Inspiring vaccine confidence in Indigenous communities

Recognizing the historic and ongoing oppression faced by Indigenous Peoples in the health care system, Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH partnered with the Honourable Sol Mamakwa, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kiiwetinoong, to increase awareness about vaccine confidence in Indigenous communities and highlight the important work Indigenous leaders are taking on to make the vaccination process culturally appropriate and safe. 

“First Nations, Inuit and Métis are wondering—why have we been prioritized for vaccination?” says Dr. Renee Linklater, Senior Director of Shkaabe Makwa, the CAMH Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness.

“We have always been at the back of the line,” says Mamakwa.

“Indigenous Peoples across Canada need to be able to feel safe when they take the COVID-19 vaccine,” says Mamakwa. So the two collaborated to create a video to educate the public about why Indigenous people were prioritized for vaccination, and the essential work that was undertaken to make the vaccination process safe and accessible for Indigenous Peoples. 

“When we see Indigenous leadership, like MPP Sol Mamakwa, step forward to address vaccine hesitancy, it’s encouraging,” says Linklater.

“I took the first dose in Muskrat Dam First Nation, and my second dose in Sandy Lake First Nation and I feel great,” says Mamakwa. “When they did the blessing ceremony with the vaccines, that’s when I knew I had made the right decision to be there, to get vaccinated with the leadership and the Elders.”