First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Here’s why

First Nations communities across Canada are being disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Here's why.

First Nations communities across Canada are being disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

The latest numbers from the federal government revealed that cases on reserves are now 3.3 times the respective rate of the general population.

Experts say the Delta-driven fourth wave coupled with vaccine hesitancy, due to years of medical racism and abuse, has led to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Meadow Musqua has a number of family members fighting for their life at Regina General Hospital, where she has spent the last week, outside, dancing to heal her kokum (grandmother) and others.

“It makes me want to break down every single day, knowing that how much of my family is getting sick catching the COVID,” the 17-year-old said while fighting back tears.

She said not getting the vaccine is a mistake.

“At least get a small vaccine, at least one,” she said. “My uncle didn’t do it and he didn’t get the vaccine and he’s paying the price for it right now.”

Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the University of Toronto, spent the summer providing COVID-19 vaccines to nine Indigenous communities.