b'COVID-19FSIN Emergency ManagementAn update on FSINs pandemic response By Carey OSoup, Executive Director, FSIN Emergency ManagementCOVID-19 Pandemic Declared March 2020The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020 drastically impacted all nations around the world. First Nations communities were not spared from the effects of the pandemic in any manner. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have run its course and is now approaching an endemic, with most governments ceasing pandemic response activities. However, the World Health Organization has not declared the pandemic over at time of writing.As COVID-19 subsides, it is important to note that, given the sudden onset of the pandemic, First Nations communities in Saskatchewan were able to respond quickly and efficiently to the worst effects of the pandemic.COVID-19 Impacts and CasualtiesAcross Canada, there have been 3,920,000 confirmed cases and 41,600 deaths throughout the duration of the pandemic. In Saskatchewan, there have been 139,000 confirmed cases in total, accompanied by 1,395 deaths. It is most unfortunate that the total number of First Nations casualties hasControl, Access, Possession) bemust possess formal representation in not been determined. These numbersrespected in regards to the these Emergency Operation Centres.have not been tracked by the ProvinceCOVID-19 pandemic.and calculating them would require in- Canadas Support During the depth investigation and co-operationIn further regards to the goal of formalCOVID-19 Pandemicof provincial health authorities. reconciliation, it should be noted that, for the duration of the pandemic, FirstDuring the pandemic, Canada has OCAP Principles & ReconciliationNations governments were not allowedbeen consistently quick to offer up With regard to the data relatedaccess to the provincial Emergencysupport for First Nations communities to COVID-19 casualties and theOperations Centre, the vital first-handand organizations. First Nations were measurement of the full impact oninformation related to the pandemicaided in their ongoing pandemic First Nations communities in alland decisions flowing from thatresponse through funding and other locations, First Nations and theirinformation. First Nations had tosupports provided by Canada. In respective organizations must havereceive this information second-handaddition to easily accessible support full access to, and ownership of, thisand react accordingly. The FSIN is anfor individuals and families through crucial data. As a matter of formalorganization that represents the largestthe CERB benefit, Canada matched reconciliation, the Federation ofminority in Saskatchewan. In thealmost every successive wave of Sovereign Indigenous Nation (FSIN)future, and for the purpose of peacefulthe pandemic with flexible, needs-fully supports and demands theand amicable reconciliation, Firstbased funding for First Nations principles of OCAP (Ownership,Nations government organizationsandorganizations. 16OUR PRIORITY Issue 12021/22'