For the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic among First Nations, National Chief Perry Bellegarde talks with Dr. Evan Adams, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Indigenous Services Canada. The two discuss the reasons for Dr. Adams sense of optimism due to a successful ongoing vaccine roll-out among First Nations, why the rate of vaccination is four times higher among First Nations than the rest of Canada and how this relates to falling COVID numbers. They also talk about the safety and changing public health guidelines of the Astra Zeneca vaccine, and why getting the first available vaccination remains the best way to beat the pandemic.

Dr Evan Adams is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Indigenous Services Canada and a proud member of the Tla'amin First Nation of British Columbia.

For more information on COVID-19 and First Nations, visit:

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298

Or the Assembly of First Nations website at AFN.ca

The Ahkameyimok Podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

And a big thanks goes out to the Red Dog Singers for our theme song.