First case of COVID-19 reaches remote Klahoose First Nation
The first COVID-19 case reaches the community of Klahoose First Nation, on Cortes Island, B.C. as families settle in for lock down.
Klahoose First Nation is going into lockdown after an Elder in the remote Cortes Island community tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
“I received the call today that no Chief wants to hear,” wrote Chief Kevin Peacey in a community Facebook post. “We have a COVID team in place that is already working on our response. We are asking all reserve residents to stay home as contract tracing happens.”
Occupying traditional territories from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, the Klahoose Nation‘s primary village site, Squirrel Voce, is home to approximately 75 full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and surrounding areas.
The remaining three hundred and nine members reside off reserve in coastal communities in the lower mainland and in Washington State. The community is accessible only by boat or plane.
“I won’t be seeing any of my family for a while, which is sad, but it is what’s best,” says Ashley Harry, member of Klahoose First Nation. “With the confirmed case, they have the road blocked off and monitored 24-7, as of tonight.”
One Elder is at home with mild symptoms. A public health nurse has visited her home, and the family says she has what she needs, including groceries.
All reserve residents were asked to stay home, and wear masks if they absolutely have to leave their home.
“No visiting households. No off reserve visitors,” Chief Peacey wrote. “Food and supplies are being delivered to each household.”
Meanwhile, a new playground was just completed this week. It’s where Harry spent the day Tuesday with her kids, before they got the news about the new positive case.
“I might have been exposed yesterday,” Harry worries. “I was thinking, hoping fresh air will help and that it wasn’t an enclosed space. I follow the rules, don’t go to anyone’s house. It will be a long 14 days.”
Harry has two young children. Her family will be staying at home until they know they are in the clear.
“I’m praying I won’t get sick, we will have to wait and see. Scary times,” Harry adds.
Chief Peacey informed community members that a security team would be placed at the main entrance at Tork Road, to monitor traffic into Klahoose, “which should be limited to only emergency and essential trips on and off reserve at this time,” he says.
Having children to care for and protect includes careful conversations around COVID-19, and managing young anxieties and fears.
“My son started crying when told we might be exposed,” says Harry. “I explained we have to do the right thing and quarantine, till we know we’re not carriers.”
She says the Klahoose COVID-19 team had brought food to her home right away, ensuring every household has enough food and supplies.
“I never really thought I’d be one exposed, you watch on the news, daily basis,” says Harry. “I’m more concerned for my children’s wellbeing.”
Chief Peacey’s main tone was one of reassurance.
“We are staying calm, supporting each other, and following the guidelines,” Chief Peacey wrote. “With everybody’s help, working together, we will get through this. We are praying for everyone’s protection and healing.”
Author
We live in a media ecosystem that thrives on misinformation. Big Tech and AI companies are consuming the work of real human beings and Canadian news has been banned on Facebook and Instagram.
And yet, I have hope for journalism because of the work we’re doing at IndigiNews.
At IndigiNews, we embody tâpwêwin — the Cree value of integrity and responsibility in truth-telling. We are committed to our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom rooted in community, accountability, and relationality. We believe storytelling is a sacred fire that connects our pasts, presents, and futures through the storytellers in our Storytelling Lodge. IndigiNews creates space for Indigenous journalists, storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, and communities to gather, learn, and share stories that matter.
As a registered charity, we are building a fire that allows our work not just to ignite but to thrive. Rather than relying on advertising or corporate acquisition, IndigiNews is sustained by people like you who believe Indigenous stories are important for the future of our communities.
Your support is making a real difference.
Our community of supporters, our Firekeepers, make it possible to grow our newsroom, publish award-winning journalism, train emerging Indigenous journalists through initiatives like the ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship, and publish trustworthy stories that serve our communities across the country. Every story we publish helps fill in gaps left by mainstream media and ensures Indigenous perspectives are represented with care, accuracy and respect.
But there is still more work to do.
As the media landscape becomes more and more uncertain, community support is as necessary and essential as it’s ever been. Every new Firekeeper helps protect the independence of our newsroom and strengthens journalism that is accountable to our many and varied communities over corporations.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become a Firekeeper.
Firekeepers tend to and protect the sacred fire. Your monthly contributions directly support IndigiNews’s Storytelling Lodge, helps sustain our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom, and ensures future generations of Indigenous storytellers have the resources they need to do the work.
As a registered Canadian charity, all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you believe Indigenous stories matter, if you value independent journalism, and if you want to help build a strong future for Indigenous media, we invite you to join our circle of Firekeepers today.
Together, we can keep the fire burning.
— Eden Fineday, Publisher, IndigiNews
Support us nowLatest Stories
-
‘Newfoundland’ claims Europeans arrived before the Innu. ‘People don’t disappear,’ counters archeologist
Smithsonian archeologist Stephen Loring’s research is being disputed by the province’s own Archeology Office. He fears the government’s censorship of Innu history is being used ‘to promote a political agenda like land claims’
-
Winnipeg cops unveil ‘reconciliation’ cruiser — but critics are unimpressed
Force says the police car emblazoned with Indigenous art not for enforcement but education. Advocates say the gesture is ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘unsettling’ — especially amidst a drug-use crackdown they say targets Indigenous people
