In light of recent events caused by the Coronavirus [COVID-19], we would like you to know we care deeply not only for those we serve but also for our community of supporters. During this time of crisis, Indigenous People’s Movement is helping facilitate and provide essentials for children and families living throughout Indigenous communities. We are facing unprecedented challenges — not just in addressing the health and economic impacts of the Coronavirus on our organizations, loved ones and neighbors — but as a community of facing the task of tackling climate, economic, and social justice change during this pandemic.

The health and safety of our members, partners, staff, and volunteers is IPMs’ top priority. Creating community is the core of what we do. Our entire team is diligently monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it continues to evolve.

Preventing the spread of germs will help protect you and your family in your home.

Take these steps and teach children and their families to do the same: Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you haven’t washed your hands. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that the children touch a lot as required by licensing regulations. Currently, no added steps beyond routine cleaning are needed. Avoid contact with people who are sick. If a child becomes sick while in your care, keep them separate from the other children while they wait to be picked up. Encourage all families and teachers/childcare providers to stay home if they get sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough, then throw it out. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands. Make sure that children have access to tissues and no-touch trashcans. Please protect yourself with masks and gloves if you leave your home.

Please check back regularly for updates. COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease and there is more to learn about its transmission, clinical course, and populations at increased risk of disease and complications. Here is a website to assist with information: CDC COVID-19 Information. Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. IPM would like to thank all of you for your patience as we work through these issues. We are committed to you, our members every day. We know that these are uncertain times, and we are here for you. Our teams are working together to develop new and innovative ways to bring our events to you virtually whenever possible in the coming weeks or postpone important events so you can come together at a later date. Please take time to read the World Health Organization Report.

The health and safety of everyone in our community is our priority.