CAFN and Haines Junction COVID-19 Vaccine Rate Highest in Yukon

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2021

Dakwäkäda/Haines Junction, Yukon –  The people of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and the Village of Haines Junction (VoHJ) have taken a major step to protect the health and safety of community members and fight COVID-19.

The vaccination rate for residents of Dakwäkäda/Haines Junction and the CAFN Traditional Territory is currently the highest in the Yukon, with 88% of eligible residents who have received their first dose, and 81% who also have their second dose.

“The health and safety of our community continues to be our highest priority, and we know that the more people who choose to get the vaccine, the better we protect ourselves and our loved ones, and help bring an end to the pandemic. Our high vaccination rate shows the strength of our community when we work together.”

Mayor Thomas Eckervogt

 “Our goal is to make sure that every person who wants to get the vaccine has access and is able to get it. We’re very proud of our community members who have looked at the science, weighed the risks and benefits, and made the informed choice to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  Dúch’į Shį – We will always do what we must do to ensure the safety of our people.”

Kaaxnox, Dän Nätthe Äda (Chief Steve Smith)

The CAFN and VoHJ Councils encourage all residents and Yukoners to keep up the good work.  COVID-19 health and safety measures are still our best tools to prevent the spread of the virus, serious illness, and death.  Please practice the Safe 6, wear a mask in public, and get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

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For more information:

Amy McKinnon, Strategic Communications Manager, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, (867) 332-1973 or [email protected]

Jenna Henderson, Communications Officer, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, (867) 334-6264 or [email protected]

Dan Rodin, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Haines Junction, (867) 634-7100 ext. 102 or [email protected]

Background:

Detailed vaccination rates as of May 1, 2021, as provided by the Government of Yukon are:

Haines Junction / Champagne	0-17	18-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70+	Grand Total (eligible 18+)	Grand Total (total population)
Count of Dose 1	0	73	104	120	139	163	105	704	704
Population Count	192	100	123	135	165	169	109	801	993
% of Eligible Population	0%	73%	85%	89%	84%	96%	96%	88%	71%

Haines Junction / Champagne	0-17	18-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70+	Grand Total (eligible 18+)	Grand Total (total population)
Count of Dose 2	0	62	87	112	129	158	104	652	652
Population Count	192	100	123	135	165	169	109	801	993
% of Eligible Population	0%	62%	71%	83%	78%	93%	95%	81%	66%

Community efforts to support the vaccine rollout in Dakwäkäda/Haines Junction include:

• United leaders and elected officials who lead by example;
• Well-organized, coordinated and unified approach by CAFN and the Village of Haines Junction;
• Community partnerships through the local interagency committee;
• Proactive communication about vaccines, vaccine clinics and where to get more information via print and online tools, with an emphasis on transparency and strong social media presence;
• Coordination with Government of Yukon staff;
• Well-informed leaders, employees, and community members;
• Access to answers to questions about the vaccine, including Q&A sessions with the Haines Junction Nurse in Charge;
• Barrier-free access through strong outreach and support to help with booking, rides, and on-site support at the clinics;
• Families encouraged to help their Elders, senior and vulnerable family members access the vaccine;
• Created welcoming spaces for the mobile vaccine clinics hosted at Da Kų Cultural Centre and the St. Elias Convention Centre;
• A science and evidence-based approach to foster informed decision-making; and
• Personal community welcomes to the mobile vaccine team by residents and the Dakwakada Dancers.