Community collaboration in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examples of How Remote First Nations in Northern Ontario Managed the Pandemic

At the outset of COVID-19 pandemic, it was believed that Indigenous peoples in Canada would be disproportionately affected due to inequities across social determinants health as a result ongoing processes colonization. High levels overcrowding, higher burden chronic disease, reduced access clean drinking water, healthcare, and food security many rural remote First Nations northern increased vulnerability COVID-19. In Nishnawbe Aski Region Ontario, data from Sioux Lookout Health Authority indicates communities were able limit COVID -19 infection had an overall fatality rate lower than general Canadian population. The focus this research analyze public data, media reports, determine how pandemic impacted throughout Ontario. highlights direct rapid strength-based responses, Northern Ontario have managed with limited serious illness, hospitalizations, fatalities.