Siksika responds to upswing in COVID-19 cases

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation has closed its schools and homeless shelter following an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among its residents.

As of Nov. 4, there were 18 active cases of COVID-19 being managed by Siksika Health Services, 11 of which were on Siksika Nation, according to Chief Ouray Crowfoot, via video address. In response, Siksika Nation has announced multiple institution closures.

“Siksika Health Service is working diligently to contain further spread and to support all families who are affected by COVID-19,” said Crowfoot.

There is a moderate, controlled COVID-19 activity on the nation, with numerous controlled clustered of COVID-19 cases, he said.

All Siksika Board of Education schools will be closed for the remainder of the week, according to Lenora Rabbit Carrier, superintendent. Operations and maintenance staff will be performing a “thorough, deep cleaning and sanitization” while the buildings are vacant.

Old Sun Community College will also be closed to all students and instructors until further notice, according to the administration.

The Siksika Shelter Centre was closed Nov. 3 to 4, according to a Nov. 2 announcement by Siksika Family Services Corporation.

The Deerfoot Sportsplex closed Nov. 2 and 3 due to COVID-19 risk, said Crowfoot. But the gym side will remain open for the public for the Siksika flu clinic and weigh-in bookings. The arena will reopen when it is deemed safe to do so, under the direction of the Siksika public health team, said Crowfoot.

Additional updates will be provided as they become available, said Crowfoot.