COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: what you need to know this week
February 10, 2021
The number of people in First Nations communities recovering from the coronavirus has exceeded newly reported cases for the second week in a row, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5907475
Ontario reports 1,072 new coronavirus cases, 41 more deaths
February 10, 2021
Ontario is reporting 1,072 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 281,566. Wednesday’s case count is slightly higher than Tuesday’s which saw 1,022 new infections. However, there were about 20,000 more processed tests on Wednesday than on Tuesday. On Monday, 1,265 new cases were recorded and 1,484 on Sunday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7631676/coronavirus-ontario-cases-february-10-covid19/
Media advisory: Minister Miller and Indigenous Services Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
February 10, 2021
Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Date: February 10, 2021 – Time: 12:00 PM (EST)
Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller to announce funding to advance the implementation of Joyce’s Principle
February 10, 2021
Members of the media are invited to a funding announcement with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services and the community of Manawan.
Public Hearing to Determine if TBPS Officers Involved in Investigation into 2015 Death of Stacy DeBungee will Face Disciplinary Proceedings
February 10, 2021
In a virtual hearing taking place this Wednesday, February 10th, at 1:30 pm EST before adjudicator retired Justice Lee Ferrier, officers who investigated the death of Stacy DeBungee will oppose an extension of time for Police Services Act charges being laid against them.
Walkerton Clean Water Centre to offer training at Assembly of First Nations 4th Annual Water Symposium
February 10, 2021
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre will be offering free training at the upcoming Assembly of First Nations 4th Annual Water Symposium.
In partnership with the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario (AWWAO), the Walkerton Clean Water Centre will offer two training sessions, titled “Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities” and “New Watermain Commissioning.”
Northwestern Health Unit to finish first doses of long-term care COVID-19 vaccinations this week
February 10, 2021
The Northwestern Health Unit expects to complete the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care and elder care residents in the next couple of days.
Medical officer of health Dr. Kit Young Hoon said those doses will finish being administered by the end of Thursday, with most taking place Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/northwestern-health-unit-vaccinations-1.5907730
Ontario Extends Off-Peak Energy Rates
February 10, 2021
The Ontario government is once again extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms to support those spending more time at home while the province maintains the Stay-at-Home Order in the majority of public health regions. The government will continue to hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until February 22, 2021. This lower rate is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for Time-Of-Use and tiered customers.
http://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/02/10/ontario-extends-off-peak-energy-rates/
Ontario Increases Mental Health Funding for Postsecondary Students
February 9, 2021
The Ontario government is providing $7 million to help increase access to mental health and addiction services for postsecondary students during COVID-19. The funding will provide more supports for students, both on-campus and virtually and can also be used to address the needs of vulnerable and diverse groups, such as Indigenous students, LGBTQ students and students with disabilities.
Indigenous-owned electric company prioritizes giving back to communities
February 10, 2021
Over the past two years, Five Nations Energy Inc. (FNEI) has given almost $1.7 million worth of donations to five First Nation communities and organizations in the Timmins area.
Province antes up $6.2M to help group purchase Elgin Street apartments
February 9, 2021
A provincial funding announcement Tuesday will “make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop. The province provided $6.2 million to Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) so the organization, in partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), could purchase two modular, three-storey apartment buildings recently constructed on Elgin Street.
Elders’ Council named 2020 Guthrie Award recipient
February 10, 2021
The Law Foundation of Ontario is pleased to announce that the Elders’ Council is the 2020 recipient of the Guthrie Award, the Foundation’s signature award to recognize exceptional access to justice champions.
http://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/02/10/elders-council-named-2020-guthrie-award-recipient/
History: The Great Gathering
February 9, 2021
When William Johnson met with 24 nations at Niagara in 1764, one of the promises made by him on behalf of the British Crown was that as a sign of how important the alliance with the Indigenous nations was, the Crown would give gifts to them. These presents, as they became known, would be given every year at a special ceremony.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/02/09/the-great-gathering/
First Indigenous chair for Truth and Reconciliation headlines CFUW Women’s Day event
February 9, 2021
This year’s theme for CFUW A/N International Women’s Day is “Choose to Include.” It is on this theme that Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, guest speaker for the women’s club event, will speak. She is the first Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University, and she continues to develop pathways for reconciliation across Canada.
