Seabird Island Chief Jim Harris reflected on 2020 as a “very challenging” year for the community.
“Since March, we haven’t been able to send our loved ones off on their journey the way we were taught,” he said in a Dec. 22 video address to the community. “Thank you to the staff who made it possible to have the candlelight ceremony. The songs and the drum always makes the heart and mind relax, knowing that the loved ones are being sent off in a traditional way.”
Chief Harris again urged those who don’t want to stop for entrance checkpoints to continue cooperating with them. These checkpoints were set up in late fall in an effort to curb any individuals exposed to COVID-19 from entering the Seabird Island community.
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“Remember, the checkpoint workers are out there trying to help our community stay safe from COVID,” Chief Harris said. “We are lucky to have members who care about our community and want everyone to stay safe, so please help them by stopping for them.”
The chief further thanked community members who have looked after those working the checkpoints, bringing them food and warm drinks.
Though daily cases remain in the hundreds, Chief Harris said the second wave appears to be plateauing and ultimately making its way down.
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“There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccines that are coming,” he added. “We still have to be safe because it will take some time for everyone to be able to get their vaccination shots.”
The chief thanked Seabird Island staff for their help in putting together Christmas hampers, given to households throughout the community.
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