Indigenous knowledge-holders explore health in a pandemic – Cabin Radio

May 22, 2020

Tłı̨chǫ Elder Nora Wedzin remembers the tuberculosis epidemic in the early 20th century. Wedzin, from Behchokò, was taken from her community as a young girl to receive treatment.

She recalled: “I was in isolation, and I didn’t know what was going on [with] me. I didn’t understand English [and] I didn’t know where my parents were. I cried for them.”

Wedzin eventually recovered and returned to her family and community.

Many decades later, the Covid-19 pandemic is presenting similar challenges to Indigenous communities in the NWT.

This time, Wedzin said her community is fortunate to have improved medical facilities, Tłı̨chǫ healthcare professionals, and more access to technology and information.