February 13, 2021, CityNews
WINNIPEG – Canadian researchers have developed a new app that is designed to help Indigenous communities around the world with their COVID-19 pandemic response.
The “COVID-19 Indigenous” app was created at the University of Manitoba in partnership with Indigenous leaders. It is considered the first of its kind.
Evan Chamakese, the community outreach coordinator with the “COVID-19 Indigenous” project, says the app will allow communities to document impacts and responses to the pandemic in real time. He says communities will have full control of their own data.
“What we have been hearing over the past several months is that First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities face barriers from accessing their own health data,” said Chamakese. “So what this project does is it will enable them to collect their own data and respond to any impacts, reducing reliance on any outside agencies of governments.
“And it will also help communities track changes for the health and well-being of its members.”
The app is available for both Apple and Android users and specifically designed for Indigenous communities in Canada.
