Tag: Emergency Management

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COVID-19 Memo

Emergency Management Team Memo: Update on COVID-19

To: Members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

From: Emergency Management Team (EMT)

Date: March 17, 2020

Re: UPDATE: COVID-19

Tansi Membership,

The Emergency Management Team (EMT) continues to meet daily to address the many concerns that are being raised by community members.

Here is an update on some of our activities to date:

  1. Supplies have been purchased to provide a basic care package to assist with disinfecting your home for community members. Due to commercial demand these supplies are limited. Delivery will be door-to-door over the next couple days. Distribution will begin today, Tuesday, March 17th.
  2. Social development clients are asked to contact the Band Office via phone and leave your name and number so that Social Development staff may contact you. Social assistance will be disbursed on Tuesday, March 31st. Distribution will be conducted like a drive-thru so that clients/staff interaction is limited. Distribution will be conducted at the Arena parking lot. Additional specific instructions will be provided soon.
  3. The Public Works department has advised that only EMERGENCY situations will be handled until the situation improves. Emergencies include: a) Furnaces – no heat; b) no water; c) sewer problems; d) no power.
  4. A separate Willow Cree Health Services Memo will be distributed shortly.
  5. At this time, we are requesting our hunters and gatherers to contact the Band Office and leave your name and number.
  6. Information on the upcoming Nominations and Elections will be provided on Wednesday, March 18th. We expect that significant precautionary measures will be in place to ensure the safety of our community members, while maintaining the integrity of the election.
  7. Elders and sickly in our community are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. We are encouraging families to check on our Elders and sickly in ways that limit actual, physical contact. Make sure they are receiving medications and their prescriptions are being filled. If shopping is needed, please offer these supports; and anything else that may be needed. We strongly recommend that one (1) CHAMPION from each family is chosen to support our Elders and help keep them informed. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of LIMITING physical contact with our Elders. Please do not place them in a situation of unnecessary risk.
  8. The Canada Child Tax Benefit will be distributed by the Government of Canada on Friday, March 20th as normal. We are encouraging community members to avoid taking families on outings as this could potentially increase the risk of exposure to your families to COVID-19, and subsequently cause an outbreak in our community.
  9. We are working with Education department officials to address some of the concerns community members have raised while our schools are closed. More information will be forthcoming by the end of the week.

If you suspect you may have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or you have traveled abroad within the last 2 weeks, you can use this SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL to see if you should be tested for COVID-19.

The most important thing at this point in time is our collective effort to ‘flatten the curve‘.

You can do your part by:

  1. Practicing ‘social distancing’: 2 metres or 6 feet apart, avoiding unnecessary travel, avoiding shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
  2. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly;
  3. Staying home; and
  4. Practicing proper cough etiquette (into your sleeve or shoulder).

In closing, we understand that these are challenging and worrisome times in our community, but in order to protect the health and well-being of our community members, we all have to do our part. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our plans as the situation evolves. Our primary methods of communication will continue to be our text blasting service (to subscribe text “BOCN” to 393939), and our nation’s website (http://bocn9697.com), and social media (Facebook/Instagram).

If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, or thoughts, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team at the Band Office: 306-467-4523; or email: emergencymgmt@beardysband.com.

Thank you,

– Emergency Management Team

Categories
COVID-19 Statement

Statement from the Chief: COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2020

STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF: COVID-19

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement was released by Chief Petit in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“During this time, we are asking that membership please take all recommended precautions to ensure that you are doing your part to help stop the potential spread of the virus; language and behavior that can cause undue panic in the community does not help anyone. If you have legitimate information, recommendations, or solutions, please share those – everyone’s input is welcome.

The BOCN has in place an Emergency Management Team (EMT) consisting of leadership, health, and other staff who are trained in preparation for all kinds of different emergency scenarios. These individuals continue to monitor the situation for any changes as they occur locally, provincially, and nationally.

Since before the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement that the situation had been upgraded to a pandemic, preparations had already been underway to update and formulate the plan for how we as a community would deal with the situation as it unfolded. During the past few days, the EMT has met daily to review information as it comes in; and following the latest reliable medical advice, news reports, and the decisions that are being made by other governments. The EMT is using all tools available to keep the community informed.

Information will continue to be shared through:

    1. Text Blasting – this is the easiest, most efficient way to keep informed. Simply text “BOCN” to 393939 to be added to the service.
    2. Website – http://bocn9697.com.
    3. Social Media – only reliable, relevant, and credible information will be posted to the Chief & Council Facebook and Instagram accounts.
    4. Direct Delivery – to on-reserve households will continue as the situation warrants.
    5. Local Radio – 103.3 CHIT FM. Timings will be announced.

Please do your part by sharing information with your clans, families who might not have access to the above methods of information distribution.

**THE MAIN MESSAGE THAT IS BEING SHARED WORLDWIDE IS TO CONCENTRATE ON STOPPING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS**

You can do your part by:

    1. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly;
    2. Practicing proper cough etiquette (into your sleeve or shoulder)
    3. Practicing ‘social distancing’: 2 metres or 6 feet apart, avoiding unnecessary travel, avoiding shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
    4. STAY HOME.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this difficult time.

