Planning, trust led to COVID-19 vaccination success in Northern Ontario First Nations
April 11, 2021
Neskantaga is among 31 communities that participated in Operation Remote Immunity, a vaccination program led by Ontario’s Ornge air ambulance service in collaboration with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a political territorial organization representing 49 mostly remote First Nations in Northern Ontario.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/planning-trust-led-covid-19-130035963.html
Operation Remote Immunity wraps up on the James Bay coast
April 9, 2021
Operation Remote Immunity in the James Bay region is finished, according to the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA).
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/operation-remote-immunity-wraps-james-123007011.html
Ontario continues to report over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases
April 12, 2021
Public Health Ontario has reported 4,401 new cases of COVID-19 today (April 12). Today’s report includes 2,445 recoveries and 15 new deaths.
https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/local-news/ontario-reports-4401-new-covid-cases-monday-3623518
As vaccinations increase, maintaining COVID-curbing behaviour is going to get more complicated
April 9, 2021
Wear a mask. Stay home. Wash your hands. Over the past year, we’ve all generally abided by these rules, even with fairly minimal risk of punishment for breaking them. Though coercive measures — such as fines or imprisonment — have technically been on the table, it’s social norms that have helped us to adopt and maintain these crucial behaviours.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-vaccination-covid-rules-behaviour-1.5973372
Over 700 additional pharmacies to begin offering AstraZeneca vaccine
April 11, 2021
The Ontario government has added more than 700 pharmacies across the province that will start offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to residents aged 55 and older throughout this week.
Deploy RCMP to Pikangikum so nurses can be restored – Eric Melillo MP
April 9, 2021
MP Eric Melillo is calling on the Minister of Public Safety to deploy RCMP officers to Pikangikum First Nation, so 24-hour nursing services can be resumed. “We need to restore nursing services to Pikangikum as soon as possible, in a way that respects the rights of community members,” said MP Melillo. “Minister Blair needs to step up and make sure this community is protected.”
Ontario promised to get to the bottom of alleged mercury dumps upstream from Grassy Narrows. Instead, the province allowed a surge in mining claims on the Indigenous territory
April 12, 2021
Ontario promised to get to the bottom of alleged mercury dumps upstream from Grassy Narrows. Instead, the province allowed a surge in mining claims on the Indigenous territory .Years after the Ontario government vowed to get to the bottom of two alleged mercury dumps upstream from Grassy Narrows First Nation, neither has been excavated.
‘There’s a need for this program’: Matawa seeks funding to continue street outreach in Thunder Bay
April 11, 2021
The WiiChiiHehWayWin street outreach initiative, formed by Matawa First Nations during a series of cascading crises for the vulnerable population in Thunder Bay, Ont., likely saved lives according to the program’s navigator.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/wiichiihehwaywin-matawa-street-outreach-1.5982332
New app to help address high volumes of First Nation consultation requests
April 12, 2021
Members of the Caldwell First Nation (CFN) in southwestern Ontario think they have the solution for dealing with upwards of 25 requests arriving each week for consultation by developers from across their traditional territory.
Federal gov’t to appeal ruling that it overstepped by allowing First Nations to postpone elections
April 9, 2021
The federal government is standing behind its decision to let First Nations cancel and postpone their elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fegeral-gov-t-appeal-first-nations-elections-ruling-1.5981436
Four communities receive $7M for Connecting Links
April 12, 2021
Ontario has announced its Connecting Links allotment for 2021-2022, including more than $7 million for four Northern Ontario communities. The Connecting Links program helps municipalities pay for construction costs and repairs to bridges and main arterial roads that double as provincial highways.
Latest NWMO implementation plan looks beyond site selection
April 11, 2021
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) new five-year strategic plan sets the stage for taking the organization beyond planning and site selection for Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/04/10/latest-nwmo-implementation-plan-looks-beyond-site-selection/
Timiskaming First Nation students spread kindness with school challenge
April 12, 2021
We see you. We miss you. You’re doing great. These are some of the positive messages students at Kiwetin School in Timiskaming First Nation, Que., have been spreading across their community with a challenge to promote random acts of kindness.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/timiskaming-school-acts-kindness-1.5980164
U of T alumna establishes bursary for Indigenous, Black and Taino students
April 9, 2021
Erica Neeganagwedgin is looking to tell a different story than the one currently being told. Neeganagwedgin, who earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), has established the Olive Moxam Indigenous Bursary – named for her mother – to support Indigenous, Black and Taino students in OISE’s master of teaching program.