Fresh funding aims to revitalize Indigenous oral history
February 9, 2021
A major effort is getting underway at several universities, tribal museums and libraries around the U.S. to digitize the oral histories of thousands of Native Americans that were collected a half century ago as part of a project initiated by the late philanthropist Doris Duke.
Temagami’s missing 300-pound pictograph found in the Sault after 25-year search
February 10, 2021
A historically-significant artifact depicting three figures has returned home to Temagami First Nation after going missing decades ago.
Sarain Fox documenting and preserving her auntie’s stories before they’re lost
February 9, 2021
Making a film in the midst of a global pandemic is a huge decision and a choice that Sarain Fox did not take lightly. Fox had to be conscious of the dangers involved with travelling and the fear of bringing COVID 19 into the community and into her auntie’s home. The small crew that travelled to Batchawana First Nation were tested for COVID 19 weekly and worked closely with chief and council.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/facetoface/sarain-fox-face-to-face-inendi/
Halifax council approves development that will provide housing for Indigenous people
February 10, 2021
Halifax regional council unanimously endorsed amendments Thursday night to planning rules that will allow the construction of a housing development for Indigenous people that will include an emergency shelter and permanent housing in Halifax’s south end.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/construction-mikmaw-shelter-halifax-1.5907995
This Anishinaabe artist uses beaded lottery tickets to scratch at Indigenous history
February 10, 2021
Bingo and Mots cachés are two lottery scratch games one can find at any Quebec convenience store, but Anishinaabe artist Nico Williams is using them to explore narratives of Indigenous history.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/nico-williams-beaded-lottery-tickets-1.5903167
Advocates for urban Indigenous population push for prioritization in Quebec’s vaccination plan
February 9, 2021
While the Quebec government’s goal is to vaccinate First Nations communities against the coronavirus by the end of March, those who live off-reserve are concerned about falling through the cracks with the province’s vaccination plan and are looking for alternative solutions to receive the shot.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/urban-indigenous-vaccination-priority-quebec-1.5906940
DFO, RCMP knew violence was coming but did nothing to protect Mi’kmaw lobster harvesters: Documents
February 10, 2021
Internal records from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reveal the bureaucracy was rattled, slow to act and largely unprepared for violent protests targeting the launch of the Sipekne’katik First Nation’s moderate livelihood lobster fishery in September.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/anishiative-winnipeg-youth-patrol/
Winnipeg vaccine site opens for Indigenous healers, knowledge keepers and First Nations health-care workers
February 9, 2021
A COVID-19 vaccination pop-up site is now open in Winnipeg to immunize health-care workers employed in Manitoba First Nations communities as well as Indigenous traditional healers and knowledge keepers.
Remorse a factor in no hate speech charges after shooting of Colten Boushie: document
February 9, 2021
A newly released document shows prosecutors in Saskatchewan weighed backlash and remorse felt by people accused of posting hateful online messages after the high-profile shooting death of a young Cree man.
Winnipeg vaccine site opens for Indigenous healers, knowledge keepers and First Nations health-care workers
February 9, 2021
A COVID-19 vaccination pop-up site is now open in Winnipeg to immunize health-care workers employed in Manitoba First Nations communities as well as Indigenous traditional healers and knowledge keepers.
Manitoba’s most northern First Nations manage to keep COVID-19 out, but worry about restrictions loosening
February 9, 2021
Manitoba’s three most northern and isolated First Nations have managed to keep COVID-19 out of their communities for the most part, with one community only reporting one case since the pandemic began.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid-19-remote-first-nations-manitoba-1.5907344
U of S student focusing on repatriation, returning artifacts to home communities
February 9, 2021
Many Indigenous remains and artifacts are sitting in museums and institutions around Canada. Now a University of Saskatchewan archeology student is hoping to tell their stories and return them to their communities.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/university-repatriation-artifacts-remains-1.5906229
Virtual Indigenous Storytelling Month aims to keep oral culture, traditions alive
February 9, 2021
February is Indigenous Storytelling Month and, despite moving online due to the pandemic, many Saskatchewan storytellers are still committed to sharing their tales with the younger generation.
‘We’re not making progress’: Indigenous student outcomes continue to slide at the CBE
February 9, 2021
The Calgary Board of Education says its Indigenous students are falling through the cracks.
At the public board meeting Tuesday, trustees voted to accept a report from administration stating that when it comes to the academic success of CBE students, reasonable progress is being made toward desired goals.
