Indigenous peoples living in Prince George now have another way to access COVID-19 vaccinations at a culturally safe and low-barrier clinic.
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) partnered with Northern Health and Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) to host an “Urban and Away from Home Indigenous Vaccination” pop-up clinic at the House of Ancestors which officially opened today (May 11).
“We felt it was important to provide this clinic to our members that live away from home and in Prince George so they can get the vaccine in a culturally safe way and that they feel protected,” said Julie Morrison, FNHA northern regional executive director.
The clinic opened with a welcoming song performed by the Thundering Eagles drumming group and smudging of the vaccine.
“The first song to welcome those ancestors and we give thanks to the ancestors of Lheidli T’enneh for allowing us to do this work here,” said Thundering Eagles member Kyle Sam.
The pop-up clinic is intended to help urban Indigenous people in Prince George, who may have trouble navigating the system, accesses vaccinations and answer any questions they may have.
Thundering Eagles perform a welcoming song at the Urban and Away from Home Indigenous Vaccination Clinic at the House of Ancestors #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/XbfFYiKkbS
— Hanna Petersen (@hannaepeter) May 11, 2021
“We think if we could take away any barrier there is that prevents someone from getting a vaccine then we should try and if having an ‘urban and away from clinic’ makes people more comfortable and willing to try then we are all for that,” added Morrison.
“Having the vaccine smudged and the drumming this morning helped connect everyone to their ancestors and no matter where they live.”
Thundering Eagles member Robert Goats, who lives in Prince George but is from the Ulkatcho First Nation near Williams Lake, was the first person to be vaccinated in the new clinic.
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first but once we got in there it was pretty easy,” said Goats, after he received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine. He also noted that he felt more comfortable getting his vaccine at the pop-up clinic.
“To me it feels a little more at ease to come somewhere I know rather than somewhere I don’t.”
Robert Goats was the first patient to receive the vaccine at the new pop-up clinic. He says he encourages everyone to get vaccinated when they get the chance #cityofpg pic.twitter.com/B9u4dCFjeL
— Hanna Petersen (@hannaepeter) May 11, 2021
Travis Holyk, Executive Director of Health Services for CSFS noted the importance of collaboration in making the clinic a reality.
“COVID-19 has been a very difficult ordeal and has required patience, understanding and cooperation from all of us on an outstanding scale,” said Holyk.
“This is truly an example of what we can do when we create low barrier service. The ability for people to just walk up and receive a vaccine and really finding innovative ways for individuals to receive the vaccine is truly remarkable and a reflection of doing things in a different way to meet the needs of the people we serve.”
The clinic will be open from May 11, 13, 14, 18 and 19 at the House of Ancestors on 355 Vancouver Street.
Morrison says the clinic is set up to provide about 250 vaccinations per day but they are unsure of the demand.
“Our challenge is not knowing the numbers,” said Morrison. “We have no idea how many Inuit, Metis, or First Nations people live in the Prince George area and need to be vaccinated. Some may have already gone through the clinic downtown.”
Morrison says by having the clinic accessible the goal is simply to encourage more people to feel comfortable getting vaccinated.
“It is just an effort to get people vaccinated wherever they live and whatever their concerns are.”