Statistics Canada hires locals in First Nations to collect census amid COVID-19
April 9, 2021
Statistics Canada is hiring local enumerators for the 2021 census in Indigenous, remote and northern communities to avoid outsiders needing to visit during the pandemic.
Interview: ‘Progress doesn’t mean parity,’ Perry Bellegarde says as he works to improve conditions for First Nations people, particularly by influencing the federal budget
April 11, 2021
As the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Perry Bellegarde has spent the past six years navigating the often fractious relationships between Indigenous communities and politicians, corporations and band leaders themselves. After two terms, the former chief of Little Black Bear Nation in Saskatchewan will step down from the national post in July.
Pandemic spending and Indigenous rights
April 10, 2021
With one week to go until the federal budget is unveiled — the first one in more than two years — the House will turn its collective attention to the government’s Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020. Bill C-14 would make good on some of the financial promises in the fall economic statement tabled by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last November.
https://ipolitics.ca/2021/04/10/hill-pass-pandemic-spending-and-indigenous-rights/
Meet Indigenous podcasters who are decolonizing the airwaves
April 9, 2021
More and more Indigenous creatives are turning to podcasting as a way to share stories. This week on Unreserved, we’re talking with Indigenous podcasters who are decolonizing the airwaves.
Opinion: When is an Indian not an Indian? Are we First Nations?
April 9, 2021
This week I am starting work on a screenplay, adapted from one of my plays. And in this ever increasing politically correct world, there is a dilemma I will have to face at some point: How frequently should I use, or not use, the “I” word in the script? I am, of course, referring to the word Indian, which is a term still commonly used in many First Nations.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-when-is-an-indian-not-an-indian-are-we-first-nations/
From stick to stethoscope: how a hockey dream turned into a nursing degree for First Nations woman
April 11, 2021
Taylor Tom’s mother did what almost every Canadian parent does for their child — she put her in a learn-to-skate program, and Tom fell in love with the game of hockey and the adrenaline rush of hitting the ice. “I smile right away when I think about that feeling, how it makes me feel as an individual and as a team member,” said Tom, 22, a member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/taylor-tom-hockey-nursing-1.5979663
Elsipogtog First Nation anxiously awaits announcement of Kraft Hockeyville winner
April 10, 2021
A few community members from the Elsipogtog First Nation made big efforts to help rally others after a devastating blow in September 2020, when fire had caused major damage to the local arena.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7750796/elsipogtog-first-nation-kraft-hockeyville/
How Tiny Houses Became a Symbol of Resistance For Indigenous Women
April 9, 2021
When you see the word “tiny house,” what comes to mind? “Minimalism?” Maybe “decluttering” or “downsizing?” You probably don’t immediately connect “resistance” with the living-small movement that’s cut from the same cloth as Kondo-ing.
https://ca.style.yahoo.com/tiny-houses-became-symbol-resistance-162000982.html
Due to COVID-19, smelt fishing is closed to public at Kagawong
April 8, 2021
Billings council has agreed with a recommendation from its municipal emergency control group (MECG) to close off the Kagawong River to members of the public for the smelt fishing season again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.manitoulin.com/due-to-covid-19-smelt-fishing-is-closed-to-public-at-kagawong/
Green New Deal up for debate at Liberal, NDP conventions
April 9, 2021
Liberal and NDP national conventions being held this week are both set to feature policy proposals that would embrace a “Green New Deal” for Canada. The 2021 Liberal National Convention runs April 8 to 10, while the NDP’s Convention 2021 runs April 9 to 11. Both events are being held virtually.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/green-new-deal-liberals-ndp-conventions/
First Nations proposing new energy corridor in Western Canada
April 12, 2021
First Nations leaders in Western Canada are proposing a corridor for transporting commodities from the region and — possibly — to the West Coast. The goal is to establish a route for pipelines or rail lines to ship oil and other materials
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bakx-corridor-treaty-8-1.5981922
Promote Indigenous access to disability tax credit, advisory committee recommends
April 9, 2021
An advisory committee is calling on the Canada Revenue Agency to promote access to the disability tax credit in Indigenous communities and to develop tax-credit assessments tailored for Indigenous claimants.
