Eskasoni says thanks to frontline workers
ESKASONI, N.S — An Eskasoni resident has put together a four-minute video thanking the frontline workers in his community because he knows they’re dealing with a lot.
“When you look at their faces every face has a story and capturing those images is very meaningful, said Barry Paul Bernard.
Bernard said his son Barrie Bernard is working on the frontlines, as a security guard so he knows they face challenges they can’t always express. They're dealing with the anxiety of the pandemic while also reassuring frustrated residents because of the safety measures. Eskasoni First Nation has been under a curfew and checkpoint system since late March.
Bernard’s wife Elanor told him he should stay busy and put together a positive message for the frontline workers and let them know the number of people who are grateful they’re doing their job.
“They’re making a hard commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Bernard.
The 59-year spent time interviewing residents and frontline workers to show a message that they’re in this together. He knows people are anxious and nervous about the pandemic but wanted to show the community's resiliency.
Bernard also partnered with local artist Derek Johnson who wrote a song for the video. The video, titled "Derek Johnson - Wela'liek Eskasoni's Frontline Workers," now has about 1,800 views on Youtube.
Next, Bernard hopes to display banners throughout the Mi’kmaq communities to celebrate the Mi’kmaq graduates in Unanam’ki.
“Proud of being Mi’kmaq, I’m proud of my community and I’ll be proud to see this outcome,” said Bernard.