CSTC says once pandemic funding is up, off-reserve band members will still require support

PRINCE GEORGE, LHEIDLI T’ENNEH TERRITORY—Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) has been involved in supporting community members amidst the pandemic through its COVID-19 Food and Shelter Project, however, once the funding ends they say the need for support may not.

CSTC received more than $142,000 in federal and provincial funding and with that more than 200 food hampers, 600 grocery store gift cards and more than 10 people were placed in secure temporary shelters at local hotels or received financial aid to pay their first months rent (after the pandemic hit).

An increased need for more support for its off-reserve band members is being forecast by the CSTC, even after the funding has been distributed, as the pandemic continues. Alberta Alec, the Projects co-lead, says that they have taken down the information of each off-reserve band member requesting help via the program.

The Project originally began as a hamper program in which CSTC members would donate, along with CSTC Tribal Chief Mina Holmes. Since then it has become a program which specifically targets off-reserve band members, incorporating the distribution of PPE to vulnerable members. In an attempt to stop any possible COVID-19 transmission, grocery cards are being mailed to members in need,