A Secondary Analysis of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Mutual aid, deeply rooted in human history, has consistently emerged as a powerful mechanism of support, particularly during times of crisis. In Canada, Indigenous communities have leveraged mutual aid practices to foster resilience and collective wellbeing throughout challenges such as COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed and exacerbated the disproportionate burden of infection and mortality faced by Indigenous peoples. This study explores the experiences of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation who recorded no confirmed COVID-19 cases for the first 20 months of the pandemic, despite their vulnerabilities. Through a secondary analysis of qualitative data from sharing circles and interviews, this research explored the strategies used by members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan to safeguard their wellness throughout COVID-19. The findings provided valuable insights into health responses within Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and values into public health practices.