One pandemic lap around the sun and science has been moving at warp speed to save lives. As quickly as weSA国际影视传媒檝e been learning about the virus, however, misinformation has been travelling just as fast.

To ensure residents are equipped with proper data, a team from the GNWT department of Health and Social Services (HSS) have been setting up information booths in communities around the territory.

Nancy MacNeill, the HSS health promotions specialist at the helm of the project, said people have good questions and deserve good answers to address concerns.

Putting a face to the facts helps too.

SA国际影视传媒淲hen weSA国际影视传媒檙e able to do that the results are typically really good,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 important that people see that our healthcare system isnSA国际影视传媒檛 this big scary thing.SA国际影视传媒�

The team has been setting up in Yellowknife, Behchoko, Hay River and Fort Smith.

One concern that HSS has noticed repeatedly, is unease over the speed the vaccines have been developed.

Listening and providing factual, evidence-based answers, is the most powerful way to address worries, MacNeill said.

SA国际影视传媒淕oing to talk to people builds trust and allows people the space to be worried and have concerns and get those things dealt with,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淧eople deserve to feel good about getting this vaccine.SA国际影视传媒�

Dispel misinformation

Research support centre Hotii tsSA国际影视传媒檈eda shares the governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 goals of dispelling Covid myths and supplying residents with accurate, up-to-date information.

Hotii tsSA国际影视传媒檈eda supports inclusive and culturally competent health research by connecting communities and Indigenous organizations with researchers.

Through their Information is Medicine campaign, the organization is sharing , interviews with Indigenous knowledge holders and sharing circles to bring together trusted community voices with healthcare professionals.

Last week Hotii tsSA国际影视传媒檈eda hosted a .

Jennie Vandermeer, the lead on the Information is Medicine series, said feedback has so far been extremely positive.

She explained that last weekendSA国际影视传媒檚 session aired on CKLB ahead of their popular Saturday afternoon request show to maximize participation.

The event brought together Elder Rosa Mantla, chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kandola, territorial medical director Dr. AnneMarie Pegg, Indigenous youth and community wellness coordinator Cara Manual and registered nurse Rielle NakehkSA国际影视传媒檕.

It was an opportunity, Vandermeer said, to explain vaccine logistics, common side effects and handle misinformation and disinformation.

Vandermeer explains that one such myth, is the idea that in being given priority status for vaccination, Indiengous people are being treated as guinea pigs.

Pause and reflect

She said the Information is Medicine campaign asks people to think critically, pause and reflect on the information.

Having community leaders share the information in a culturally relevant way, using plain language is key, she said.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 truly about valuing our own knowledge systems as Indigienous people,SA国际影视传媒� Vandermeer said. SA国际影视传媒淲e want to make sure weSA国际影视传媒檙e not just deferring to medical experts beacsue everyone is equal. Elders, youth, everyone has their own expertise and knowledge.SA国际影视传媒�

Moving forward, the Information is Medicine series seeks to continue answering community questions and move into areas of mental health, intimate partner violence, addictions and other issues the ongoing pandemic has brought into the forefront.

Like the HSS, Hotii tsSA国际影视传媒檈eda is inviting community feedback and suggestions for next steps.

This week, HSS will be setting up in Yellowknife on Wednesday at the COOP from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Walmart from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursday the team will spend 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the uptown Independent Grocer and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Walmart.

While she canSA国际影视传媒檛 make any commitments, MacNeill said that if other communities are interested in having them, SA国际影视传媒渨e will work really hard to provide the support they need.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淪ome people just want to talk to a human being,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e available to help.SA国际影视传媒