The LLRIB would like 85 per cent of band members to be fully immunized from COVID-19. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

internal council

LLRIB COVID-19 vaccine incentive extended as Omicron variant spreads

Jan 14, 2022 | 5:00 PM

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) is extending a $300 COVID-19 vaccination incentive as the Omicron variant continues to spreads across Saskatchewan.

“The internal council met yesterday and extend the vaccine incentive to March 31,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said. “It’s been extended from December and the reason is because Omicron is starting to make an impact and the cases are increasing as we see not only in our province, but across the country.”

She explained after the band introduced the incentive in August 2021, it led to a surge in members becoming fully vaccinated. Those eligible must have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, must be 12 years or older, and live off-reserve or on-reserve in La Ronge, Sucker River and Hall Lake. Other LLRIB communities have their own incentives in place.

larongeNOW requested the number of people approved for the incentive, but that information was unavailable by publishing.

In Grandmother’s Bay, 97 per cent of residents have received a first shot of a COVID vaccine and 79 per cent have had a second. In Stanley Mission, the numbers are 94 per cent and 89 per cent; in Sucker River, 89 per cent and 72 per cent; in Hall Lake, 84 per cent and 64 per cent; in La Ronge, 69 per cent and 51 per cent; in Little Red, 67 per cent for first and second doses.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

18h ago

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Cook-Searson noted the percentages for on-reserve La Ronge and Little Red are so low because some members were vaccinated off-reserve and the band doesn’t have the data from those who did. The band would like 85 per cent of eligible members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

The vaccine incentive originally was only valid until Dec. 31. (Facebook/Charlie Venne)

“I think it is important to note that the Omicron variant is starting to rise in all of our communities, so we have to be very mindful of that and continue to wash our hands, continue to be vigilant and making sure we are trying to keep as safe as possible from contracting the virus or spreading it to others,” she said.

As of Jan. 13, the LLRIB is reporting 51 actives cases with 38 in Stanley Mission, eight on-reserve La Ronge and five in Little Red. Cook-Searson mentioned, however, the correct number is likely much higher since band members are testing positive on rapid tests and are not getting a standard PCR test.

She also said the number is higher in Stanley Mission because of the accessibility to PCR testing compared to other LLRIB communities.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno