COVID-19 Containment in Indigenous Communities in North-West Saskatchewan: Community and Multi-Sectoral Stakeholder Perspectives

In the spring of 2020, remote Indigenous communities in the far north-western region of Saskatchewan, Canada, experienced a COVID-19 outbreak that required the collaboration of local leaders, Indigenous governments, and other multi-sectoral organizations. This study shares the stories of those involved in the response and illustrates the challenges, successes, and recommendations for future emergency preparedness. A total of 22 participants were interviewed from the impacted communities, government agencies, and organizations in public health, public safety, and law enforcement between May and August of 2021. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis resulting in the following themes: 1) Challenges, 2) Consequences, 3) Successes, and 4) Recommendations. A final knowledge translation event was held with key stakeholders, including public health professionals and community members, to co-create final recommendations for future public health responses in remote Indigenous communities. Our findings underscored the importance of community leadership, local investment, public health preparedness, and relationship building between organizations and jurisdictions. Lessons and recommendations from these stories can be applied to future pandemic preparedness in the province.