Nearly 600 members of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation receive vaccinations
February 25, 2021
The Mnjikaning Arena Sports Ki on the Chippewas of Rama First Nation has been a centre of hope this week. Over three days, 594 people, including community members, their spouses, and staff, rolled up their sleeves at the arena for their first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The community counts about 2,000 members.
Ontario records more than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, marking fourth daily increase
February 26, 2021
Ontario is recording more than 1,200 new COVID-19 infections, marking the fourth straight day of case counts increasing. On Friday, provincial health officials logged 1,258 infections of the novel coronavirus, as well as 28 more deaths linked to the disease.
Health Canada approves AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine
February 26, 2021
Health Canada has approved use of the COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca, clearing the way for millions of more inoculations in Canada. Canada’s regulatory experts had been assessing the submission from AstraZeneca and Oxford University for safety and efficacy since October, and announced their approval Friday morning.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/astrazeneca-approved-1.5929050
Why AstraZeneca vaccine approval in Canada may open more doors
February 26, 2021
Health Canada’s approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in adults follows similar green lights from regulators in the United Kingdom, Europe Union, Mexico and India.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/astra-zeneca-covid-19-health-canada-1.5929079
Rickford: More doses than ever on their way
February 25, 2021
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says he’s encouraged to see large shipments of COVID-19 vaccines make their way to Canada this week, and he’s expecting doses to reach the region soon. “When it comes to Ontario and the Northwestern Health Unit, we will continue to put the priority on the most-vulnerable frontline workers and Indigenous communities.”
https://www.drydennow.com/local/rickford-more-doses-than-ever-on-their-way
Vaccines for Indigenous population in Windsor-Essex meeting demand as rollout continues
February 25, 2021
In Windsor-Essex, the lead nurse administering vaccines to the Indigenous population says supply is meeting demand as the rollout continues to move forward.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-essex-indigenous-population-1.5928347
Sol Mamakwa Calling for Immediate Help for Neskantaga
February 25, 2021
A COVID-19 State of Emergency has been declared in Neskantaga First Nation. The remote northern community is reporting an infection rate of 6 per cent of off-reserve members.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/02/25/sol-mamakwa-calling-for-immediate-help-for-neskantaga/
Until major deficiencies fixed, First Nations communities won’t have reliable drinking water: AG
February 25, 2021
Until the federal government addresses several underlying deficiencies with the water systems and implements regulatory standards, First Nations communities in Canada will continue to not have reliable access to clean drinking water, according to the auditor general.
Too many First Nations lack clean drinking water and it’s Ottawa’s fault, says auditor general
February 25, 2021
In an audit report tabled in Parliament today, Auditor General Karen Hogan said many First Nations will continue to live without access to clean water without long-term solutions to address deficiencies in their water systems.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/auditor-general-reports-2021-1.5927572
Digging deep: Inside the Clean Water, Broken Promises investigation
February 25, 2021
Two years of incredible research, data analysis and old fashioned leg work coordinated by the Institute for Investigative Journalism (IIJ) involving six media outlets including APTN News, as well as 10 universities and colleges rolled out this week under the banner Clean Water, Broken Promises.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/infocus/digging-deep-inside-the-clean-water-broken-promises-investigation/
To see the true picture of the First Nations housing crisis, look to Sioux Lookout
February 26, 2021
In a country like Canada, if you spend the night outside with temperatures dipping to -40C, you die. And in Sioux Lookout, Ont., 13 people without homes perished on the streets between the start of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, according to the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB).
Outrage Continues Over COVID “Racism” Reports In Kenora
February 25, 2021
The Ontario Human Rights Commission says it’s aware of reports of businesses and organizations in Kenora refusing services to Indigenous people and of social media posts spreading racist comments and misinformation.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/02/25/outrage-continues-over-racism-reports-in-kenora/
Environmental opposition to the Ring of Fire is growing
February 25, 2021
A Toronto-based legal group is throwing its support behind the opposition to development in the Ring of Fire mineral belt. The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), whose clients are the Friends of the Attawapiskat River, is calling for an immediate moratorium on all mineral exploration and all mine-related development, including a halt to the environmental assessments underway for the proposed community, supply, and ore-haul access roads.
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/environmental-opposition-to-the-ring-of-fire-is-growing-3458905
UNDRIP legislation could spell more certainty for resource development
February 25, 2021
The federal government tabled legislation in December that, if passed, would bring the principles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into law in Canada. That includes the right to free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous peoples in several areas, including resource development.
Thunder Bay District expected to move to lockdown, says medical officer of health
February 25, 2021
The medical officer of health for the Thunder Bay District says people should prepare to move back into lockdown. The district has exceeded 300 active COVID-19 cases this week, with 257 reported over the last seven days.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-covid-19-feb-25-1.5927732
New First Nation campaign to promote skilled trades as first-choice careers underway
February 26, 2021
First Nations students will soon be seeing and hearing familiar faces and voices when they go looking for what they want to do or become after high school— but maybe not the faces and voices post-secondary opportunity-seekers have often seen before.
3 years ago you could only buy legal weed on First Nations, now some say the industry needs a ‘red market’
February 26, 2021
Three years ago, before the federal government legalized cannabis, you could buy it on many First Nations in Ontario. In some cases, these pot shops were totally legal, opened with the permission of their chief and council.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ontario-first-nations-cannabis-1.5927412
There needs to be 3 Indigenous judges sitting on Supreme Court of Canada: professor
February 25, 2021
The Supreme Court of Canada doesn’t have a single Indigenous judge among the nine members, but even appointing one wouldn’t go far enough. There needs to be three.
