The Canim Lake Band chief says the membership is “deep in grief” as it continues to battle a COVID-19 outbreak.

There are now 60 total cases, and Chief Helen Henderson was emotional as she explained an elder died from the virus last week at the age of 77.

“We’re deep in grief. This has impacted our community profoundly. Our elder was a key contributor to the language and to the traditional knowledge. And teaching, our traditional teaching,” she said on NL Newsday.

Henderson says all residents were vaccinated on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, with guidance from the band that it takes two weeks afterwards before the body can build up immunity against COVID-19.

She hopes the band is turning a corner as it continues to be locked down.

“Absolutely. We’ve been in response mode since Jan. 5. And the learning opportunities that have happened, our ability to pull together and respond to the needs of the people and ensure safety for every member, as well as our neighbouring community as well.

“I’m just so proud of our neighbours, and the overwhelming support to our community since we made the declaration.”

There are 234 members who live in the community, according to Henderson, who says crowded housing has contributed to the outbreak.

– with files from Jeff Andreas