Home / COVID-19 Updates / Update from Kukpi7 Christian
Waytk People:
It is with great sadness that we’ve had two recent passings of members from our community. We all mourn the loss of Tommy Raynes and Belinda Maxine. It is difficult during this time of COVID-19 to mourn as a total community due to safety guidelines limiting the opening up of the burial services to all members of Splatsin. I ask that you in your way offer prayers for Tommy and Belinda and their family members who are left behind. The second wave of COVID-19 is here and we must be vigilant in keeping each other safe. Keep your social bubble small; do not do any unnecessary travel; stay away from large groups; wash your hands, wear a mask in public; and keep physically-distanced but emotionally connected to family and friends.
We have been notified by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Interior Health Authority (IH) which have confirmed a case of COVID-19 near our community. Some Splatsin community members have been exposed to an individual who is COVID-19 positive. It is important to note that this individual does not live in the community nor have they visited our reserves. Splatsin Health Services (SHS) is working closely with IH as they identify and notify people who the individual has been in contact with This process is known as Contact Tracing. We have more information about Contact Tracing on our website.
We are working with the FNHA and IHA to support the response to this situation. Our health team and administrative staff are responding appropriately ensuring all safety measures are in place for the health safety and well-being of all. We must act to keep each other safe and healthy; especially our elders and those who are at high-risk due to underlying health issues. Keep your social circle small and stay away from large gatherings.
We are suspending all public gatherings in the community for the next 14 days. We need to act now to prevent a possible spread of COVID-19 in our community.
In our BC Chiefs session with Dr. Bonnie Henry on October 20 I asked the question “how long will this pandemic last,” and she said at least until the end of 2021, possibly longer. I then asked about how we could assist people at this time that are suffering from COVID-19 fatigue and emerging mental health issues? How can we do ceremonies and gatherings for people? Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice was to keep any gathering small and outdoors, and to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet, wash hands, and wear masks.
“Upon suffering beyond suffering: the Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of Seven Generations when all the colours of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one circle again. In that day, there will be those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things and the young white ones will come to those of my people and ask for this wisdom. I salute the light within your eyes where the whole Universe dwells. For when you are at that center within you and I am that place within me, we shall be one.” – Crazy Horse Oglala Sioux Chief (This statement was taken from Crazy Horse as he sat smoking the Sacred Pipe with Sitting Bull for the last time, four days before he was assassinated.)
Wenecwtsin – Kukpi7 Christian SplatsinTribal Chief Secwepemc Nation