $100 towards on-line Bingo, that was immediately matched by a band member, and then another.
To raise the spirits of the families, there are contests such as yard clean-up and a Family Easter yard decorating contests; even a drive-by Easter Parade sponsored by the Fire Services and various Band programs. A parent said “The parade lifted my spirits, I’m going to decorate our front window with the kids”, while another indicated “So thoughtful to bring happiness in times of uncertainty.”
The Chief thanks the community for respecting the restrictions, reminds them to stay vigilant and says “we are doing this as a community and doing it together.”
