PMC's Tribal Workgroup launches video encouraging COVID-19 vaccination

PMC's Tribal Workgroup launches video encouraging COVID-19 vaccination

The Protect Michigan Commission Tribal Workgroup today released a Healing Song video encouraging all Native Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect all generations, youth and Elders, of their communities.
 
“As tribal communities begin to open up and host Pow Wows again, it is important for the Native American community to protect itself from COVID as they reunite in large groups,” said Robyn Burlingham, Protect Michigan Commission Tribal Workgroup member and a citizen of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. “I am pleased to have this new resource to encourage vaccinations amongst Native Americans, because getting the vaccine is essential for our health and safety, the safety of our communities, and the protection of our knowledge keepers and culture for current and future generations.”
 
The video’s Healing Song was written and performed by Woodland Stream, a Native American drum group, and is meant to help Native American communities in Michigan and across the nation heal and move forward protecting themselves and their relatives from COVID-19. The prayer thanks the Creator for this good life and sets up the song to provide a spiritual lift to Native Americans and other communities.  

“Tribal health centers in Michigan have worked very hard to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to their communities. While Native Americans Elders have been very receptive to getting the vaccine, more needs to be done to reach community immunity,” said Jody Werner, health director at the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. “We hope that this video will reach Native Americans here in Michigan and across the country and encourage every individual to get the vaccine in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their Elders.”

“The Tribal Workgroup within the Protect Michigan Commission is a shining example of our work - developing strategies and messages to connect to their community,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, director of the Protect Michigan Commission. “We have 22 workgroups working to remove barriers for communities across the state all to support our mission of protecting our families and communities.”

More than five million Michiganders have received the authorized COVID-19 vaccine since December 2020. Native Americans can contact their Tribal Health Center or Urban Indian Health Center to schedule their vaccine appointment. More information can be found at Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.