Alexander First Nation has declared a state of emergency and is not permitting non-member outside visitors onto the nation.
On Wednesday morning, Alexander First Nation released a statement that they will be enacting a state of emergency and banning outside visitors to the Nation. Off-reserve members are asked to limit their visits to Alexander at this time.
The visitation ban applies to all non-resident employees and contractors who enter the Nation, unless they have specific permission in writing by Alexander’s executive management team.
People and households are required to self-isolate, except when travelling for medical purposes, to get groceries or supplies and for employment off the Nation, where members are being asked to exercise caution.
Social gatherings of five people or more are banned, but this does not apply to households with five or more individuals.
Nation buildings will be closed until further notice, although essential services will still be open. Essential services include Alexander Health Services, Social development, Housing, Public Works and the Alexander Gas Bar.
The Nation will increase monitoring of these measures around the clock and will use the RCMP when needed.
“This declaration is being made with heartfelt concern from Chief and Council to protect the members of Alexander First Nation from the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are concerned with the amount of cases surrounding the Nation, including nearby counties and the City of Edmonton,” the emergency declaration stated.
“Our Nation has limited resources to assist with our most vulnerable when COVID-19 reaches our people and as such we are taking this measure to ensure we are protecting and ensuring the safety of our Nation.”
The release said the declaration is being made to ensure that Treaty right are upheld in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that Canada understand its obligations under Treaty to the Nation and members.
The Nation will be posting updates on its website and to its social media pages.
