In Their Words

Yukon University and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) explored emerging issues during the COVID-19 pandemic within the community of Old Crow. This community-based participatory research project took place in Old Crow, Yukon and sought to hear the perspectives of citizens of the community during the pandemic. Using a strengths-based approach grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, participants described the impacts of COVID-19 in the northern Village of Old Crow on intergenerational trauma, mental wellness, social divisions created by vaccine uptake, and social isolation in an already isolated community. We also sought to learn how the health and wellness of the Vuntut Gwitchin citizens was impacted, including but not limited to, gender, the effects of COVID-19, vaccine confidence, social divisions generated through personal vaccine decisions, mental health and substance use, and the impact of long COVID. We heard how the community mobilized and reacted to the pandemic through policies and decisions, as well as programs and support offered to citizens. This project identified the lessons learned in the response to COVID-19 that could guide the response to subsequent pandemics or health emergencies that are culturally safe and strengthen the capacity of the community, as well as the health and wellness of the citizens. The participants’ perspectives reflected their resiliency, self-determination, strong sense of community, and traditional ways of knowing and being. The uniqueness of their experiences may provide insights that can support other communities that are Indigenous, rural and remote in dealing with future pandemics.