The Aisokinakiop Indigenous-led immunization clinic is hitting the streets in a mobile Special Forces unit to provide COVID-19 vaccines for marginalized people, including temporary foreign workers and individuals who are homeless or in supportive living facilities in Calgary and Siksika.
The mobile clinic is led by Siksika Health Services as an extension of its circle of care to protect marginalized communities from further impacts and spread of COVID-19. The First Nation, along with its partners – the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC), OKAKI, Seven Brothers Circle, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3, BeTheChangeYYC and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) – aim to get as many shots in arms as possible in a culturally-safe way.
“The mobile immunization outreach clinic is fully equipped to immunize people where they are at, and to ensure our most vulnerable members are able to receive their vaccine in the comfort of their own home,” says CEO of Siksika Health Services, Tyler White. “We are also honoured that our friend, filmmaker, director, author and visualist, Steven Paul Judd, gave permission to use his striking images of warriors battling disease on the vehicle.”
On Siksika Nation, Siksika Home Care will lead the roll-out of the Special Forces unit. In-home appointments will be available on set dates. Please call 403-734-5695 if you are interested in booking an in-home appointment. More information to come.
The Aisokinakiop immunization clinic includes CCIS, which prioritizes getting the vaccine to temporary foreign workers. These workers are often employed in industries where working conditions increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Left Picture: The Immunization Special Forces vehicle at Siksika Nation on June 7.
Centre Picture: Siksika Health Maintenance and SN7 staff pose for a photo with the Immunization Special Forces vehicle in front of the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre.
Right picture: Aisokinaipiyokiiks, Siksika Community Paramedics Ty Eggenberger and Darryl Jensen will be part of the mobile unit team to focus on reaching our vulnerable nation members on reserve to provide COVID-Immunizations.