The Power of 100 has launched the first three days of its VaxxFest and is eager to bring it to other First Nations in Alberta and across the nation if requested.

Created by Indigenous physicians Dr. Lana Potts and Dr. James Makokis, the very first one was held at Mini’Thni (Stoney Nakoda First Nation) on Sept. 24.

"Often people can't travel, they can't get to a lot of events, so we thought let's come to the community, let's do a health care event that's fun," explains Dr. Potts. "We'll feed you, we'll give you swag bags, we'll give you information, and we'll make sure it's inclusive for everybody."

People of all ages enjoyed the festival-like atmosphere fuelled by music, emcees, social influencers, and a chance to win some great prizes. Its format was designed to attract younger members of the community. Based upon their research, Dr. Potts says it's the 17 to 35-year-olds who are most reluctant to be vaccinated.

"Our youth are the ones we're seeing in the hospitals now. We're seeing the younger generation get sick. We didn't see that a year ago at the numbers we're seeing now, so we need to ensure they have that protection."

Recent statistics indicate Indigenous people are 13 times more at risk of being impacted by the deadly virus. 

She says as Indigenous doctors, they have witnessed first-hand the impact of COVID upon the First Nations. She says community members are dying, people are getting sick, and can't get seen in emergency rooms.

"As Indigenous people, we've faced a lot of health inequities over the years related to previous pandemics, and we wanted to ensure we were reaching out in a very Indigenous-driven way."

She says there are historical reasons for the uneasiness surrounding the vaccine.

"The hesitancy and the misinformation around the vaccine comes from 150-plus years of colonization. In residential schools, they use to test vaccines on us. In the Indian hospitals, they experimented on our children, so many people don't have trust in health care. They would think this is new, and perhaps you're testing this on me to make sure it's safe."

Unlike 50 years ago, she says safety measures are now in place, but it remains a living history for many.

"I was a residential school attendee, so it's still here. These memories are still in our living days, and those stories are powerful, so we need to ensure we hear them, we validate them, and we give them good information."

Dr. Potts, who feels privileged to work in the Indigenous community, did have questions at first about the vaccine, and completed research before being vaccinated 10 months ago.

"So when my 97-year-old grandmother got vaccinated the same day as me, we knew it was safe because she's lived through many pandemics. She took it, I took it, and all of my family is vaccinated because they trust me."

It's called the Power of 100 because the aim is to have all Indigenous people eligible vaccinated. That way,  their culture, and society will remain intact 100 years from now.

Dr. Makokis says they'll travel to wherever they are needed. They've already received inquiries from beyond Alberta's borders.

He explains their inspiration comes from the buffalo herd depicted on their logo. When a herd of buffalo believes their young are threatened, they encircle them to make sure they are protected. That threat right now is COVID.

"Hopefully, things will continue to go well. We'll go wherever there is a need because our goal is to protect all Indigenous peoples. When we protect Indigenous peoples, we protect all people, and that's the herd community that we're pushing for."

Anthony Johnson is one of the social influencers involved. He likes the vibe and believes it's making a difference.

"If we get just one person vaccinated, it's a huge success, and I've seen at least a dozen so far, if not more," he said in the early goings.

Dr. Makokis and Johnson are married and will be known by many as the winners of the Amazing Race Canada Seven.

Other social influencers include musicians Fawn Wood and Dallas Waskahat.

A marketplace and double-feature drive-in were also held. 

The second VaxxFest was held at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino of the Tsuut'ina First Nation on Sept. 25-26.