Pehdzeh Ki declares community lockdown

Winter road sign in Deline by Sahtu Wildlife (Courtesy of CC BY-NC 2.0)

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in Wrigley has declared a community lockdown due to COVID-19.

Sharon Pellissey, the First Nation’s CEO and lands director, sent a advisory saying the lockdown started immediately and will be in place “until further notice.”

The advisory says there will be road blocks north of the community at Hodgson Creek and south at the by-pass intersection.

For residents that need gas, they should call Michael Pellissey at 867-495-0000. Gas station hours will be 11 a.m to 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and Saturdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Please refrain from visiting the community until lockdown is lifted,” reads the notice. “Your co-operation and respect for the community is appreciated.”

The latest territorial numbers show there are three active cases of COVID-19 in Wrigley. Community numbers are only updated on Mondays.

In an email to CKLB, Pellissey explained the lockdown was precautionary due to the winter road being open to Délı̨nę. Yesterday, public health announced community transmission in Délı̨nę and a growing number of cases.

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.