Siksika chief says it’s a win for First Nation after speed limit along Hwy 901 lowered
February 9, 2021
Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot says he’s pleased the southern Alberta First Nation was able to convince the province to lower the speed limit along a deadly highway that runs through the reserve from 100 to 80 km/h.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/siksika-chief-first-nation-speed-hwy-901-1.5907593
First Nations agree to COVID-19 data-sharing agreement with B.C., but say deal flawed
February 10, 2021
A coalition of British Columbia First Nations and the provincial health officer have reached an information-sharing agreement over COVID-19 infections, but the nations say the deal still needs work.
First Nations agree to COVID-19 data-sharing agreement with B.C., but say the deal is flawed
February 9, 2021
A coalition of First Nations in British Columbia and the provincial health officer have reached an information-sharing agreement over COVID-19 infections, but the nations say the deal still needs work. A statement from the Heiltsuk First Nation says the agreement will provide more detailed information about COVID-19 case numbers in nearby communities.
As the Nisga’a Wait for Vaccines, Elders are Dying
February 9, 2021
Since his brother died two years ago, the holidays have been a quiet time for Vern Clayton and his parents.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/02/10/Nisgaa-Wait-Vaccines-Elders-Dying/
CEO of Royal B.C. Museum stepping down as board of directors addresses ‘internal issues’
February 9, 2021
The chief executive officer of the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria is leaving his job, according to a statement from the institution. A Tuesday news release said Jack Lohman, who has been with the museum since 2012, will not be returning after Friday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/rbcm-internal-issues-1.5907890
Former Island First Nation chief councillor pleads guilty to theft, assault
February 9, 2021
The former chief councillor for Hupacasath First Nation in Port Alberni has pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including assault and theft, dating back over the past two years.
How the N.W.T.’s procurement policies could change to support northern, Indigenous businesses
February 10, 2021
Widespread changes to the N.W.T.’s procurement policies are needed to make things more equitable for northern and Indigenous-led businesses, according to members of the territory’s business community.
First Nations groups in Yukon medical community trying to ease fears surrounding vaccine hesitancy
February 9, 2021
Haa shaa du Hen (Chief) Lynda Dickson of Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Carcross, Yukon, admits she was hesitant about getting the Moderna vaccine because of its speedy approval by Health Canada.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/yukon-medical-community-covid-19-moderna-vaccine/
Wolf cull in N.W.T. should be done by hunters on the ground says report
February 8, 2021
Devon Alloloo hangs a tundra wolf from the door frame of his dining room. It’s from one of his three traps set near the small community of Dettah, a 10-minute drive by ice road from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (N.W.T.).
The Saturday night request show is a staple in households across Denendeh
February 8, 2021
In Fort Liard, a 500 person Dene Metis community in the Northwest Territories, the Saturday night radio request show is not to be missed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario 15th Annual Health Forum
The Chiefs of Ontario 15th Annual Health Forum will take place on February 23-25, 2021. This year’s theme is Sharing Stories: The True Test of Resilience Amidst Pandemic.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/coo-health-forum
Annex 9 Climate Change Modelling Experts Workshop, March 22, 2021
As a follow up from the 2019 Climate Change Modelling Experts Workshop hosted in Ann Arbor, Annex 9 is working with GLISA to host another virtual workshop in March.
For more information, please contact Chris Hoyos at Chris.Hoyos@coo.org.
2021 Great Lakes Day, March 1, 2021
The annual Great Lakes Day features dialogue on Great Lakes priorities by regional leaders and members of Congress who play a critical role in shaping Great Lakes policies.
For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/3sjaa10
International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) Annual Meeting, May 17-21, 2021
Hosted by Michigan Technological University, the virtual conference will feature four days of scientific sessions and speakers focusing on our theme Bridging: Knowledge, Seven Generations, Land-to-Lake.
For more information and registration, click here: https://bit.ly/3nI8gUh
Contract Opportunity: Research and Knowledge Translation Specialist
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is inviting applications for a contract position: Research and Knowledge Translation Specialist
http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/contract-opportunity-research-and-knowledge-translation-specialist/
Chiefs of Ontario Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Find Our Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates Here. This website provides information on emergency planning and preparedness, as well as on the unique programs and services that are available to First Nations in Ontario during times of emergency.
Issue 8 of The Official Chiefs of Ontario Magazine, The Advocate is now online! To view, please click here: https://www.mediaedgemagazines.com/the-chiefs-of-ontario-coo/oo20/
