COVID19 Resources for Indigenous Peoples
Art by Isaac Murdoch
Last update: April 16, 2020
Hello relatives! During this difficult time, we wanted to put together some links for Indigenous folks north of the medicine line, specifically. We hope that you’re all staying safe; we will get through this like we always have. If you have any other COVID-19 resources that would be good for Indigenous folks to have access to, please send them to lindsey@indigenousclimateaction.com
This page will also be updated with resources as they come out. Hai hai/mussi cho/miigwech to our relatives over at the 4Rs Youth Movement Team - Dani, Lace, Ron & Jess for sharing their resources with us.
In case you missed it, Indigenous Climate Action and Idle No More hosted a webinar on Covid19 and Indigenous communities. You can watch it here. Indigenous Rising Media (part of Indigenous Environmental Network, based south of the medicine line) also hosted a webinar on Indian Country and COVID19, which you can view here.
HEALTH PROTOCOLS
Symptoms
Cold or Allergies:
Itchy eyes
Stuffy nose
Sneezing
Flu or coronavirus:
Fever
Fatigue
Body Aches
Cough
Worsening symptoms
Coronavirus:
Shortness of breath
History of travel
Exposure to a confirmed person
How to apply for EI sickness benefits and the new emergency worker fund
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response plan - supports for individuals & business
What You Should Know About COVID-19 If You Are Older or Have a Chronic Condition
Please call TeleHealth before visiting a doctor or the emergency room:
Toll-free throughout Alberta: 1-866-408-LINK (4565);
Edmonton: 780-408-LINK (4565); Calgary: 403-943-LINK (4565)
Toll-free throughout Manitoba: 1-888-315-9257
Winnipeg: 788-8200
New Brunswick, Quebec, BC, Nova Scotia: 811
Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
Saskatchewan: 1-877-800-0002
Use the SKODEN Protocol (from 4Rs Youth Movement):
If you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, check-in on the SKODEN protocol: S - Severe symptoms, go to the doctor; K - know the precautions; O - Obey social distancing; D - Don’t touch your face; E - Every time wash your hands for 20+ seconds; N - Nose and mouth should be covered if coughing.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Slowing The Spread Of Coronavirus Is Easier Than You Think: Just Stay Home- Buzzfeed
Cancel Everything - social distancing is the only way to stop the coronavirus
In an era of isolation its essential we maintain social connections
Home is Camp (treat your home in town as if it were your camp). Graphics created by Dene artist Melaw Nakehk’o under advice from cultural advisors and discussion with FOXY (Fostering Open Expression in Youth) and Hotıì ts'eedastaff. Available in all NWT Indigenous languages, along with French and English.
Safe on the Land (what to consider if you + your family social distance on the land)
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Get outdoors, connect with the land and stay active #landback
Open windows and blinds when possible to let some fresh air and sunlight in!
Limit screen time (especially social media)
Practice your songs! Creator doesn’t care what you sound like ;)
Try a meditation practice like this one from Lizzo or relax to the voice of Tina Turner
Try to declutter your space! Use this time at home to make your living space your sanctuary. Starting with smaller and tangible tasks can make this easier - like bringing dirty dishes to your kitchen, or folding that mountain of laundry.
Try to stay away from movies or shows that are dystopian or apocalyptic if you’re holding anxieties over everything happening right now
Join an online AA meeting during COVID-19 social distancing
COVID-19: You Are Not Alone: Addressing Stress & Anxiety video (Indigenous content)
TRADITIONAL MEDICINES AND HOLISTIC PRACTICES
What to Forage in Spring: 20 Edible and Medicinal Plants and Fungi
Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies rich in Vitamin A & C, including traditional foods and medicines if you have access
Vitamin C - promotes strong enzymes on the surface of your skin, also found in your white blood cells (broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots)
Vitamin A - crucial for barrier function protection including skin, gut, mucous protection (orange and yellow veggies, eggs, dark leafy greens)
Zinc - recognition of the virus and signalling to the cells something is wrong (shellfish, oysters, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, oatmeal, leafy greens)
Mushrooms have TONS of immune-stimulating properties
Garlic - reduces risk of being sick, shortens duration and severity
Onion - packed with immune-boosting nutrients including Vit C, super anti-viral and a natural source of Zinc
Turmeric - stimulates immune system cells
Ginger - magnesium, iron, kills cold viruses, supports the body through a fever, effective in reducing the impact of respiratory viruses
Elderberry blocks viral proteins and has been shown to be quite effective with flu viruses
Astragalus increases white blood cells and is good for upper respiratory infections. Very good brewed as a tea.
IMPORTANT: Check with Elders, plant knowledge holders etc. about the impacts of taking traditional medicines and herbs along with prescription medication, and with certain conditions like diabetes. Also be mindful of allergies!
MAKING A CLEAN SPACE
COMMUNITY CARE
DECOLONIZING COMMUNITY CARE IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 [Jade Begay, NDN Collective]
Ask hunters to support community members, especially Elders, disabled folks, low income and other vulnerable families.
ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN
ENTERTAINMENT FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
Social Distancing Festival (online streamed events from around the world)
National Film Board (lots of good Indigenous documentaries and films for free!)
Indigenous Climate Action’s list of Indigenous movies, books, documentaries and podcasts
List of decolonial/futures/BIPOC storytelling podcasts from 4Rs
Netflix Party lets you watch and chat about shows with friends, even when isolating
Moog and Korg make synth apps free to help musicians stuck at home
'Together At Home': John Legend, top artists live streaming free concerts from homes
Use those scraps to sew up some face masks for neighbours, family and frontline workers
Sign up for APTN Lumi (APTN’s online streaming service) - 4.99/month or you can get a free trial
Start an online book club
Share recipes
LEARNING
12 famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your couch
Join this discussion group: Global Activation of Intention and Action
MAINTAINING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Register for 'Get Out Alive, Together!' disaster preparedness class focused on marginalized folks
Animal Shelter Encourages Fostering a Pet During Coronavirus Pandemic
Netflix Party lets you watch and chat about shows with friends, even when isolating
Join a COVID-19 Community Response Network or Start your Own!
TACKLING COVID19
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND ACTIVISM
Autonomous Groups Are Mobilizing Mutual Aid Initiatives To Combat The Coronavirus [It’s Going Down]
On rushing towards the apocalypse - a conversation on the possibilities of this moment
Additional resources for facing Corona Virus [adrienne maree Brown]
Please Stop Treating Me Like I’m Disposable When You Talk About The Coronavirus
No Soap, Little Water, and No Way Out: Refugee Camps Brace for Coronavirus
Why don't we treat the climate crisis with the same urgency as the coronavirus
Naomi Klein: Coronavirus Is the Perfect Disaster for Disaster Capitalism
'Tip of the iceberg': is our destruction of nature responsible for COVID-19?
16 Tools to Ease the Transition to Remote Work for Indigenous Organizations
EMERGENCY FUNDS