COVID-19 and INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the world and here at home in Canada, we know the risk of spread and severe outcomes has hit marginalized and vulnerable populations the hardest.
Social determinants of health, such as overcrowded housing, lack of health professionals, poor infrastructure and chronic diseases have magnified the disproportionate burden born by Canada’s Indigenous communities during a pandemic.
Our Response
When schools shut down and social isolation measures were put in place, our first priority was to communicate with teachers and community leaders to understand the rapidly changing needs – and determine how we could help.
Being a reliable partner is a key component of any relationship, but especially important when it comes to vulnerable children and youth.
Programs
Working together with teachers and schools, we adapted our regular sport and play programs so that they are now being delivered online, or directly to children in their homes.
Our work to engage, empower and inspire has continued. By connecting with each school individually we have:
Created a series of games and activities videos for children to access and participate in online, at-home.
Developed weekly activity and play cards that are delivered to homes, for those children who do not have access to technology.
Continually adapted our programs to be responsive and supportive to the communities, children and youth we serve.
Mental Health
The mental and emotional toll of the crisis is enormous. Children and youth have had to deal with disruption to routine, isolation, stress, anxiety and uncertainty as the world around them changes in response to a global pandemic.
As an organization whose mandate is health and wellness, we know we have a critical role to play throughout and in the aftermath of the pandemic – particularly as it relates to supporting mental health for Indigenous youth.
Looking Ahead
Working with health experts and using scenario-planning to develop evidence-based practices, we are continually increasing our capacity to ensure that our sport, play and land-based activities prioritize strengthening mental and emotional health during, and in the aftermath of the pandemic.
When school resumes and regular activities begin, we will be there with programs that promote and support social connection and healing activities. We are committed to building whole population mental wellness and resilience through sport and play activities.
We know that the important work we have done to connect Indigenous youth to sport, activity, the land and to health must continue - now more than ever.
Donate
Our commitment to assist Indigenous communities by promoting health and well-being through Spirit North activities has never been more important. Your generous donations help to bring hope and joy to Indigenous youth and their communities.