Interview conducted by Mike Ma with Mike Larsen
September 16, 2020
Mike Larsen explains how First Nation communities have challenged the way pandemic information and proximate data regarding COVID-19 cases have been kept secret from First Nations. They want the data to be revealed so that they can better manage the risk of exposure to their vulnerable community members, especially their Elders —who hold key indigenous knowledge regarding culture and social protocal.
Here are additional links:
The Tyee: https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/09/15/First-Nations-Challenge-Gov-COVID-Secrecy/
Victoria Buzz: https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2020/09/b-c-first-nations-seeking-location-data-of-covid-19-cases-near-their-communities/
Times Colonist: https://www.timescolonist.com/business/b-c-first-nations-ask-privacy-watchdog-to-force-release-of-more-covid-19-data-1.24203422
The Squamish Chief: https://www.squamishchief.com/update-lack-of-covid-location-disclosure-breaks-law-first-nations-1.24203390
Dr. Henry responded during today’s briefing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLqRRaOIZ10cWtpewPP-lsEfQCv2n3gMEe&v=_fkvVSYoG7w&feature=emb_logo
APTN news coverage: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/b-c-policy-on-not-sharing-covid-19-information-with-first-nations-reckless-and-colonial-say-leaders/
Formal release from the Heiltsuk Nation: http://www.heiltsuknation.ca/covid-19-transparency-first-nations-seek-order-for-bc-ministry-of-health-to-disclose-proximate-case-information-to-help-save-lives/
Discussion on CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition/clip/15798250-indigenous-nations-covid-cases-located
