MESSAGE TO CITIZENS: CAFN Planning for COVID-19

March 11, 2020

Dear Citizens:

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) is taking a cautionary approach to plan and prepare for the COVID-19 virus.  There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the Yukon, and there is no imminent threat to our communities.  However, the situation could change quickly and we want to be prepared in case circumstances change. 

An immediate precaution we have taken is to postpone large meetings, including the Special General Assembly and Elders Senate, originally planned to take place this month.  Smaller community-based events will carry on based on current knowledge of the situation. However, these events may be cancelled if circumstances require.  We are taking additional steps to ensure the most sanitary conditions at all CAFN facilities and when serving food. 

Within the government we are implementing additional precautions for our staff and leadership, including restricting all work-related travel to the Yukon Territory and ensuring sick staff stay home.

Many other steps are underway at CAFN to plan and prepare for the weeks to come.  We are making the health of our Elders and vulnerable Citizens a top priority.  

What can you do?

We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy and safe.  Please wash your hands often with soap and water, cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and monitor yourself and family members for symptoms. 

We also encourage you to keep yourself informed.  Good sources of information include:

• Yukon:  https://yukon.ca/en/information-about-novel-coronavirus-yukoners
• Canada:   https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html

We care about our Citizens and are committed to communicating with you and sharing more information.  Please watch for more information as our efforts to continue.

Gunałchish,

Kaaxnox, Dän nätthe äda

Steve Smith, Chief