An updated information package is being prepared and will be delivered as soon as possible.“

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Chief & Council Communications
communciations@beardysband.com  |  306-467-4523

Categories
COVID-19 Statement

Emergency Management Team Statement: COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 12, 2020

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM STATEMENT: COVID-19

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement was released from the Emergency Management Team (EMT) in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic:

“The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.

The Emergency Management Team – Councillor Kevin Seesequasis, Councillor Jeremy Seeseequasis, Emergency Response Manager, Brenda Seesequasis, Director of Health, Kim Jonathan, Emergency Management Assistants Carmel Cameron and Loressa D’Jonaire, Community Health Nurses Mary Salisbury and Carrie Hadland, the Chief Executive Officer, Jaye Cameron, and the Chief Financial Officer, Daryle Gardipy – met this afternoon and well into the evening to discuss the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue planning a responsible path forward.

The Emergency Management Team is taking this issue very, very seriously.

Many questions have been posed to members of Council, and to members of the Emergency Management Team.

We would like to update you on our response to-date, what steps we’re taking moving forward, and answer some urgent questions.

To date, we have:

    • Conducted a community information session with Dr. Khan, the Regional Medical Health Officer with Indigenous Services Canada during Emergency Preparedness Week last week;
    • Sent multiple text blasts with relevant, reliable information to educate community members about COVID-19;
    • Distributed door-to-door, detailed information regarding COVID-19;
    • Allocated funding to purchase additional disinfecting and cleaning supplies for public buildings; and
    • Reviewed the BOCN Pandemic Plan to ensure our community is prepared to responsibly deal with this situation.

Due to the rapidly evolving local, regional, national, and global situation, we are taking the following precautionary measures:

    • Individuals arriving back home from anywhere out-of-province will be required to self-monitor for a period of not less than 14 days;
    • All individuals entering public buildings shall be required to sanitize/wash their hands prior to conducting their business;
    • All public gatherings have been cancelled including:
      1. Community and sporting events;
      2. Out-of-community forums, workshops, professional development and training events, and conferences;
      3. Gym/Youth Centre activities; and
      4. Health Centre groups and events (essential services will still be delivered).

*NOTE: the cancellation of public gatherings does not include cultural ceremonies – these activities are encouraged to continue – please pray for our community.

    • All non-essential travel amongst Band staff has been cancelled;
    • In consultation with, and on the advice of Dr. Khan, the Regional Medical Health Officer, the decision has been taken NOT to close the schools AT THIS TIME;
    • Mandatory hand-washing at all public institutions and CRCEC/CBMES/Daycare shall be instituted daily at 11am and 1pm OVER AND ABOVE regular hand-washing practices;
    • Special provisions for Social Assistance day will be made – detailed instructions and information will be provided at a later date;
    • Each household will also receive a jug of soap to support the primary method of prevention. Additional details will be provided at a later date;
    • All custodial staff will receive information on how to effectively disinfect surfaces using appropriate products; and
    • The Emergency Management Team will meet daily to assess the situation and adjust plans accordingly.

We wish to reinforce a few things to community members:

    • The most important step you can do to protect your family and prevent an outbreak in our community is to simply – AND THOROUGHLY – wash your hands! When done in conjunction with proper cough etiquette, social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet), avoiding unnecessary travel, not shaking hands, and frequent disinfecting, we can all do our part to prevent an outbreak from occurring in our community.
    • Do not panic. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Regional Medical Health Officer maintain that the risk to residents of Saskatchewan is generally low. All our decisions are being guided by up-to-date medical advice, experience, and common sense.
    • Do not share inaccurate information or jokes about COVID-19. Inaccurate information on social media has a common tendency to be taken seriously. Let’s all work to ensure our community has the most accurate, up-to-date information possible and that we’re all working collectively to prevent an outbreak.

These steps are initial, temporary measures put in place to reduce the risk of an outbreak today. As the situation evolves, additional measures may be taken to prevent and/or combat an outbreak in our community.

We will continue to provide detailed information about our on-going efforts to prevent an outbreak using 4 primary methods: Door-to-door delivery, our Nation’s website: http://bocn9697.com; the Chief & Council Facebook page; and our text blasting software.

In conclusion, our Emergency Management Team is working diligently to prevent an outbreak in our community. All BOCN members are strongly encouraged to join the BOCNs Text Blasting service to receive up-to-date information. To subscribe, simply text “BOCN” to the number 393939.”

