COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence

Native Action Network encourages all indigenous peoples to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines protect our communities and our future. We spoke to Enduring Spirit Award Recipients Ramona, Bennett (Puyallup), Patricia Whitefoot (Yakama), Emma Medicine Whitecrow (Cherokee/Comanche), Darlene Miller (Seneca), Diane Vendiola (Swinomish), Cecelia Firethunder (Oglala Sioux), Pearl Capoeman-Baller (Quinault) and Yvette Jospeh (Collville) about the pandemic. Hear what they have to say:

Four NW artists were commissioned to share their views on the vaccine and why they chose to get vaccinated. Meet John Goodwin (Makah), Liz Rideau (Haida), Jon Shellenberger (Yakama), and Ezekiel Serrano (Quinault):

John Goodwin, Makah

The reason I got vaccinated is plain and simple. I believe in science, and I believe a person's rights only come into effect after we do everything in our power to take care of the person next to us. Just like our forefathers looked out for one another. As a child growing up in Neah Bay the question about personal rights never came up and we were all vaccinated against the various viruses. I do believe in herd immunity, and I do believe my personal rights are being protected by science.

Portland Area Indian Health Board Facts on Vaccines
 

Liz Rideau, Haida

Liz is an urban native mixed-media artist born-and-raised in South Seattle. She is an enrolled member of the Haida Tribe from Southeast Alaska and Filipino American. Her work conveys cultural diversity and pride while exploring the balance between both metropolitan and natural landscapes. Liz was a member of Native Action Network’s Leadership Cohort in 2018.

“I got the vaccine because it is my duty to protect my family, my coworkers and my community in any way I can.”

Vaccine Appointments in Washington State

Jon Shellenberger, Yakama

Growing up in a community-oriented setting, we were taught to think of our family and community when we make decisions. Prior to the vaccine, our reservation (Yakama) had experienced so much loss and there have been many friends and relatives who had passed from COVID-19. All the way up to the announcement that a vaccine was approved, I became numb to the losses because we were getting phone calls every week and sometimes it was every day. There have been some really hopeless days. But I remember the moment when my wife told me the news about the vaccine, I started really sobbing, thinking about who we had lost and how I wished they had the choice. I finally felt like I could let the tears go for them. We have seen what COVID-19 does to the loved ones left behind and the lingering effects experienced by the survivors. So, the decision to protect my family and friends was a simple one because it came at a great cost to our people. We make the choices that our late relatives could not so the future generations never have to. This is what my elders taught me.

View NAN Webinar 1 with Dr. Dakotah Lane (Lummi) and Aliza Brown (Quinault)
 

Ezekiel Serrano, Quinault

Our villages have faced many difficulties when it comes to livelihood and health. Our ancestors prayed for healing and celebrated health and wellness. Vaccines are sacred for me.

Webinar 2 "What Are You Waiting For?" with Indigenous Health Care Providers on adult, youth and pediatric vaccines.
“Not our First Canoe Journey”
— Tam Lutz, Lummi. She has spent 19 years working in public health in Indian Country

Indigenous people have been contributors to the science to fighting diseases. We are preserving culture by utilizing this science to prevent death. Vaccines save Native American lives. Review the following resources to help you make an informed decision for your family and our community.