The only way through this is the vaccine
Neil Sasakamoose has two things he wants to tell people about COVID-19.
First, COVID-19 is real, and it’s dangerous. He knows that all too well. His father, Fred Sasakamoose, a former professional hockey player and a well-recognized leader in the First Nations community, died last fall after contracting COVID-19. He was 86.
Second, that the only way out of this pandemic, the only way to gain our freedom and our lives back without hurting anyone else or causing any more grief, is through vaccination against COVID-19.
Neil works for the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs. At the start of the pandemic, their focus was on protecting Elders from COVID-19. For months, he had fought the fight against COVID-19, worrying more people would get it, doing what he could to keep it out of First Nations communities, giving advice to anyone, everyone, about how to get through the pandemic. He followed the COVID guidelines for his father’s funeral, despite the fact that it hindered their grieving process.
After he lost his father, and still heard nonsense about how COVID wasn’t real, Neil lost heart and went into a dark space.
“I gave up,” he said.
But there was a small light at the end of the tunnel, still. The promise of a vaccine coming to Saskatchewan became known, and the planning began. Some Elders came to Neil and asked him to help them get the vaccine into people by telling his story, his family’s story, Fred’s story.
So Neil agreed.
Neil knows there are many in the First Nations community who are hesitant about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Some have had bad experiences with the health-care system, and have been triggered by recent events, such as the discovery of graves at the sites of former residential schools. Some still don’t believe the danger of COVID-19 is real, or have been told by religious leaders not to get the vaccine.
But to all this, Neil keeps telling them - the vaccine works. COVID is not going away. It is real – and dangerous.
“If you don’t believe me, believe my father, then,” he tells people.” We are taught not to question the Creator, but we are taught to not hurt anyone, and if we are allowed to live today, go get a vaccine.
“I can’t wait until this whole pandemic is done,” he said. “But the only way for that to happen is through vaccination.”
Neil’s mother wasn’t sure about receiving a vaccine at first, but Neil convinced her it was the right way to go.
“I told her, ‘I want to see you this summer. I don’t want you to die alone in a hospital. I want you to stay and enjoy life and visiting. Hang in there for us a while.’ And she got both of her doses,” Neil smiled.
Neil often reminds people wanting to gather and be together that the last thing you will want is for anyone to get sick from the virus as a result of that – and risk their death. Vaccination is the only way to keep that from happening.
He is doing whatever he can to get vaccines into the arms of his people. At the upcoming Chief Thunderstick National Hockey Championship, taking place in Saskatoon August 13-15, which is in honour of his father, COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available.
His message is simple.
“If you want your freedom, if you want your life back, the only way is through the vaccine.”