– 30 –

For medical information, please contact:

Willow Cree Health Services: 306-467-4402;

or visit: Saskatchewan.ca/covid19

For general information, please contact:

Chief & Council Communications: 306-467-4523  |  communications@beardysband.com

Categories
Memo

MEMO: Possible Power Outages

To: Membership, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

From: Brenda Seesequasis, Emergency Management Coordinator

Date: December 4, 2018

Re: Possible Power Outages

Dear Membership,

This memo is to inform you that there have been major power outages reported in southern Saskatchewan due to the accumulation of frost and ice on power lines and around transformers. We are monitoring the situation but are asking that you take the precautionary measures needed to keep your family and household safe and warm in the event of a power outage and severe cold weather. Here are some quick tips:

  1. Make sure you have candles and matches/lighters readily available.
  2. Have an extra cell phone battery handy or a backup battery bank.
  3. If you have water jugs please fill them and have them ready. Use empty pop bottles or empty milk jugs if you don’t have water jug. You should store water for drinking, bathing, and for the toilet.

You can find more information on power outages on our website: http://bocn9697.com/emergency-management/power-outages/

You can find more information on severe cold weather on our website: http://bofn9697.com/emergency-management/cold-weather/

Be prepared!

 

Sincerely,

Brenda Seesequasis
Emergency Management Coordinator

 

Categories
Statement

Councillor Statement: Emergency Preparedness Week

For Immediate Release

April 30, 2018

COUNCILLOR STATEMENT: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement and information was released today by Kevin Seesequasis, Councillor in charge of Emergency Management regarding Emergency Preparedness Week for the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation:

“2018 marks the first year the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has observed Emergency Preparedness Week. Our activities begin Monday, May 7 and conclude Friday, May 11, 2018.

We have planned a week of activities and events to create awareness of Emergency Management responsibilities and functions within the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation. Emergency Preparedness Week is a collaborative event undertaken by our Emergency Management department and supported by several partners including the RCMP, STARS, Rosthern Ambulance Care, Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management, and the Canadian Red Cross.

As we come to Emergency Preparedness Week, I am encouraging all members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation to participate in our activities (see list below), and take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

  • Know the risks
  • Make a plan
  • Get an emergency kit

Here is a list of our Emergency Preparedness Week activities and initiatives:

Monday, May 7:
  1. Tornado Warning Siren Test – in conjunction with the BOCN Fire Department, we will conduct a Tornado Warning Siren Test on Monday, May 7th beginning promptly at 2pm. Listen for the Siren, tell us where you live, and call 306-467-4523 to let us know if you heard it (or didn’t).
  2. Introduction to Emergency Management – with our Canadian Red Cross partners, we will inform our community on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster, play some interactive games, have a delicious meal, and win some great prizes! Join us beginning at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Tuesday, May 8:
  1. “Kiyas”: A talk with Elders on Emergencies ‘back in the day’ – a chat with Elders to discuss how our ancestors dealt with emergency situations, the role of families and kinship, and the idea of perseverance and community. Join us beginning at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Wednesday, May 9:
  1. Be Prepared: Tornado Teachings, Fire Safety, Extreme Weather, and Climate Change – information on how to be prepared for a tornado, how to prevent fires in your home, how to prepare and respond to extreme weather, and how Climate Change is impacting our community. Join us beginning at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Thursday, May 10:
  • No activities planned/scheduled.
Friday, May 11:
  1. CBMES Classroom Talks – our partners will engage in age-appropriate discussions with our babies on “Stop, Drop, and Roll”, “Quick, what’s the number to 9-1-1”, “Cops are your friends”, and so much more about the role First Responders play in emergency situations and how kids can help! Kindergarten to Grade 4, 9:30am.
  2. “Emergency Preparedness and You(th) Expo” – an expo full of interactive games, opportunities, and lessons from First Responders. Grades 5 – 9, CRCEC Gym, 1:30pm.

Building awareness of the risks to our community is a great first step toward preventing disaster. It is my sincere hope that all members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation will participate in our Emergency Preparedness Week activities and work with us for the safety of all our community members. By taking an active role, you are helping to build a community that will be prepared not if, but when disaster strikes.

 With your help, we can all know the risks, and develop a plan to prevent disasters in our community.

PS – let us know you’re coming! Click here to RSVP on Facebook.”

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523  |  communications@beardysband.com

Categories
Statement

Councillor Statement: Total Fire Ban

For Immediate Release

April 26, 2018

COUNCILLOR STATEMENT: TOTAL FIRE BAN ISSUED FOR BOCN

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement was released today by the Councillor in charge of Emergency Management, Kevin Seesequasis:

The weather has been kind to us these last couple days. Our prayers for ‘winter no more’ have been answered. But along with this change in weather – high winds, very little rain, a blazing sun – comes some very dry conditions that are favourable for wildfires.

In consultation with our Fire Crew Chief, we have instituted a mandatory TOTAL FIRE BAN. This means that fires are not permitted on the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation. (This does exclude cultural and ceremonial fires).

Please be extra vigilant. The last thing we need is a house burning down (or worse). Our Emergency Management department staff, in consultation with our Fire Crew Chief, will assess the situation when conditions improve and will advise when it may be appropriate to lift the ban.

It is my hope that we will all do our part to respect the provisions put forth and work together to prevent catastrophe.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Reed Gamble, Fire Crew Chief
306-467-4523

or

Brenda Seesequasis, Emergency Management Coordinator
306-467-4523