b'COVID-19 TASK FORCECOVID-19: Our Work ContinuesBy Regional Chief Paul ProsperW hile the global COVID-19 pandemic has broughtofficials at Indigenous Services Canada (including the First Nations uncertainty and challenges, First NationsInuit and Health Branch) and the Public Health Agency of have worked hard and made great sacrifices toCanada to identify needs and ensure that regions are provided with minimize the impacts of this disease in theirfunding resources, health data and related information to support Nations. Colonial and racist structures, systems and policiestheir pandemic responses.continue to impact First Nations well-being. Factors suchWhile AFN continues to advocate for First Nations Peoples and as higher rates of underlying medical conditions, remoteFirst Nations leadership continues the groundwork to support their community access challenges, lack of access to health servicescitizens, First Nations individuals are doing their part through and health care resources, inadequate housing, lack of cleantheir everyday actions. To protect their Elders and their Nations, drinking water and lower socio-economic status make Firstindividuals are staying home when sick, practicing physical Nations particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. The AFNdistancing, practicing good hand hygiene, limiting large gatherings COVID-19 National Task Force (the C-19 Task Force) wasand wearing a mask inside public spaces. Everyone must continue established by the AFN Executive Committee to ensure Firstto be vigilant and cautious.Nations needs were addressed during the pandemic. The C-19 Task Force engages in dialogue with experts, leadership and First Nations to share information, identify priority areas and advocate for the funding and relationships required to support self-determination and to strengthen the ability of First Nations leadership to respond to the current pandemic, prepare for a potential second wave and move forward into a new reality stronger than before. Supporting this work are the Data, Reopening and Pandemic Plan working groups. Through drawing on experts in the field, these working groups are building a knowledge base of experiences and issues faced by First Nations during the pandemic to date and are using this information to inform and develop advocacy tools.In addition to the efforts of the C-19 Task Force, the policy sectors of AFN are continuing their advocacy efforts with the 46 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'