COVID-19 has been devastating communities throughout the world since January, and some groups of people are joining forces more than others to make the best out of their situation. There are individuals out there that prove to the world that this pandemic does not have to be all doom and gloom; there can be hope and a bright side to it all, which is bringing us closer together.
The following are heartwarming stories that prove neighbors still truly care about each other and individuals from different cultures can come together to help lift each others’ spirits.
The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council in New Mexico has delivered over 7,000 food boxes to the most vulnerable individuals in the surrounding Native communities and in hospitals. Many Native communities, especially those in vast areas such as the Southwest, face particular challenges in trying to obtain medical assistance and basic needs due to topography, cultural factors, language barriers, and economic factors. Not only are Native people often disadvantaged, many of them are at a higher risk for developing complications due to COVID because diabetes is more prevalent among Native Americans. The Knights have been able to deliver food and basic needs to their neighbors while instilling hope as well as reminding them that they are not alone.
Tamee Livermont, a Native resident of the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota, is putting her educational experience to good use in order to help her own people during this time–literally one week after starting her new position with the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Health Board.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be working on the front lines of helping my community and other tribal communities respond to a pandemic,” says Livermont, whose job involves working with federal, state and tribal partners to increase collaboration on emerging public health needs. “But I absolutely believe I’m in the place where I’m meant to be to make a difference.”
IndigEducation Vigil on YouTube has made a video to educate his Native community on the impact that COVID-19 has had on his individual health and his family. He states that the news is flooded with articles and videos including myths and facts, but there aren’t many videos out there showing common people going through life with COVID, especially in his community.
“It is a real reality that you have to face–it can be transferred to you and your community.” Vigil states that there is no blame if you have COVID, and what communities should be worried about instead is how they can help each other get through this difficult time.
In the comments, many people thank him for being open and honest about the virus and reaching out to his Native community.
It is heartwarming to know that individuals and groups of people are physically, mentally, and spiritually supporting one another through this devastating time. The positive stories can help remind us all that there is still hope and humanity really is good overall.
Stay safe!
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says:When the world struggles to fight this pandemic, we can find comfort and courage in the above stories. Thanks for sharing.
Arlene
says:Wheres the native reservation here in Nevada I would like to help them to.
Sheila Ryan
says:Please excuse me — i have deleted my comment. I have realized that I do not have permission of the names I posted to make them public here.
Thank you for understanding.
Sheila Ryan
says:Hello — I am an elder white woman, in Phoenix, currently only available through FB — Sheila Ryan.
I’d like to share with you 2 wonderful groups — The I Have A Name Project and the ‘ Let’s Be Better Humans’ bus — which is in Flagstaff today. Jon Linton created both groups. He works with other groups as well —- the bus delivers food and supplies to many houseless neighbors — ‘ unsheltered relatives’.
Thank you. Peace
Alfredo lopez
says:Hello Paul, I’ve seen on your media as in many like it, that you offer the service or way to persons to be able to ” Research ” their native roots or heritage. Has anyone ever thought of the people whose ancestors did not end up in reservations, but in hiding with the already in place people of mixed blood. We know who we are and where we came from, but, because of the mindset that so many tribes have adopted, we are outsiders in our own lands and strangers to our blood relations.