Dozens of Métis Albertans made their way to the Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre Saturday to get their first shot of the mRNA Pfizer vaccine.

“I just got my Pfizer shot and I feel happy, happy, happy,” said Rose Lewis, who received her first Pfizer vaccine shot.

“It’s a huge boost. Makes us Métis people feel like we count,” said Jason Pearson, who received his first Pfizer vaccine shot.

The Métis Nation of Alberta launched the first Métis-led vaccine clinic in Canada with collaboration from Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to protect Métis Albertans from contracting COVID-19.

“Métis Albertans have unique health needs that put us at severe health risks for outcomes like hospitalization or death related to COVID-19,” Métis Nation of Alberta director of health Reagan Bartel said.

Bartel said vaccine hesitancy amongst Indigenous peoples is high but work has been underway to educate Métis people about the significance of getting the vaccine.

While the clinic is Métis-led, organizers said all Indigenous Albertans 50 years and older are welcome to come and get their shot.

Trending Stories

• 

  
  COVID-19 variants could see B.C. set new ICU record by early April: data expert

• 

  
  Where is Canada now in its rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine?

‘It’s really amazing to see how many people are coming in and how people are excited about it,” clinic volunteer Keith King said.

One-thousand-eight-hundred doses will be administered over the four days and the clinic is only offering the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

Those inoculated are being given a reminder card to book their second shot at a pharmacy or possibly a second Métis clinic if supplies become available.

“I had community members come to me today to say I’ve never left comfortable at an immunization clinic, and today I felt like I was coming home, I felt like the community was there and greeting me, and I didn’t even feel my shot,” Bartel said.

“It’s fabulous. It’s like a community event, so it was a really good experience today. I’m really happy I came,” said Jamie Harmon, who received her first Pfizer vaccine shot.

The clinic is offering 450 doses each day until Tuesda,y and while demand is high, organizers say spots are still available.

Those eligible are encouraged to book an appointment on the Métis Nation of Alberta website or call their phone line at 587-415-4044.