Indigenous populations around the world have historically experienced—and continue to experience—both social and economic marginalization, and as a result are at disproportionate risk during public health emergencies. This has led to significant inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, measures taken in response to the pandemic have in some instances also created or exacerbated inequities experienced by Indigenous populations. This webinar will explore ethical challenges experienced by Indigenous populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, how explicit and implicit ‘vulnerabilities’ are portrayed and experienced in this context, and the role that traditional knowledge and practices have played as a source of resiliency.

• How have measures taken in response to the pandemic stigmatized or exacerbated inequities among Indigenous populations?
• It is often important to identify populations at increased risk when designing and implementing measures in response to an infectious disease threat. How should we approach these activities in a manner that avoids stigmatizing and othering Indigenous populations?
• How have discourses of vulnerability and practices of othering contributed to stigma and discrimination among Indigenous populations during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What role have traditional knowledge and practices played in Indigenous populations’ resiliency to the pandemic?