In early 2021, the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) presented a four-part virtual series looking at the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities with COVID-19.

Held over four Wednesdays in January (13, 20, and 27) and on February 3, 2021, the series explored themes including: Indigenous governance and self-determination in planning and responding to COVID-19; socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; data collection on COVID-19 cases in First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations and communities; and innovative public health messaging on COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples.

Virtual Session 1 — January 13, 2021

This session, Indigenous governance and self-determination in planning and responding to COVID-19, brought together expert speakers working in a diversity of public health fields across Canada, including:

• Dr. Danièle Behn-Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Office, British Columbia - Presentation (PDF)

• Selma Ford, Inuit Circumpolar Council of Canada

• Natan Obed, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami - Presentation (PDF)

• Tanya Davoren, Métis Nation British Columbia - Presentation (PDF)

• Dr.Shannon McDonald, First Nations Health Authority

• Marion Crowe, First Nations Health Managers Association

This panel explored the role of Indigenous governance and self-determination in community responses to COVID-19, public health measures, and pandemic planning. Within this context, the speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities for meeting First Nations, Inuit and Métis community program and service needs and how these have been addressed during this public health emergency.

Watch webinar recording on YouTube | Read program with speakers' biographies (PDF) | Listen to webinar recording on SoundCloud