Chief, premier clash over Peguis holiday plans

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This article was published 22/12/2020 (1745 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Peguis First Nation is proceeding with its “relaxed” lockdown days this week, with its chief suggesting Premier Brian Pallister could better protect Manitoba amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of slagging band councils.

“Our restrictions are over and above what’s currently in place in our province,” Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson told the Free Press.

Wednesday marks the start of six consecutive “holiday relaxed days,” in which Peguis households are allowed to host a single Christmas visitor.

Under Manitoba’s health order, households cannot have visitors. But First Nations reserves such as Peguis, some 220 kilometres north of Winnipeg, can set their own rules in certain contexts.

Peguis got its outbreaks under control about a month ago, with the district it shares with other communities reporting 31 active cases and 257 recoveries as of Tuesday. Hudson said none of those active cases are on his reserve or neighbouring Fisher River and Kinonjeoshtegon.

“Our restrictions are over and above what’s currently in place in our province.” – Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson

Hudson argued his people know how to safely gather, even when visitors come from out of town.

Pallister has said it is a terrible idea, raising it on numerous occasions.

“COVID doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we. The provincial public health order must be followed, on reserve or off, because we’re all in this together,” the premier told reporters Tuesday.

“It’s important we all follow the rules, and that includes Peguis First Nation.”

Hudson said if Pallister is so concerned, he wouldn’t be allowing people from Western Canada to fly into Manitoba without quarantining, and track who is entering the province.

The Peguis plan involves a strict checkpoint and curfew, and registering all visitors, which, Hudson said, will help trace any outbreaks, should they occur.

“Is anybody taking a registration of who’s coming into Manitoba?” Hudson asked. “We’re implementing best practices.”

“First Nations are leading the response to protect the health and well-being of their communities, and will decide what is best for them, based on their unique local circumstances.” – Spokeswoman Adrienne Vaupshas

Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller confirmed last week he’d spoken with Hudson about the local plan.

“First Nations are leading the response to protect the health and well-being of their communities, and will decide what is best for them, based on their unique local circumstances,” wrote spokeswoman Adrienne Vaupshas.

“Our priority remains supporting Indigenous leaders as they work to protect the health and safety of their nations. We urge all community members to support and follow public health measures that have proven to save lives.”

That viewpoint continues to irk Pallister, who said Tuesday it suggests all reserves across Canada should have their own rules.

“I have to use this opportunity to urge the federal government to please come out of hiding now, and say we can’t have 630-plus different public health orders set all over the country, on every First Nation.”

On Dec. 29, Peguis will re-enter a lockdown for two days, and then allow another two days of relaxed restrictions for New Year’s eve, before locking down again.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca