Page - 64 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

VULNERABLE64 languages; see, for example, the Protecting Our Home Fires initiative from the Morning Star Lodge in five Indigenous languages.46 Other examples include collaborations relating to the release of informa- tion in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways, including using humour, health care workers, and Elders to engage in online plat- forms like Kahkakiw, a Cree-speaking Raven puppet.47 Conclusion Many First Nations have decided to continue with measures stricter than those of the provinces, in the face of eventual multiple waves and spikes of infection. Further, the positive reclamation of jurisdic- tion, wellness, language, and culture by Indigenous communities, as well as the continued practices rooted in a holistic approach derived from a connection with land, water, and other parts of creation will affirm the continued and ongoing wellness of Indigenous Nations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. By most accounts, First Nations approaches seem to be working. The difficult decisions made by many First Nations communities have contributed directly to the well-being of those communities. In an unprecedented data-sharing agreement between First Nations and the Province of Manitoba, Indigenous rates of COVID infection are being tracked. As of June 5, there were no cases on First Nations reserves in Manitoba (only 16 cases off reserve).48 First Nations in Northern Manitoba had set strict rules as to who can enter into their communities. Against the wishes of local First Nations, Manitoba Hydro was planning for a massive 1000+-person shift change, the third week in May, including workers from other jurisdictions in Canada and other countries, a business decision that would put the local First Nations citizens’ health and well-being at risk. Citizens of the Tataskweyak Cree Nation turned vehicles away from their ter- ritory, specifically from going up to the Keeyask Dam construction 46. Morning Star Lodge, “Protecting Our Home Fires” (last visited 26 May 2020), online: Indigenous  Health  Lab  <http://www.indigenoushealthlab.com/protecting- our-home-fires>. 47. Kitatipithitamak Mithwayawin, “Indigenous-led Countermeasures to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Other Pandemics Then, Now and Into the Future” (2020), online: Kitatipithitamak  Mithwayawin <https://covid19indigenous.ca/>. 48. Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team PRCT BULLETIN, <https://d5d8ad59-8391-4802-9f0a-f5f5d600d7e9.filesusr.com/ ugd/38252a_861c0280bab14bfab61cceaee7121320.pdf?index=true>.