Indigenous leaders are encouraging people to get first doses of COVID-19 vaccines

Indigenous leaders are encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and start getting COVID-19 vaccines.

The encouragement comes as First Nations across Canada start receiving doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Six of 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island were priority recipients of doses of Moderna's vaccine last week.

Mariah Charleson, vice-president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, says the council employs nurses who are among those administering vaccinations so people see a familiar face they know and trust.

She says health officials need to work with communities to ensure the COVID-19 vaccination program is culturally appropriate.