The Skeena
This has been a hard year and it’s bound to get harder as we get deeper into the winter. But there are things you can do right now to make dealing with the pandemic easier. (Here are some suggestions from our recent event ‘Fighting COVID In The Skeena.’)
The B.C. First Nations Health Authority recently interviewed First Nations youth across the Skeena Region and other parts of B.C. about their coping strategies for an unusual and stressful time.
These are some of their responses:
Brandon Gosnell, Haida and Nisga’a First Nations: “I’m keeping well by exercising every day – whether it’s a walk in the park or going to the gym. For me, physical activity keeps me happy while staying safe in isolation.”
Michelle Gregoire, Talhtan and Tlingit First Nations: “To keep myself well during the pandemic I’m going a little easier on myself. I’m enjoying hobbies that normally I wouldn’t do because they’re not ‘productive’. This is the time to do those things – and recharge.”
Megan Metz, Haisla First Nation: “For me, staying well during COVID comes with connecting to my spirituality and healing my spirit. It comes with harvesting our traditional foods and medicines. It comes with speaking x̄a’islak̓ala, my native tongue, learning my family history and the history of my Nation. It comes with singing, drumming, and dancing to our songs.”
Check out the rest of the responses from First Nations youth here.
