First Nations’ Survivance and Sovereignty in Canada during a Time of COVID-19

Abstract

During the novel coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019, First Nations people from more than 634 communities across Canada have continued to go beyond mere survival, after centuries of settler domination and attempted subjugation, assimilation, and eradication.1 Survivance is about more than overcoming obstacles and living; rather, merging “survival” and “resistance,” it epitomizes the collective resilience and continuation of First Nations peoples, languages, histories, and cultures across Canada.2 Undeterred by a global pandemic and a persistent narrative of disparity underscored by inequity within educational, legal, socioeconomic, infrastructure, child welfare, and healthcare systems, First Nations people and communities have demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, persistent and resilient cultural, linguistic, and traditional survival that has led to an ongoing presence and survivance.3 The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.4 On March 18, 2020, Canada began evasive action to limit the spread of the virus by closing the borders to all non-Canadian citizens, with few exceptions.5 Many measures to ensure the safety of the whole country were put into place;6 however, as global COVID-19 rates continue to increase,7 limited resources and access