Message from Chief Robert Gloade – May 9th, 2021

Hello Everyone,

The leadership of Millbrook First Nation and staff from Millbrook’s Health Centre have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 numbers, and we are keeping up to date with the changing measures. Millbrook First Nation receives daily briefings and advice from Mi'kmaw Health and Wellness, and regular video conference calls with Nova Scotia Health including Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Strang. 

COVID-19 Prevention Measures

The spike in the numbers is certainly concerning and as a result, Provincial Health has put in place additional travel restrictions to help contain and manage the spread of COVID-19.  We have not had any positive COVID-19 cases in our community, and we want to keep it that way. Please stay as close to home as possible and refrain from travelling outside of Colchester County unless it is essential. Another new recommendation is to designate one shopper per household to limit the number of people in stores. If needed, the designated shopper can have their children or caregiver with them. We will continue to post all new measures on our website in a timely fashion. 

Vaccines and Testing

Millbrook First Nation has a top-notch Health Centre with professionals that are doing everything they can to keep our community safe. This week the Health Centre is administering additional vaccines on May 11th and 12th.  We encourage on and off-reserve members and Millbrook community members aged 16 and above to call the Health Centre to book an appointment for our May 26th vaccine clinic.  With more of our community getting vaccinated, it adds a stronger level of protection for all of us. As an added measure of protection, please book an asymptomatic COVID-19 test to make sure that you have not been infected.  Locations of testing clinics in our area can be found on the Nova Scotia Health website.

Mental Health

Mental health is challenging for all of us during this lockdown. We miss seeing our family and friends outside of our households, and being cooped up all day can take a toll on our mental wellbeing. We have counselling and other wellness supports available at the Health Centre, and counsellors are available to speak with members by phone if that is desired.  If you know of anyone living alone or that is feeling isolated and nervous, please reach out to them by phone or social media to see how they are doing.  Some of you may be impacted by job losses due to businesses being closed down during the month of May.  We have employment counselling to help you navigate the system to access employment insurance and/or grants if your employer cannot assist you.  

We are committed to keeping our community safe, and we are doing our best to continue with the provision of services to Millbrook citizens during this lockdown.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, any of the elected Councillors or the administration if you have any questions.

Wel’alin,

Chief Robert Gloade