At the Council meeting of Friday May 28, 2021, the Council of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation extended the State of Emergency in Neyaashiinigmiing until June 30, 2021.

There are hopeful signs on the horizon, of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the gradually increasing vaccination rate and a corresponding reduction in new cases in the province. We remain vigilant, however, to the ongoing risk of a dangerous outbreak. The Council and Administration will continue to take extraordinary actions as necessary to keep members and the community healthy and free of COVID-19. We are grateful for the incredible strength, patience and support of the entire membership and community of Neyaashiinigmiing.

An ad hoc Reopening Committee has been struck to create a plan for the safe and responsible reopening of Neyaashiinigmiing. The committee members are Cynthia Jamieson, Acting First Nations Administrator; Cynthia Porter, Health Manager; Amy Ingram, Supervisor of Social Services; Councilor Nick Saunders; Judy Nadjiwan, Board of Education Administrator; Patrick Nadjiwan, Legal Counsel; and Dr. Ian Arra, Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. The committee will balance our obvious desire to see life return to normal, with the need to reduce the risk of a dangerous outbreak in the community. The recommendations of the committee will also address our seasonal cottagers and campers who are eager to return to Neyaashiinigmiing as soon as possible.

We encourage everybody who is eligible for, and can tolerate a vaccine, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity. We are holding a clinic in the community on Saturday, June 19, for members and their immediate families as young as 12 years old. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, register today.

If you have not been vaccinated yet, we look forward to seeing you at a vaccination clinic soon! Let’s work together to help bring this pandemic to an end. Your vaccination protects you, our youth, and those who can’t tolerate the vaccine for other medical reasons. Whether vaccinated or not, all community members are asked to continue to observe pandemic protocols to help keep the community safe.

• Wear a mask outside your home.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Watch your distance and stay 2 meters away from people you don’t live with.