September 13, 2021 – The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) stands in solidarity with healthcare workers, and patients accessing care.
BCAAFC believes in our inherent collective responsibility to take care of one another. We ask that those choosing to protest outside hospitals fully consider the harmful impacts of their actions on those providing care during a global pandemic, as well as on patients accessing care and their families.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have sought scientific advice from the Provincial Health Office, public health leaders, and medical health experts to maintain our understanding of how best to protect our communities. We urge others to seek information on COVID-19 vaccination from trusted science-based sources.
We raise our hands in high respect and appreciation for the healthcare workers who give their time and energy to provide care to others, especially through times of intense pressure and loss. We extend our love and support to those in need of care, and their families, and to those who have lost loves ones, community members, and knowledge keepers due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you to the Friendship Centre staff, healthcare workers, partners and volunteers who have helped to make COVID-19 vaccination clinics within BC Friendship Centres a safe and welcoming space for community members. We need as many people as possible fully vaccinated to best protect our Elders, knowledge keepers, children, families, and neighbours.
