The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) has recently issued a travel advisory to its members, urging them to reconsider any non-essential travel to the United States. This decision comes in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the current political climate in the US.
The ONA, which represents eight First Nations in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, made the announcement on Friday, July 10th. In a statement, the ONA expressed concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the US and the lack of consistent safety measures in place.
Chief Clarence Louie, chair of the ONA, stated that the decision was made to protect the health and safety of their community members. He also emphasized the importance of following the advice of health officials and avoiding unnecessary travel during this time.
The travel advisory also takes into consideration the current political climate in the US, with ongoing protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The ONA expressed concerns about the safety of their members, particularly those who may be targeted due to their Indigenous identity.
The ONA is not the only Indigenous organization to issue a travel advisory to the US. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) also released a statement on July 9th, advising First Nations citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the US due to the pandemic and ongoing civil unrest.
The ONA and AFN’s travel advisories come as Canada and the US have agreed to extend the border closure for non-essential travel until at least August 21st. This decision was made to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 between the two countries.
The ONA is urging its members to stay informed and follow the advice of health officials before making any travel plans. They also encourage their members to support local businesses and tourism within their own communities during this time.
In conclusion, the ONA’s travel advisory serves as a reminder to prioritize the health and safety of our communities during these uncertain times. It also highlights the importance of staying informed and making responsible decisions when it comes to travel.
