March 9th, 2020

Gathering Our Voices 2020 and Health Concerns with COVID-19

Media Bulletin – British Columbia

March 9, 2020

Gathering Our Voices (GOV) 2020 is set to kick off on Monday, March 16, on Secwépemc traditional territory in Kamloops, B.C. We are excited to host over 1,000 Indigenous youth delegates for four days of cultural celebrations, leadership workshops, and social events.

Safety and health is always first and foremost in our thoughts while we plan Gathering Our Voices, and this year, amongst concerns of COVID-19, is no different. We have been in touch with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and Interior Health and we are doing everything in our power to ensure a safe and successful gathering.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) has stated, “It is not necessary to cancel school events, outings or field trips to public locations in B.C. and Canada and to most places in the world.” There have been 27 confirmed cases in B.C., which has a population of over five million, and health authorities are working to track and contain these cases.

We will continue to monitor the on-going situation and let delegates and attendees know immediately if our concern increases or changes need to be made.

Each group registered for GOV will receive information on the health and safety protocols leading up to and on-site at the event. Thank you for your support in taking care of one another. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Kamloops next week!

For more information on COVID-19:
· BC CDC Recommendation for Post Secondary Students/Faculty
· Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from CDC
· WHO myth busters – COVID-19

For more information on Gathering Our Voices:
· GOV website: https://gatheringourvoices.ca/
· Event updates: http://www.facebook.com/gatheringourvoices/
· For general inquiries, contact gatheringourvoices@bcaafc.com or 250-388-5522 ext. 241

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