'There are angels everywhere': Montana's Blackfeet Nation donates surplus of COVID-19 vaccines to nearby town in Alberta, Canada
A recent donation of COVID-19 vaccines from the Aamskapi’Piikuni Blackfeet Nation in Browning, Montana to nearby residents in Alberta inspired gratitude for the in-demand gift, as well as criticism toward the federal and provincial governments' response to distribution.
On April 20 and 21, and April 28 and 29, a mobile drive-through clinic was set up at the U.S.-Canada border, close to the town of Cardston, Alta. Hundreds of vehicles lined up for hours for a chance to get a first or second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
The Blackfeet Nation made the donation of surplus supply after immunizing the majority of its members with both doses of the vaccine.
“We don’t want to waste our extra vaccines, so we put this idea together and look what it did,” James McNeely, the public information officer with the Blackfeet Tribe in Browning said in a release.
“Indian people are generous, and we’ve been vaccinating many people from all walks of life to help save lives and end this pandemic. This is a time for reconciliation and healing and for government-to-government relations to become stronger.”
In total, about 750 vaccines were administered.
Those hoping to get the jab lined up for hours in a parade of cars that stretch for nearly three kilometres. Some had driven for hours to get a chance at being vaccinated. As there was more demand than supply, some people had to be turned away.
As of May 3, 1,621,306 doses have been administered in Alberta, with 300,755 Albertans fully immunized with both doses.
On social media, people praised the kindness of the Blackfeet Nation, and criticized governments in Canada for their handling of vaccine distribution.
The Blackfeet Nation in Montana and Alberta gave their excess vaccines away today. My Dad showed up at 3:30AM to get in line. I'm now the proud owner of a fully vaccinated parent and one step closer to being able to see my family in Canada!
Thank you #blackfeet! pic.twitter.com/ESfPPIEoQG— Batch of Books (@denabooks) April 30, 2021
Wow, that Canadian state-run health program is really amazing isn’t it? Oh wait... those are Canadians coming to the U.S. 🤔
— Bill Farrand (@Farview3000) May 3, 2021
The Blackfeet Nation in Montana gifted their surplus COVID-19 vaccines (750 doses) to nearby residents in Alberta, Canada.
People drove for hours and lined up for miles on the highway to be vaccinated at a mobile clinic set up at the border crossing. pic.twitter.com/7gdjVYvT9F— CeeJay Yellow Hawk (@AdriftAlchemist) May 2, 2021
How did Canada get this so wrong? Thankful to Blackfeet Nation for the gifted vaccines ❤️❤️
— Tami Keller (@TMKeller) May 2, 2021
How did Canada get this so wrong? Thankful to Blackfeet Nation for the gifted vaccines ❤️❤️
— Tami Keller (@TMKeller) May 2, 2021
Thank Blackfeet Nation Montana Ur 🎁 of Covid-19 Vaccines for 🇨🇦 #ProvinceOfManitoba.My Dad said #RealLeadersLeadNFollowersJustFollow! Ur Gesture of Covid-19 Vaccines is a True Example Of Leadership In Today's🌎 Hopefully The 🌎 Learns From Ur Act of Kindness!!!God Bless💯✅🙏!!!
— Ted Howard (@tnthowardmakes5) May 3, 2021
As an Albertan who lives in the US & has spent a LOT of time in MT (my dad went to school in Butte & loved the state), this makes me feel so grateful. I have so many friends & family in Calgary who are not vaccinated & cases are soaring. Thank you to the Blackfeet people ❤️
— Tracy W 🇨🇦 (@ranch2709) May 3, 2021
This is beautiful. And yet, I am so sad. This last year was an avoidable tragedy - imagine if leaders hadn't sabotaged the notion of the common good and helping eachother.
— ✍️ Kris M Beal ✍️ (@Krazy_Kris) May 3, 2021
Alberta thanks you - even if you don't hear it from the provincial government and the Tr**p wannabe Premier.
— Nick #FBR #FBPE #RejoinEU (@hazydav) May 3, 2021
There are angels everywhere. https://t.co/zn94fLsMOt
— Elizabeth Wallace, MBA (@ElizaWallace27) May 2, 2021
Last week, Alaska’s governor Mike Dunleavy said he wanted to offer vaccines to residents in neighbouring town Stewart, B.C. and the Yukon, in hopes of creating a bubble that would encompass the region.
