ESKASONI, N.S. — Leadership in Eskasoni enacted a health and safety bylaw to encourage residents to stay home in another precautionary measure for the Mi’kmaq community.
“This is a time for action and not reaction and will get through this as a community as we have throughout the years and not just this community, but all Indigenous communities,” said Leroy Denny, chief of Eskasoni First Nation.
Denny emerged himself from self-isolation after a trip to Ottawa last week. The act brings the community one step closer to declaring a state of emergency if residents fail to adhere to safe distancing measures.
Denny has major concerns for the community and says many are at high risk of COVID-19 because of previous conditions like cancer, diabetes and compromised immune systems.
“It has been identified that Indigenous populations are at a great risk,” said Denny.
The bylaw will outline the community's measures and protections protocol. And Denny said they must act now before the crisis hits.
The bylaw is effective immediately and chief and council will continue to monitor the risks and take further steps as needed. Denny said at least 70 per cent are following along with the precautions and mentioned everyone needs to follow those measures.
Details of the bylaw will be posted to community members soon. They are encouraged to stay home but all must follow social distancing when they go out.
“Its a black cloud and we really need to stand back and take this seriously,” said Denny.
The emergency management team director, Darlene Marshall, said residents are generally following the rules.
“They’ve been supporting us in our campaign in regards to awareness, we’ve been preparing them and we’ve been including them in every step that we’re taking,” said Marshall.
She did state some may not understand the importance of social distancing and part of the team has been encouraging people if they’re not following suit.
“We still need to encourage people to stay home,” said Marshall.
Oscar Baker III is a local journalism initiative reporter, a position being funded by the federal government. He lives in Sydney.