Vital dental therapist program returning to northern Saskatchewan
April 10, 2021
A program to train people to become dental therapists is returning to northern Saskatchewan. Dental therapists are trained to do some minor work on teeth which helps fill the void of not being able to access a dentist.
Tribal councils in Manitoba call on Ottawa to release plan to counter violence against Indigenous women
April 9, 2021
The families and advocates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) are still waiting for a national action plan to implement recommendations from a national inquiry that ended two years ago.
Montana First Nation man creates Infamous Native Clothing line to honour his family
April 11, 2021
Vijay Curry started the Infamous Native Clothing company in 2019 with one thought in mind – creating something that would sell so his kids didn’t grow up the way he did. “I grew up on the streets, and had kind of a rough life of my own”, he tells APTN News. “I didn’t want my kids to grow up like that, so I started this clothing company to try to make something better for them.”
Indigenous hockey player from Winnipeg to join Team Canada for U18 World Hockey Championship
April 10, 2021
An Indigenous hockey player from Winnipeg will don the Team Canada jersey at the Under-18 World Hockey Championship later this month. Conner Roulette, a 17-year-old forward with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League, was in his room doing some school work when he got the call.
Chief Peguis family Bibles enter Manitoba Museum
April 12, 2021
A family heirloom Bible that belonged to Chief Peguis has found a new home at the Manitoba Museum. The tome, together with a second Bible owned by Peguis’ son, Chief Henry Edward Prince, was donated by Kyle Mason, a seventh-generation descendant of the famed Manitoba Indigenous leader.
Inside the hidden fight over Indigenous fishing for baby eels in Nova Scotia
April 12, 2021
Fisheries and Oceans Canada faced a five-fold increase in Mi’kmaw fishing for baby eels in 2020 primarily on Nova Scotia rivers — an event it did not expect and could not manage, according to internal DFO documents obtained by CBC News.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/first-nations-fishing-baby-eels-1.5982481
On Kwikwetlem Territory, a New Vision for Riverview
April 11, 2021
The Riverview Lands, on the slope above the Coquitlam River, were known as a storied place. Settlers will remember the area most for its mental health facility, which the province began work on in 1904. It had an extensive garden and was near the Colony Farm, where patient labourers once produced up to 700 tonnes of crops and 20,000 gallons of milk per year.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/04/12/Kwikwetlem-Territory-New-Vision-Riverview/
Hockeyville win gives Elsipogtog reason to celebrate after week of grief
April 11, 2021
Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick is celebrating a big win after a tragic week. The community won the Kraft Hockeyville contest on Saturday, earning $250,000 toward rebuilding the Chief Young Eagle Arena, and the chance to host an NHL exhibition game.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/elsipogtog-hockey-arena-money-1.5983413
Samson Cree Nation ratchets up on training their members for the job market
April 10, 2021
Twelve students from the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta have taken their first steps toward becoming automobile technicians with the help of the community’s pre-employment supports program. The program is done in partnership with Red Deer College to provide job training and has a 70 to 80 per cent success rate.
Edmonton researcher looks into autism spectrum disorder through a First Nations lens
April 10, 2021
After struggling to find information to help him parent two sons on the autism spectrum, Grant Bruno decided to study autism in First Nations communities to help families in the future. Despite his university education — he has a master of science degree in risk and community resilience — Bruno found it difficult to navigate the system in search of the right programs for his boys, ages 11 and six.
Alberta must retract Forest Act before it becomes law: Treaty 8 grand chief
April 9, 2021
The Alberta government must pull back its new Forest Act before it becomes law next month, says the grand chief of the province’s northern First Nations. “We expect the province to suspend the new Forest Act immediately,” Arthur Noskey of Treaty 8 First Nations said Thursday. “We are asking [the government] to pull this back and consult with us.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/first-nations-forest-act-alberta-forestry-1.5981073
First Nations sue Alberta for alleged conflict of interest in the casino industry
April 10, 2021
Two First Nations located in Southern Alberta — the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Stoney Nakoda Nation —have taken the provincial government to court following Alberta’s entry into the casino and gaming industry.
