PEAWANUCK, Ontario — Members of the Weenusk First Nation are preparing to welcome the first Ornge-led COVID-19 vaccination distribution team to a remote First Nation in northern Ontario.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler announced that the team is scheduled to arrive at Peawanuck, near the Hudson Bay coast, on Tuesday.
Ornge is Ontario's not-for-profit air ambulance service.
Under Operation Remote Immunity, it's bringing the Moderna vaccine to 31 First Nations by the end of April.
"I acknowledge the dedication to this effort by Ornge, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and Ontario, and the support of the Canadian Rangers," Fiddler said in a statement Monday.
He added that he encourages all community members to review available information about the vaccine "to make an informed decision on giving their consent to receive it."
The Canadian Rangers have been activated in NAN First Nations whose leadership has requested assistance with the vaccine rollout.
Federal Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair announced via Twitter on Sunday that the armed forces would provide support.
A spokesperson for Ornge clarified Monday that the Rangers, many of whom reside in the recipient First Nations communities, will provide logistics support including clinic readiness, transportation and translation services.
Weenusk Chief Abraham Hunter said he welcomed the vaccine team to his his community, and that he wanted to show community members the vaccine is safe and is key to ending the pandemic.
"To encourage others...I will be one of the first in Weenusk to receive it," Hunter said.
Before entering communities, members of the vaccination teams must have received both doses of the vaccine.
They have also undergone cultural training.
The Moderna vaccine was administered earlier this month, during a soft launch of the vaccination program, to residents and front-line workers in long-term care facilities in Sioux Lookout and on the James Bay coast.
NAN came up with 12 guiding principles for the Ornge-led teams to follow during Operation Remote Immunity.
Next week, weather permitting, Ornge-led vaccination clinics will be be held at Neskantaga, Slate Falls, Muskrat Dam, Fort Severn and Kashechewan.
