Dear Colleagues and Members of CINA,
We are with you in Spirit and offer our heart felt prayers for safety and trust that the wisdom of the ancestors is ever present with you during this time of collective threat to our wellbeing.
CINA has been working closely with Chief Public Health Officer and the department of Indigenous Services Canada in the dissemination of critical information to help guide communities with their pandemic response to COVID-19 and assisting in other keyways as they arise.
We are valued as health professional associations and have a key role to play in helping Canada to respond, and we want to thank you for your contributions to protecting the health of Canadians during this most challenging time.
The Chief Public Health Officer and her team have identified the pressing need right now is to strengthen the capacity for surveillance and monitoring and have reached out to us to ask members and anyone interested with contributing to the COVID-19 response to go to the following online application form at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Should you have any questions, please direct them to hc.covidvolunteer-benevolecovid.sc@canada.ca
The upcoming weekend is Easter – a time when many of us enjoy many moments and meals with family and attend religious ceremonies and services. It is important that we remember that quality time and religion will look different right now – many religious services are being held in a virtual way so you can still participate. We can connect with loved ones in the same way – moving our family time that would normally be in person to a virtual space. Reach out to family, friends, and community members over platforms like Facebook, Skype, Zoom, or a phone call. There are many methods in this digital world that allow us to maintain connection in this unprecedented time.
As we continue to navigate these waters, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, CINA wishes you all the best and a wonderful Easter weekend.
Sincerely,
Lea Bill RN BScN
Traditional Practitioner/Knowledge Holder
CINA President
"Strengthening Indigenous Nurses, Improving Health Outcomes in Communities"