Indigenous leaders step up but no applause from environmentalists
February 25, 2021
Not enough has been said about the recent memorandum of understanding between the First Nations Climate Initiative table and the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, which represents 70 First Nations from across Canada.
https://lakesuperiornews.com/Economy/indigenous-leaders-step-up
Indigenous land acknowledgments now official Lake of Bays council process
February 25, 2021
Land acknowledgments will now be an official part of council proceedings in Lake of Bays. The township voted unanimously to read a verbal statement at the start of meetings taking place in council chambers on land “traditionally occupied by Indigenous peoples.”
Indigenous art online auction to help change lives through learning
February 26, 2021
In continuation of the recent virtual Community Partners’ Evening, which took place in January 2021, Confederation College is getting ready to launch part two of the at-home experience with an Indigenous Art Online Auction on Feb. 26 and 28.
Canada’s environment minister names expert group on net-zero emissions
February 26, 2021
The federal environment minister has named a group of outside experts who will advise him on the best way Canada can get its carbon pollution to net-zero by 2050. The group’s members represent a range of expertise. They include Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, climate scientist and University of British Columbia professor Simon Donner, and Kim Thomassin, executive vice-president of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
Northern Quebec artists among nominees at 1st International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards
February 25, 2021
Three Cree hip hop acts out of Quebec are up for several awards at the first International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards, including Hip Hop Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
Indigenous students call out ‘whitewashing,’ harassment at Bishop’s University in Quebec
February 25, 2021
Members of the Indigenous Cultural Alliance (ICA) at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Que., went public Thursday with allegations of harassment, discrimination, and “whitewashing” by university staffers.
In most big companies, no Black or Indigenous women on track for top jobs: survey
February 25, 2021
No Black or Indigenous women are on track for executive roles in many of the country’s biggest companies, according to the first national survey of its kind in Canada.
Military arrives in Pimicikamak to help provide medical attention to COVID-19 cases
February 25, 2021
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are now on the ground in Pimicikamak, helping the remote northern First Nation battle an outbreak of COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pimicikamak-military-covid-19-1.5927522
Manitoba chiefs push Ottawa on use of ‘sub-standard’ contractors
February 25, 2021
Manitoba chiefs say it’s time the Trudeau government put less emphasis on cost when fixing drinking-water systems, or they’ll keep falling into disrepair.
First Nations workers in Saskatchewan sacrifice wages, vacation to run underfunded water systems
February 25, 2021
Whether it’s a power outage in the middle of the night or a broken part on a weekend, Nathan Martell or one of his two co-workers, who are often on call, will troubleshoot from home or the plant to make sure the 238 homes in their community have access to safe drinking water.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/wages-first-nations-water-systems-saskatchewan/
‘We keep getting gaslit’: FSIN decries long wait for child-welfare compensation
February 25, 2021
First Nations people in Saskatchewan who were ruled eligible for $40,000 payments because of negative experiences with Canada’s child welfare system just want the compensation process “dealt with,” says Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt.
Encouraging signs in northern Manitoba as First Nations vaccine eligibility expands, doctor says
February 25, 2021
Northern Manitoba may be starting to see the early benefits from the province’s vaccine rollout, as eligibility expands to include more First Nations people. Although COVID-19 case numbers in northern Manitoba remain higher than health officials would like to see, there have been some encouraging signs in recent weeks, says one doctor.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-first-nations-vaccine-mko-1.5927730
Southern Chiefs Organization calls for inquiry into federal process for awarding infrastructure contracts
February 25, 2021
An advocacy organization representing Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in Manitoba says it’s time for an inquiry into how construction contracts are awarded on First Nations – with a directed focus on key water infrastructure.
Mi’kmaw youth paint petroglyphs on boat with artist Alan Syliboy
February 25, 2021
Grade 7 and 8 Students at Pictou Landing First Nations school are joining artist Alan Syliboy and are painting Mi’kmaw petroglyphs on a boat that will be on display at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Mayor of Terrace calls for ombudsperson’s probe into Indigenous councillor’s resignation
February 25, 2021
The mayor of Terrace, B.C., is calling for an ombudsperson’s investigation into the conduct of city council following the resignation of its first Indigenous member.
Indigenous inclusion in city halls still a long ways off
February 25, 2021
The two biggest stories in B.C. municipal politics this week showed there’s still lots of work to be done in making Indigenous people fully equal in city halls.
https://subscriptions.cbc.ca/newsletter_static/messages/metromatters/2021-02-26/
N.W.T. considers sending mental health teams to Nunakput
February 26, 2021
Weeks after Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson requested the government send grief counsellors to his electoral district, Health Minister Julie Green says she will look into sending a mental health team to the district’s four communities.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunakput-mental-health-teams-1.5928677
When Nunavut students are violent, suspending them isn’t so simple
February 25, 2021
Earlier this year, a Nunavut father received a call that his son had been beaten up at school. The aggressor — who was three grades older — had spit on the man’s son. The younger boy retaliated by splashing a slush drink on the older boy, and got punched in the face for it.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-school-violence-suspension-consistency-1.5928593
UPCOMING EVENTS
Issue 9 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/oo21c/.
Important Notice: 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
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021
The Chiefs of Ontario and Grand Council Treaty #3 will be hosting the 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021 on June 15-17, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario Engagement Sessions: First Nations Water Legislation
The Chiefs of Ontario Environment Department will be hosting a two-day engagement session on March 3-4, 2021. The focus of the 2-day fulsome engagement sessions includes creation of First Nations-led policies and solutions related to access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/water-engagement-sessions
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
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.
