A curfew is in effect for the majority of people living around Fort Chipewyan.
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 have each put in the order for all their members.
For the forseeable future, all members must stay inside from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
ACFN Chief Allan Adam tells Mix News they need to do everything in their power to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t make its way to the community.
“We don’t have the medical facilities that everybody has the luxury of having down south… everyone else has hospitals and access to doctors, we just have four nurses.”
The three Indigenous groups are trying to stop a repeat of the spanish flu which claimed the lives of many people across the community.
Adam says many aren’t taking this as seriously as they should. Multiple members, mostly youth, have been ignoring the measures taken against COVID-19 including meeting in large gatherings.
Calvin Waquan, MCFN Councillor, says they understand some don’t agree with this measure, however, it’s in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
“It’s not a curfew, it’s a care for you and that’s what we’re really doing – caring for the people and the next generation.”
Meanwhile, Wood Buffalo council is set to debate setting a curfew for all residents of Fort Chipewyan, including non-Indigenous members, when they meet virtually at an upcoming meeting.
