During the COVID-19 pandemic, widely recognised in 2020, several public health measures were adopted. This included lockdowns and limitations on travel and of access to public spaces, such as libraries and community hubs.
As reported in 2020 and 2021, Indigenous communities used wholistic knowledge of health and previous pandemics to quickly protect vulnerable community members and reduce the spread of the virus. Nonetheless, health researchers reported in 2023 that the impact of COVID-19 was disproportionately higher among some—but not all—Indigenous communities.
Understandably, many Write to Read BC’s partners in isolated BC communities continue to take a cautious approach to visitors. This affects Write to Read BC projects. Before the pandemic, previous consultation and collaboration happened face to face. In time, when the partnering communities are ready, this work can continue. When invited, Write to Read BC volunteers will be ready to actively continue our partnerships across BC.