Stoney Nakoda Nation Chiefs’ Update
State of Local Emergency.
March 17, 2020
Today the Stoney Nakoda Chiefs’ gathered in support of the Nakoda Emergency Management Agency and declared a State of Local Emergency.
Chiefs Dixon, Young, and Poucette address the community.
Chiefs Dixon, Young, and Poucette address the community (in Stoney language only)
Dixon: I am Chief Darcy Dixon of the Bearspaw Band
Young: I am Chief Aaron Young of the Chiniki Band
Poucette: and I am Chief Poucette of the Wesley Band
Dixon: The Stoney Nakdoa Chiefs have been gathering with our elected officials and administration teams to begin measures to help protect the health and wellness of our communities. The wellness of our communities and your families are our top priority. With this in mind, today the Stoney Nakoda Nation declared a State of Local Emergency. This declaration will allow our Emergency Management team greater access to resources to support our community. We continue to support our Health Centres and our Emergency Management Agency
Young: You have likely heard of the world-wide pandemic COVID-19 otherwise known as the Coronavirus. This virus is very dangerous and is spreading quickly. Common signs of coronavirus infection can include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Fortunately, we have NO known cases of the virus in any of our communities.
Poucette: We are however at risk. We continue to work with the Provincial and Federal Governments as our teams here prepare our communities should the virus make it here. To help them, we need you to help us.
Dixon: The easiest thing you can do to help stop the spread is regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do not need to travel anywhere, stay home. If you are feeling unwell, please visit www.ahs.ca/covid and complete the online COVID-19 assessment tool.
Young: Most importantly, please share our information with your families, in particular our elders. We commit to providing regular updates and sharing with you the best information we have as we receive it. There are many conversations on social media. Not all of them are true. We continue to work with the government and will share trusted information.
Poucette: At this time, our offices are closing with the exception of essential services. Where possible, other people should work from home and remain available should we need your help. Your managers should be contacting you. We do not have all of the answers to all of the questions yet. We can tell you that a team of experts has been formed, here in our community to help us navigate this global event. We are resilient people and together, we will work to keep us all healthy and safe.