A moment of silence was held Jan. 18 across Saskatchewan. (ID 99367009 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com)

By Angela Brown

Moment to reflect

Moment of reflection held to recognize those impacted by COVID-19, and be hopeful for the future

Jan 18, 2021 | 5:27 PM

People had an opportunity to come together in spirit across Saskatchewan Monday morning for a moment of reflection, to remember all those impacted by COVID-19.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) asked individuals wherever they were to stop for a few moments for reflection between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

While the initiative was led by First Nations and Métis Health, people of all cultures and backgrounds were encouraged to take part.

“We need to respect this virus as an enemy, in the same way that our ancestors respected their enemies,” First Nations and Métis Health executive director Thona Longneck said in a statement. “This means we take our fear of the virus and turn it into a courageous, organized front, drawing on all our resources and traditional healing ways, including traditional medicines.”

Longneck’s message was inspired by words of guidance from the Traditional Knowledge Keepers Advisory Council.

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The moment of reflection was an opportunity for everyone throughout Saskatchewan to recognize those who lost their lives to COVID-19, as well as those still struggling with the virus. It was also a time to acknowledge the front-line workers’ efforts during the pandemic, and have hope for the future with the vaccine now being distributed across the province.

Four pipe ceremonies were held at the same time as the moment of reflection, in the personal homes of each Ceremonial Keeper in various parts of the province, following COVID-19 protocols. There were no gatherings, and the Ceremonial Keepers did not enter any facilities, to adhere to the restrictions in place.

SHA CEO Scott Livingstone reminded the public, as the vaccine is in the process of being distributed, “to continue to remain vigilant and adhere to the public health orders and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW