COVID-19 was first identified on December 31 2019 in Wuhan, China. It has quickly become a global emergency with the World Health Organization, declaring COVID-19 as a global pandemic, and recognizing that it represents a substantial threat to global markets, geopolitics and human health alike.

Studies on other pandemics including SARS, MERS, and H1N1 show that disadvantaged groups generally suffer the greatest incidence and mortality rates. With respect to H1N1, Indigenous communities in Canada had three times the incidence rates and 15 times the hospitalization rates than that of the general public, in part reflecting long-standing health inequities across the country.

Countermeasures were generally inadequate and at worst created more harm than good. Communities had poor access to medical experts and supplies and misinformation generated uncertainty and fear that persists today. Yet, many communities and Indigenous organizations also responded, effectively mitigating the effects of H1N1.

The outbreak of COVID-19 thus represents a critical moment. On one hand the same mistakes could be repeated, while on the other, there is an opportunity to anticipate these in ways that Indigenous priorities play the core role in shaping countermeasures here and into the future.

The intent of this project is to provide support and resources to Indigenous communities in innovative and culturally appropriate ways during COVID-19 to better serve Indigenous communities and organizations now and into the future.