Tŝilhqot’in Nation Declares State of Emergency in response to COVID-19

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government has declared a State of Emergency in response to the escalating threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on behalf of the six Tŝilhqot’in communities: Tl’etinqox, Tl’esqox, Yuneŝit’in, Tsi Del Del, Xeni Gwet’in and ʔEsdilagh

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation declares this State of Emergency as an exercise of its inherent jurisdiction and authority to protect the health and safety of elders, citizens and communities as a paramount responsibility.

The State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. Please note that access to all Tŝilhqot’in communities is closed to visitors as a precaution to protect elders and members, except for access by caregivers, medical and emergency personnel and essential services. Each community may have its own specific restrictions and exemptions that should be confirmed by visitors before accessing the community for any purpose. To date, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation has had no confirmed cases in any of the six communities. However, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation supports the recommendations and orders by the government and the public health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation calls on its citizens and communities to protect elders and loved ones by staying home or safely on the land unless it is absolutely necessary or essential to leave home.

The State of Emergency declaration calls on the Federal and Provincial Governments, local governments, health authorities and all other involved parties to provide immediate, effective, coordinated, culturally appropriate and Indigenous-led support to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Tŝilhqot’in communities and all Indigenous peoples, consistent with the principles of self-determination.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation remains confident that its citizens and communities will persevere in this State of Emergency, and it is heartening to see Tŝilhqot’in drawing on traditions, songs, language and medicine to keep the Nation strong during this outbreak.