The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) website is designed to serve as a resource for compiling and sharing information related to the language, culture, arts, history, and current affairs of the eight First Nations language groups of what is now known as Saskatchewan: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakoda, and Lakota. It has been established to assist First Nations people, educators, students, government agencies, and the general public in gaining access to information pertaining to Saskatchewan First Nations.

A Message from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre regarding COVID-19
March 17, 2020

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre’s (SICC’s) mandate is to protect, preserve and promote cultures and languages of the First Nations people of Saskatchewan. We do so by committing and continuing in learning our ways, speaking our languages and living our lives as given by the Creator. SICC supports First Nations communities the best way we can.  This applies in good times and in not so good times. We are now entering into worrisome times. We must always remember our First Nations teachings and ways of being as these have upheld our people through many dark times. Our teachings and ways of being will serve us well again.

We have spoken with our Elders Council who have let us know that they are in a prayerful time. They are urging everyone to remember your teachings, as they are going to get us through this. We must pray for one another and ask the Creator to guide us and protect us, to keep level headed and not panic. They have reminded us that the Creator gave us our sacred medicines to use. During these times, many often forget our ways of life, but it is language and culture that will get us through. In all our First Nations cultures and traditions, we are taught life is sacred and to treat every person, from the tiniest children to the oldest Elders with respect at all times.

During this viral pandemic, special attention should be given to the children and Elders as they are the most vulnerable:

• Remember that there are some Elders who are limited with mobility, with compromised immune systems and they will need our support by helping with traditional medicines, western medicines, and access to needed medical services and nutritious food. Check-in with and help the Elders and the small children.

• Remember that some children, who are not able to care for themselves, will need a safe space to go to with nutritious meals and things to do for the minds and bodies. Organize, protect, and help our children especially since the closing of schools and gathering places.

We must pray for each other and help each other as best we can:

• Smudge with sage, sweetgrass, or cedar as it essential for prayer, it helps clear the air and eases anxiety. Give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for good things the Creator has given you and others, and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day.

• Boil pine needles and cedar on your stove as it helps to clear the air and the odor also eases anxiety. If you have this knowledge, take this time to teach your children about traditional medicines and traditional food.

• Show respect, that is to feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something, consider the well-being of, or to treat someone with courtesy.

• Speak in a soft and gentle voice, especially when you are in the presence of children, Elders, and strangers.

• Show others respect for their beliefs.

• Listen with courtesy to what others have to say.

• Our homes should strive to be holistic, positive, safe, and fun.

SICC recommends safety measures as outlined on www.saskatchewan.ca. As a respiratory illness, the best method to protect yourself against coronavirus is to practice everyday preventive actions, including:

• Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);

• Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

• Practice safe social distancing at all time;

• Maintain safe food practices; and

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Sickness/Possible Exposure to COVID-19:

If you are sick, please stay home, monitor your symptoms, and take care of your personal health. For individuals who have traveled internationally recently, there are specific guidelines as set out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The COVID-19 risk is being described as low for those living in Saskatchewan. Please visit www.saskatchewan.ca for the most up-to-date information.

Currently, SICC offices are closed to the public, several staff is operating at reduced hours, and no staff is traveling. We are continually assessing the situation and as such, are ever-evolving as we strive to be both pro-active and responsive to the current climate.

Wanda Wilson
President
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre

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