A northwestern MPP is getting the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage others to follow his lead.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa publicly got his shot today, saying he wants First Nations families to know the vaccine is safe.
“It is used as a shield against the virus. As more of us get vaccinated, the end of this pandemic will be in sight. With the vaccine, we will be protecting ourselves, our languages and our traditions to thrive for future generations,” says Mamakwa.
Public health officials and Chief Gordon Beardy of Muskrat Dam First Nation asked him to take that step, after they saw some communities had very few people sign up to get the vaccine.
Neskantaga Chief Christopher Moonias adds that First Nations leaders must lead by example and get vaccinated.
“I am encouraged to hear that MPP Sol Mamakwa is also leading by example and getting vaccinated in Muskrat Dam alongside their leadership. Together as leaders, we can ease worries and hopefully encourage more people to protect themselves and our communities by getting vaccinated,” Moonias says.
