Press Release
The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Government recognizes that vaccination is an essential preventative measure in protecting us all from the COVID-19 virus. To further community engagement and raise awareness for easily accessible and culturally safe vaccination sites, MN–S has launched the Vaccinated Métis Strong campaign.
Taking Vaccinated Métis Strong awareness and spirit into action, MN–S has partnered with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to hold a special pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 23rd and 24th at the new MN–S building downtown Saskatoon set to open in later in 2021. Beginning with the eldest MN–S citizens in Saskatoon and continuing down, Métis citizens 50 years and older were offered an appointment if they hadn’t already received a vaccination. Interest in vaccine appointments at this clinic focused for the Métis community is so high that all available times booked before the call for interest could go wider. SHA staff will administer vaccines to citizens at specific appointment times, ensuring operations are COVID safe. A Métis Elder opened the clinic with a traditional prayer, and those vaccinated will receive proper personal protective equipment for their visit, bannock, and a Vaccinated Métis Strong button to wear with pride.
Ulrich Venne, onsite this morning receiving his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, said, “I encourage all the Métis people to come and get their vaccination.”
MN–S citizen Verna McCallum also received her immunization today. When asked how she was feeling she replied, “It’s a big relief, I feel better to hang around my dad now because he got a shot too, so I feel good now after.”
“The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Government is working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to help our citizens access the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” says MN–S Health Minister Marg Friesen. “We want our Métis communities to have health services that are culturally respectful and accessible. This pop-up clinic is an example of what we can do. We hope to see all partners come together so that other culturally safe clinics for the Métis community can happen across the province.”
The MN–S Government has also been working hard to establish partnerships with other indigenous governements and cultrally safe access to vaccination opportunites such as the Regina Urban Indigenous Vaccine Clinic and the Central Saskatchewan Indigenous Vaccination Sites in Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Prince Albert.
“Partnerships in vaccination clinics show that everyone can work together for what is important for our Métis community,” says MN–S President Glen McCallum. “The high interest in the appointments shows how important vaccinations are to our Métis citizens and communities. I am happy I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination and encourage everyone to get immunized. Together we are Vaccinated Métis Strong.”
MN–S encourages citizens to get vaccinated and show their support by updating their Facebook profile photo with a Vaccinated Métis Strong Facebook frame launched today. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is proud to support immunization services that keep the province healthy and safe.
For more information about vaccination booking and clinic locations, MN–S encourages interested people to contact the following:
Saskatchewan Health Authority Drive-thru and walk-in clinics:
www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax
Saskatchewan Government: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/vaccine-booking
Saskatchewan Health Authority vaccination line at 1-833-SASKVAX
Central Saskatchewan Indigenous Vaccination Sites
Regina Urban Indigenous vaccine clinic 1-306-766-3780
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About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) is the Government for Métis citizens in the province of Saskatchewan. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of some 80,000 Métis through an elected representative system consisting of an Executive,12 Regions and approximately 132 Locals.
MEDIA INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Julia Burns
MN–S Director of Communications
jburns@mns.work or 306-850-1670
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