Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation conducts pandemic campaign
By Adnews Staff
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta has begun a campaign called “Protect Our Elders” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, aimed primarily at a youth audience, consists of a series of videos focusing on the importance of physical distancing and hygiene, with an emphasis on the greater risk the disease poses to older people. Viewers can also enter a contest to win one of four Zoom calls with either Ashley Callingbull, Sarain Fox, Ethan Bear or Zach Whitecloud. The contest will close on June 30. The campaign also includes a website at <http://www.protectourelders.ca>.
“Elders are living libraries in First Nations communities,” said Chief Tony Alexis. “They guide and protect community members with their experiences, wisdom and teachings passed on from our ancestors. They are crucial in the survival of Indigenous knowledge, culture and traditions. The campaign was created to encourage Indigenous youth to be partners in protecting our elders, who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus.”
The videos will feature a number of Indigenous personalities, including National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Ashley Callingbull, Sarain Fox, Ethan Bear, Zach Whitecloud, Angela Gladue, Theland Kicknosway, James Jones, James Makokis, Anthony Johnson, Marika Sila, Matthew Wood, Fawn Wood and Delainee Tootoosis.