Siksika Nation Initial COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

  • On Dec. 31, Siksika Nation received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Siksika Nation received confirmation that they would be allocated vaccines on Wednesday December 30, 2020, and due to proactive planning, Siksika Health Services was prepared to begin immunizing Nation members on Friday, January 1, 2021.
  • Siksika Health Services received 100 doses, the first of which were administered on Jan. 1, 2021 to Siksika Elders Lodge residents and frontline health workers.
  • With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta, we will have the opportunity to slow the spread of the virus, and ensure our most vulnerable and at-risk populations throughout the province are protected from COVID-19.
  • First Nations have been recognized as a priority population for COVID-19 immunization by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. The Siksika Elders Lodge was included in Alberta’s prioritization of COVID-19 vaccine for seniors’ continuing care facilities, as a result of advocacy with our federal and provincial partners.
  • We are pleased to see that a safe and effective vaccine has been developed so quickly and made available to our most vulnerable Nation members and their care providers.
  • Siksika Health Services continues to plan for a staged roll-out of additional immunizations to other priority groups in the near future. We cannot communicate information on when and who will be vaccinated in the future until we receive information from Indigenous Services Canada and AHS regarding allocation of additional Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine is a hopeful next step in reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread, but we cannot let our guard down.
  • It is important for us all to continue efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing hands, wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.

Quotes regarding Siksika Nation COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation:

  • “We are pleased to see that a safe and effective vaccine has been developed so quickly and made available to our most vulnerable Nation members and their care providers. Our Health Services continue to plan for a staged roll-out of additional vaccine to other priority groups in the near future.” ~ Nioksskaistamik, Ouray Crowfoot, Chief of Siksika First Nation
  • Having comprehensive local health services to support our COVID-19 response has been a top priority of our organization from day one; local access to the COVID-19 vaccine is a hopeful next step in this regard. It has not been easy and I commend our health services team for our collective and tireless work in providing necessary services, all the while advocating for equitable access for our Nation members.

    With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Siksika, we will have the opportunity to slow the spread of the virus, and ensure our most vulnerable and at-risk populations are protected from COVID-19. ~ Naa Taoyi Piita Wo Taan, Tyler White, Corporate Executive Officer of Siksika Health Services

  • The COVID-19 Vaccine has created hope for Siksika Nation Elders. We have been waiting for the opportunity to be immunized for our community and family members. Aikimmotsiiyika in Blackfoot means take care of each other and we will do just that by getting immunized. ~ Issapakii, Floria Duck Chief, Siksika Nation Elder

Vaccine B-Roll & Interviews:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, it was not possible to capture b-roll and interview footage of today’s immunization.

For the Media:

For the privacy of our staff, Siksika Health Services will not permit the media to film/photograph inside the immunization area. However, Siksika Health Services will upload photos and other information for reference.

Siksika Health Services’ Communicable Disease Control Team Lead, Chris Sterling, receives Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre on Dec. 30, 2020.

Siksika Elders Lodge oldest resident, Virginia Medicine Traveller, 94 years of age, receives Siksika’s first Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Siksika Nation Community Health RN, Jacey Solway.

Siksika Elders Lodge resident, Marie Calf Robe, receives Siksika’s second Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Siksika Health CDC Team Lead, Chris Sterling.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine used for initial immunization in Siksika First Nation, and stickers: “I got the COVID-19 vaccine” for those who are immunized.

Siksika Community Health/CDC Nurses, Chris Sterling and Jacey Solway both receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.