Webinar brings indigenous community together during coronavirus pandemic

 

People across Canada are still adjusting to the “new normal” brought upon by COVID-19 and that includes the nation’s indigenous communities.

We have an amazing opportunity right now to learn so much from the people in our community that hold that knowledge

Indigenous led organization Youth for Climate Action is sharing health tips through an online webinar.

The ICA team announced it is devising creative ways to adjust its programs to achieve the goals of its work during a global pandemic. To help maintain community ties, the group has used online means to provide guidance and support for indigenous populations facing COVID-19 across Canada.

“This allows us a time the opportunity as indigenous folks to go back, to reflect. What are those foods. Who are the knowledge keepers in our community,” said Eriel Deranger, the webinar host.

The webinar features first nations health professionals and community elders, who are the keepers of traditional medical knowledge.

“We have an amazing opportunity right now to learn so much from the people in our community that hold that knowledge,” added Deranger.

Among the tips provided, Jeff Wastisicoot is highlighting the health boosting qualities of juniper needles.

“We mix this with the cedar the balsam needles and the pine needles. And we create a smudge of these things,” said Wastistcoot. “When we live around those trees it has this protection from all airborne things. So when we turn this into a smudge its going to destroy this bacteria.”

Others spoke on the topic of everyday stress.

“When we’re stressed, our immune systems go down,” said Cree Nation doctor James Makokis.

“(Once), when I was at a heightened state of anxiety,” added Nitanis Desjarlais, webinar panelist, “I took this tea that my grandfather had and had steeped too long, and I drank it and everything just felt like I could deal with what I have to deal with. So as I was making tea behind me (in the webinar), I went back to that plant that I have a relationship with, established through many years.”

Makokis says, while there may be benefits of using first nations traditional medicines, recommendations given by our public health professionals are irreplaceable.

“Its really important for us to stay calm and support one another and also take serious those recommendations from public health, stay in your homes, wash your hands,” he said, adding, “try not to touch your face.”