Events

Over the past five years, we have collectively experienced unprecedented levels of stress, grief, and compounded burnout as a result of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid spread of disease, confusing public health guidance, and lack of support resources were especially devastating for marginalized communities. Closures and mandated social isolation attempted to reduce the spread while inadvertently cutting people off from vital networks of care. Many relatives lacked stability, medical attention, and community to mourn or practice funeral rights when loved ones passed. The accumulated trauma, created by the extent and impact of the ongoing pandemic, left a profound mark on us all. Literature has, in fact, highlighted how many people experienced both trauma from the direct death of loved ones and vicarious trauma from media exposure to the suffering of others. While many have attempted to move on to a wishful “post-pandemic” existence, the unprocessed experiences and emotions continue to be palpable.

We have yet to slow down enough to understand the implications of COVID-19 overwhelm on our communities. With that in mind, NIWRC will be hosting a conversation with the community (CWC) to listen to the experiences of Indigenous community members. We want to gain a better understanding of the relationship between pandemic grief and subsequent burnout. Within this same conversation, we hope to explore the coping strategies and wellness practices that have supported our community members. We know present-day systems of care are detached from traditional healing practices, and we want to highlight the importance and need for these cultural practices as we heal.

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