MKO has created this page to share updates about COVID-19 that may be of interest to Northern First Nations in Manitoba.
Last updated: February 7, 2022
The health information we share on this page is informed by the work of the new health entity called Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin. You can learn more about this new health entity here.
Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team (PRCT) Weekly Bulletin updated February 3, 2022.
Click a heading to jump ahead or scroll through this webpage to find the following sections:
Vaccine Information:
Manitoban’s aged 5+ are now eligible for their COVID-19 immunization. Manitobans aged 18+ are now eligible for their 3rd vaccine dose six months after their second dose, or 5 months after their second dose in immunocompromised individuals or those 50+.
To receive your vaccine book an appointment either online or call 1-844-626-8222. The call centre is open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm everyday.
On the day of your vaccine appointment:
- Bring a filled out COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form
- Bring your health card, or another type of identification (such as driver’s license).
- Wear a mask.
- Wear a short sleeved shirt.
- If needed, you can bring a helper such as a caregiver or family member (who must also wear a mask).
- Be prepared for a 45-minute stay at the site
After you are fully vaccinated, you will still need to follow all public health guidelines as it is not yet know if it will prevent you from spreading the virus to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself.
Manitoba is now offering an immunization card to fully vaccinated (2 vaccine doses) Manitobans which will show proof of immunization. The immunization card will not share health records, it will only signify that the cardholder is fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.
To be eligible to receive an immunization card you must:
- have a Manitoba health card
- have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
- wait 14 days after getting the second dose of the vaccine
To receive an immunization card you can submit a request online at www.immunizationcard.manitoba.ca or if you do not have access to the internet you can call the Insured Benefits Branch of Manitoba Health and Seniors Care at 204-786-7101 or toll-free at 1-800-392-1207.
Health Resources:
You will also find health resources in the section called “helpful links” and in “resources for First Nations.”
If you are concerned about your health:
Manitoba residents may contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel corona virus.
Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
If you would like to screen yourself for COVID-19, the Province of Manitoba has created an online screening tool. You can access it here.
Testing locations for COVID-19:
You can find a list of all COVID-19 screening locations in Manitoba here.
The Northern testing sites are in Thompson (Thompson Clinic Testing Centre at Plaza Mall); Flin Flon (Testing Centre at Flin Flon General Hospital), and The Pas (Testing Centre at 328 Fischer Ave.). All testing sites are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and closed 12 noon to 1 pm.
All nursing stations should have the ability to test for COVID-19. To help keep others in your community safe, please call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) and/or your nursing station in advance if you think you have COVID-19 to let them know you are wanting to have a test. They may have special instructions for you.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19:
We will post more information here about what to do if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada webpage and fact sheet: How to isolate at home when you have COVID-19
- Click here to watch a video in which Robin Buckland, Chief Nursing Officer at Indigenous Services Canada, provides information about COVID-19 testing and care and what to do if you are in a First Nations community.
- Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Coordination Team: If you test positive for COVID-19 (September 2020)
First Nations Resources:
Wellness Resources:
- Kids Help Phone can be called at 1-800-668-6868 (May 18, 2020)
- Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line can be called at 1-877-435-7170, and TTY 204-784-4097 (May 18, 2020)
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line can be called at 1-855-242-3310 or 1-310-855-HOPE (May 18, 2020)
- Government of Manitoba: AbilitiCBT virtual therapy program (April 23, 2020)
- Government of Manitoba: Mental Health Supports (April 24, 2020)
- Thunderbird Partnership Foundation: First Nations Alcohol Use & COVID-19 (May 18, 2020)
- Mental Wellness Resources for First Nations Youth (May 18, 2020)
- MKO and KIM community bulletin #1: Mental wellness supports during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 8, 2020)
- Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse: Addressing the urgent needs of people who use substances during the pandemic (July 7, 2020)
- First Nations Health Authority: Alcohol Use: Risk Mitigation Strategies During a Pandemic (April 1, 2020)
- MKO Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Unit: Accessing domestic violence resources during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 15, 2020)
Arts, Culture, Connection, and Entertainment Resources:
- Anaana’s Tent Interactive website for children (May 18, 2020)
- Canadian Red Cross 21 Days of Hope guide for youth in self-isolation (June 24, 2020)
- CBC Curio – Indigenous Youth, podcast collection
- CBC GEM –Through our Eyes, Indigenous Short Docs (May 18, 2020)
- CBC Podcast Tai Asks Why (May 18, 2020)
- Connect with Culture for Life (May 18, 2020)
- First Nations Health Authority: Staying Connected during the Pandemic: Drawing on Indigenous Strengths to Stay Connected and Well (May 18, 2020)
- National Film Board’s Collection of Indigenous Cinema (May 18, 2020)
- 4 R’s Youth Movement and their list of podcast resources (May 18, 2020)
- Solitaired Free Solitaire
Funding Opportunities:
- For communities: Emergency Management Assistance Program
- For individuals, check out this resource called: Accessing financial benefits and supports during the COVID-19 outbreak (PDF file)
- Service Canada launched a dedicated toll-free phone line for First Nation members who need help with applications for Employment Insurance or other funding opportunities. Service Canada’s Outreach Support Centre line is 1-877-631-2657.
- Government of Canada: Accessing financial benefits and supports during the COVID-19 outbreak (PDF file)
Helpful Links:
Social media can be a challenging place to obtain truthful information about this pandemic. MKO encourages using reliable sources of information to get updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. MKO suggests visiting the following websites:
- First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba coronavirus webpage
- Government of Manitoba coronavirus updates
- Government of Manitoba coronavirus screening tool
- Public Health Agency of Canada coronavirus updates
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Handwashing poster to encourage reducing the spread of COVID-19 (PDF file)
- Shared Health: Hand hygiene posters in Cree, Dene, English, and other languages
- The World Health Organization coronavirus updates
Media Releases and Updates:
To view our media releases on COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine, please click here.
Public Service Announcements:
To view our COVID-19 Public Service Announcement video, please click here.