COVID-19 is known to be more harmful to the elderly and people that are immunocompromised and have chronic illnesses, which is more prevalent on-reserve.

“It’s a race against the clock,” said NDP MP Charlie Angus of protecting vulnerable First Nations, particularly in his riding of Timmins-James Bay that includes Attawapiskat.

The Trudeau government announced billions in emergency funding Wednesday to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including $305 million for Indigenous communities.