“There was never any doubt in my mind that I would get the vaccination”
Nunavik elders are quickly filling up appointments to be immunized, as the region administers its first batch of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine this week.
Johnny Watt, a resident of Tusajiapik Elders’ Home in Kuujjuaq, was the first person in Nunavik to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on Sunday, Jan. 17. Watt has a history with vaccines: he helped deliver the measles vaccines to camps by dogsled team in the early 1950s. Nunavik received its first batch of 1,000 doses of Moderna’s vaccine this past weekend. Immunization will begin in the region’s other communities this week. (Photo courtesy of the NRBHSS)
Cases confirmed in Whapmagoostui, adjacent to Kuujjuaraapik, as well as in Kuujjuaq
A waxing crescent moon hangs in the sky above the Koksoak River near Kuujjuaq, as seen from the Range neighbourhood on the afternoon of Jan. 16. “Further out in the middle of the river, there’s still a huge strong river flowing,” writes Malaya Qaunirq Chapman. “This warm weather is wild for January.” (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
Those with priority to get the vaccine will get a call from their local nursing station, according to the regional health board
Caribou, part of a herd of several hundred, are seen passing about two kilometres from Inukjuak on Wednesday, Jan. 13. (Photo by Sylvain Paradis)
Kuujjuaq residents gather to cheer on snowmobile racers during an event organized by the community’s youth committee Jan. 10. (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
Five new out-of-region cases confirmed Jan. 13
Region plans to immunize 13,000 residents by mid-March, public health director says
Jesse Mesher competes in snowmobile races held by the Kuujjuaq Sivulirtisait Youth Committee Jan. 10. She ended up placing third among six racers. (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
“I believe that this is a step in the right direction”
Jeanie May competes in snowmobile races held by the Kuujjuaq Sivulirtisait Youth Committee Jan. 10. May won both her division categories, in time trials and in a race against five other women. The races are held each year around a course at Stewart Lake. (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
Charlie Watt, Pita Aatami and Noah Cain running to lead Nunavik’s Inuit birthright organization
“Right now our focus is our self-determination”
18-year-old victim recovering in hospital
Starting Jan. 9, only residents, beneficiaries and essential workers may fly to the region
But Nunavimmiut travellers to the south must adhere to new restrictions
A Kuujjuaq dog team is seen framed by a qamutik Dec. 31. (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
Nunavik health board says vaccination campaign should start in February
Kuujjuaq children gathered Dec. 30 to toboggan and play games like tug-of-war organized by the northern village’s education committee. “It was beautiful to witness many kids have fun and laugh,” said committee member Lavinia Flaherty. (Photo by Malaya Qaunirq Chapman)
Resident of Kuujjuaraapik tested positive on Dec. 31
Jeannie Pootoo Gordon’s colourfully decorated home took top honours in Kuujjuaq’s holiday lights competition this year, held Dec. 24. Gordon won $2,500 for her efforts. (Photo by Isabelle Dubois)
Jason Annanack steers his dog team through the streets of Kangiqsualujjuaq Dec. 24, as part of that community’s annual Christmas races. (Photo by Felix St-Aubin)
“I think we’ve created a new tradition here”
ᓄᓇᕕᒻᒥᐅᑦ ᓄᖅᑲᕐᔫᒥᕗᑦ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕕᒡᔪᐊᕐᓇᒧᑦ, ᐱᓕᕆᓕᓚᐅᕐᒪᑕ ᐃᓄᒃᔪᐊᒃᒥ ᐃᒪᕐᒧᑦ ᐆᒻᒪᖅᑯᑎᓕᕆᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᖃᕋᓴᐅᔭᓄᑦ ᐊᑦᑕᑕᕈᓐᓇᐅᑎᓂᒃ ᐱᖃᖅᑎᑦᑎᔨᐅᔪᑦ ᐅᓄᓗᐊᕈᔾᔨᓯᕗᖅ
