Almost half of Canada's new COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities are in Sask.

Almost 44 per cent of recent new COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities in Canada are from Saskatchewan, according to the latest statistics from Indigenous Services Canada.

That's despite the fact only about 10 per cent of the country's Indigenous people are in the province.

There were 91 new cases in First Nation communities in Saskatchewan in the first week of August, more than any other province, according to Indigenous Services.

Here is the department's regional breakdown of new COVID-19 cases for that week:

• Atlantic Canada: zero.
• Quebec: 16.
• Ontario: 13.
• Manitoba: 44.
• Saskatchewan: 91.
• Alberta: 28.
• B.C.: 16.

According to the federal government's epidemiological data of COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities, Saskatchewan has consistently been reporting the highest number of weekly cases of all regions since June 27. 

There were 208 cases reported across First Nations communities in Canada from Aug. 1 to 7.

Most reserve residents are vaccinated

Canada-wide, more than 86 per cent of people aged 12 and older in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, 65 per cent have received their second dose. But Indigenous Services says it's concerned about the new cases. 

Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, a medical health officer for Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA), told CBC Radio's The Morning Edition that a lack of mandatory isolation is making it difficult to contain the virus.

Ndubuka also suggested reintroducing indoor mask rules in the north since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the province on July 11.

LISTEN | Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka speaks with Stefani Langenegger on The Morning Edition: 

In a news release, Indigenous Services said active COVID-19 cases continue to increase, particularly in northern Saskatchewan, which has seen recent outbreaks in First Nation communities including Buffalo River Dene Nation and Black Lake First Nation.

According to NITHA, as of Monday the province is seeing six active outbreaks in its First Nations communities in the far north central (Athabasca), far northwest, far northeast and north central zones. NITHA did not provide the names of the affected communities.

Efforts to get more people vaccinated continue

The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have organized COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at the upcoming Fred Sasakamoose "Chief Thunderstick" National Championships in Saskatoon.

Spectators can get tested or receive a vaccination during the three-day hockey tournament this weekend.  

A large proportion of the Indigenous population, particularly on reserves, are children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible to get a dose.

That could put communities at risk if COVID-19 were to spread among the unimmunized as Canada enters an expected fourth wave of the pandemic, Indigenous Services said.

The department said vaccine hesitancy is also an issue. It's working with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to boost the rates of people getting shots.

It said it is also promoting public health measures including providing masks and hand sanitizers at First Nation cultural gatherings and events.