Home / News Releases / News Release: Splatsin Approves Workplace Vaccination Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 10, 2021
Secwepemcúl’ecw (Secwepemc Territory) – As a First Nations government employing over 80 people, Splatsin is protecting its community by requiring that all employees, contractors, volunteers and elected officials have the best defence against COVID-19 and variants by being fully vaccinated. This new policy is in response to the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Canada, and below-average vaccination rates in the community and the Enderby area at 62.5% and 67% respectively.
“We understand that vaccine confidence can be challenging among community members, and I want to acknowledge the historical reasons and trauma that have contributed to this,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian. “However, it is very important that we work together to protect the community and to ensure that vital member services continue.”
Christian added that building on existing health and safety measures, Splatsin has an inherent responsibility to maintain a safe work environment and implement strong measures to prevent further outbreaks and build confidence in the safety of our workplaces.
The Splatsin Workplace Vaccination Policy, which was approved by Tkwamipla7 (Council), requires all employees, contractors, and elected officials to provide proof of vaccination by November 30. People who have attested to receiving their first dose by the deadline will have until December 16 to receive their second dose.
Employees who are unwilling to be vaccinated or are unwilling to attest to their vaccination status will be placed on administrative leave without pay for up to 90 days. Employment will be terminated if the employee has not been fully vaccinated by the end of this leave period. Accommodations may be made for employees who are unable to be vaccinated for legitimate reasons under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
This new policy is in effect for six months and will be reviewed at that time. You can view the policy here.
Employees can contact the Splatsin Health Centre to book a vaccination appointment or book online using the Government of BC’s booking system here.
In alignment with public health officials, Splatsin strongly believes in vaccination as the best defence against COVID-19 when paired with other preventative measures including wearing face masks, maintaining a physical distance of 6’, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, and staying home if you’re sick. Learn more about best practices here.
If you are a band member experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home and call the Splatsin Health Centre at (250) 838-9538 to speak with a registered nurse.
The Splatsin people reside on reserve lands adjacent to the City of Enderby to the south and across the Shuswap River to the east, within the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc, the largest Interior Salish-speaking First Nation in Canada. Their traditional territory stretches from the B.C./Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes, and the upper reaches of the Columbia River encompassing 180,000 square kilometres, 32 communities, and a population of 15,000 people. The Splatsin and Secwépemc has total jurisdiction and title to all of their people, lands, and resources and have not surrendered, ceded, or released them to the government.
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Media Contact:
Dudley Coulter, Director of Communicationso (250) 838-6496 ext. 705c (250) 306-1541e [email protected]