By Alistair Mulholland | Indian Voices
Early in the pandemic, Native Americans saw rocketing rates of hospitalization and mortality among their neighbors and loved ones, which were much higher than any other groups in the country.
So as soon as Covid vaccines became available in January 2021, Native American leaders around the country collaborated with local health agencies setting up vaccination centers to vaccinate all qualified Natives. It was a success. Suddenly, over a short period of time, indigenous people attained one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation.
But the case for Native Americans in San Diego County is totally different. According to SanDiegoCounty.gov there are currently 21,771 (.6% of total population) people in San Diego that identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native. Of that total 39.1% have been vaccinated, which represents the lowest percentage of vaccination among all other racial/ethnic groups in San Diego.
Native American Settings in San Diego County
Not known by the general public, the US-Mexico border between San Diego and Tijuana also marks the divide of the Kumeyaay Nation that predates the two countries. Over the years, there have been frequent social interactions between Native Americans on the Northern side of the border to extend resources to their relatives in the South, however limited in scope.
