Land-based programs in Eeyou Istchee: Public Health recommendations
Our new normal is following precautionary measures provided by Public Health to protect us from COVID-19 and its variants. When organizing land-based programs out on the land, such as journey of wellness, canoe brigades, walking/wilderness programs, camping programs or summer camps, we would like to remind you to follow Public Health recommendations.
BEFORE GOING ON THE LAND
Prepare yourself
- Monitor your health: do your daily health check/pre-triage; most programs are well coordinated to get your medical check-up
- Ensure that your health will be well managed and monitored as you attend the activity out on the land
Physical endurance is required
- Know your limits
- Start exercising to develop physical endurance
TRANSPORTATION
- Designate the same two people as roadrunners for transportation such as delivery of food and supplies to the camp
- If the journey has different point of destination sites to reach, designate one person within the group to transport their fellow participants at their destination goal that is set for the day
- It is highly recommended to allow no outside visit between camps unless it is an emergency
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT COVID-19 AND ITS VARIANTS
To get an extra layer of protection, we highly recommend that each participant over 18 years old be vaccinated at least 14 days before departure
These recommendations apply to everyone, whether vaccinated or not:
- Get everyone tested for COVID-19; call the CMC for its own screening schedule
- If anyone from the land-based program shows any symptoms on the COVID-19 Daily Health Check, call the CMC
- As much as possible, limit participants , according to your community alert level
- Ensure all personal items are stored separately at the camp-site
- Encourage all participants to bring their own kitchen utensils (such as plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, spoon and dish cloths), so that they can clean and disinfect their items on their own after each use
- Disinfect most commonly used surfaces at all times
- Avoid overcrowding in tent/cabin
- Whenever you can, air out your tent/cabin
- Prohibit alcohol and drugs at all times
- Ensure you have a trained person in your group about the Bush Kit (First Aid)
- Ensure community public safety is well informed about number of participants you will have out on the land-based program, and exchange their contact information.
- Collaborating with public safety will support any emergency you may need during your program, they also can guide you as you plan out your event
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
To protect your group from COVID-19 and its variants, avoid physical contact throughout the program:
- With others from outside your camp (i.e. visiting group, workshop facilitator)
- When supplies are delivered
Recommended precautionary measures even if you are vaccinated
Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with warm water and soap, or use hand sanitizer
Stay two meters/6 feet away with persons outside of your group
Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
Wear a mask properly (to cover nose and mouth) when physical distancing is not possible with someone outside your group
If you are not feeling well:
- Inform your camp leader
- Isolate yourself from others
- Wear a mask if you cannot avoid contact
We have always held a connection to Mother Earth, being together out on the land and reconnecting with our family values. The land is healing and it brings us together. We need resilience during this pandemic; resilience is embedded in our culture. We draw our strength from our ties to the land and water. We are connected to our true being when we are at camp, it’s the essence of who we are.
Explore more
Being out on the land is a good place to be. But even in the bush, we can still be at risk of getting infectious diseases. To reduce our chances of getting sick, everyone is encouraged to follow deconfinement phase guidelines and preventive measures.
Clean your camp to stay healthy.
Continue to use care and proper hygiene when handling and preparing our harvests.
Tips for what to do if someone shows COVID-19 symptoms at camp
Prepare and use the medicine as recommended by traditional healers or knowledgeable people in your community.
