VANCOUVER: Deer Horn Capital Inc. announcec that its Indigenous partner Cheona Health is preparing to import COVID-19 test kits and other related equipment to Canada to help Indigenous peoples and all Canadians manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, management of Cheona Health is launching discussions with the province of British Columbia to supply accurate, reliable and affordable COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test kits, for which Cheona Health has exclusive access to over 1 million kits, ready for shipment, through an approved South Korean supplier.

The kits are Canada Health approved and also cleared to market under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Under Provincial and Federal laws, management of Cheona Health has registered officially to present procurement proposals to government bodies.

Cheona Health, in which Deer Horn holds a 49% interest, was formed to help Canada and Indigenous communities achieve better health and well-being. Cheona’s current focus, and urgent mission, is to work with NGOs and responsible suppliers to reduce the spread of COVID-19, while facilitating convenient and effective testing and protection for the disease.

Cheona Health is led by Indigenous Elder Allen Edzerza, whose passion for improving Indigenous peoples’ lives, communities and environmental health is well known amongst government and Indigenous peoples.

Mr. Edzerza, who is currently leading mining reform discussions with the Government of British Columbia on behalf of the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, is a prominent Indigenous leader and spokesperson in Canada. For over 25 years, he has also served as Lead Negotiator for the Tahltan Central Council, Chief Negotiator for the Kaska Nations and held several senior positions within the Government of Canada.

Mr Edzerza has served as a Premier’s Special Advisor on Indigenous issues. In this capacity, Mr. Edzerza assisted the Province to foster a better working relationship with Indigenous peoples by improving communications and coordination between the two parties.

“We see Cheona’s exclusive agreement for supplying these high-quality kits as a win-win for BC and for Deer Horn,” said Deer Horn President and CEO Tyrone Docherty. “Cheona’s intent is to bring the approved kits into Canada at fair prices that provide a tangible, long-term solution to the current crisis.”

Added Docherty, “Long term, we believe our partnership with Cheona Health will greatly benefit Deer Horn’s shareholders, both financially and in our ability to make a positive difference for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.”