Almost 1,500 vaccines delivered at Métis Nation of Alberta weekend clinic in Edmonton
A temporary Métis-led vaccination clinic in Edmonton helped continue to immunize Albertans against COVID-19.
The Métis Nation of Alberta organized and hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Edmonton Inn and Conference Center from Friday to Sunday.
This marked the second Métis-led vaccination clinic in Edmonton. Several other clinics have been hosted this year across the province by the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Reagan Bartel, director of health for the Métis Nation of Alberta, told CTV News Edmonton that the Métis Nation of Alberta hosted the vaccine clinic as part of an immunization blitz.
“The Métis Nation (of Alberta) has an immunization prevalence of about 63 per cent, so we are a little bit behind the provincial average,” Bartel said. “We really want to create a barrier-free place where folks can feel comfortable to come and receive their vaccine.
“That’s why we are doing this push,” she said. “We’re doing second doses, first doses. Essentially, anybody who is ready to roll up their arms, we are here to provide that service to them today.”
For Bartel, the Métis-led clinic helps to ensure nobody is left behind when it comes to immunity against COVID-19.
The clinic was fully booked on Sunday with 450 appointments. On Friday and Saturday, the clinic had more than 800 appointments.
“We’ve made a big impact, almost 1,500 doses over the three days that we’ve run the clinic,” Bartel said.
Bartel said the clinic helped to create a safe space for Métis Nation members to come together and feel supported as they got their vaccine while also combating vaccine hesitancy. In addition to enjoying cultural music, participants were also treated to a piece of bannock following their shot.
“The mood and feel of the clinic is different,” Bartel said.
“It’s a way to support community,” she added. “For years, Métis folks have been saying we want supports and services from our community.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.