Syilx people can earn a degree in the Nsyilxcən language with new UBC program
April 11, 2021
The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) will be the first university in Canada to offer their students the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language fluency.
https://thediscourse.ca/okanagan/indigenous-language-fluency-program-in-nsyilxc%C9%99n-language
Ripping the band-aid off: Resignations and repatriations on the road to museum decolonization
April 09, 2021
The Royal British Columbia Museum’s decolonization journey took a personal turn in the summer of 2020. That’s when Lucy Bell, a Haida woman and the inaugural head of the Indigenous Collections and Repatriation Department, decided that after working there for three-and-a-half years, she had to quit.
‘The spirit of the medicine will lead us back’: How Avis O’Brien is guiding Elders to weave their first cedar hats
April 11, 2021
Clam fritters, smoked fish, and raspberry freezer jam; these are some of the gifts Avis ‘Nalaga’ O’Brien has received from Elder Theresa Wasden for teaching her how to weave her first cedar hat.
New partnership with Tahltan Nation set to protect 3,500 hectares of land in B.C.
April 9, 2021
Around 3,500 hectares of land near Mount Edziza Provincial Park is set to be protected in a partnership between the Tahltan Nation, conservation groups, the B.C. government and mining company Skeena Resources.
‘It’s blown me away’: Sheryl Lightfoot becomes first Indigenous woman from Canada appointed to UN expert body
April 11, 2021
Canada is ‘behind on almost everything’ when it comes to implementing the historic UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, says Lightfoot, who is one of seven independent experts who will help UN member states improve protections for Indigenous lands, languages and cultures
https://thenarwhal.ca/sheryl-lightfoot-undrip-expert-mechanism-appointment/
Rally to bring awareness to Merritt B.C. of violence against Two Spirit people, Indigenous women
April 9, 2021
Over the weekend, Central Park in what is known as Merritt B.C. will be adorned with drummers, singers, and dancers from the Butterflies in Spirit dance group, all there to honour the lives and spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
Canada Supports Rapid Housing Projects for First Nations in British Columbia
April 9, 2021
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada’s recovery as communities across the country, including those in British Columbia, are dealing with the devastating impacts of rising levels of homelessness and housing need.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-supports-rapid-housing-projects-173000288.html
Indigenous resurgence in a province like no other
April 11, 2021
After 30 years of treaty talks, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission findings, and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, First Nations still face racism on a systemic basis. Can Indigenous People ever find justice in this province?
https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/indigenous-resurgence-in-a-province-like-no-other-1.24305913
These Indigenous leaders had solutions for the N.W.T.’s housing crisis. Being denied federal funding stung
April 12, 2021
When Bill Enge found out about a new $1 billion federal housing fund last year, he hired an architect, builder and real estate developer. The president of the North Slave Métis Alliance put together a proposal for a project the alliance had in mind for a long time: a 12-unit seniors housing complex, for roughly $12 million, in the heart of downtown Yellowknife.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/housing-crisis-nwt-p1-1.5981486
Boxes of Inuktut books on their way to young Nunavut readers
April 9, 2021
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has teamed up with Inhabit Media to bring Inuktut books to Inuit children across Nunavut. The goal is to support language learning at home, said an NTI release on the kits. “NTI is a proud supporter of Inuktut language revitalization, education and promotion,” states NTI president Aluki Kotierk in the release.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/boxes-of-inuktut-books-on-their-way-to-young-nunavut-readers/
New Tourism 2025 strategy good but has few surprises, say operators
April 9, 2021
Tourism operators are pleased that the GNWT’s new Tourism 2025 strategy maintains support for the sector, even if it offers few new highlights.
Indigenous women’s groups call on parties to commit to long-term funding
April 11, 2021
The next government, regardless of political stripe, needs to dedicate long-term funding to support Indigenous women and girls in vulnerable situations, according to the heads of Indigenous women’s groups.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-election-indigenous-women-s-groups-1.5982391
New video series uplifts wisdom of K’ómoks and Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw cultures
April 10, 2021
A new video series highlights the voices of K’ómoks and Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people whose stories encompass the strength that comes with practicing a living culture, and the urgency of preservation.
Party leaders all support erasing Indigenous slur from 4 Yukon place names
April 10, 2021
Yukon’s political party leaders all say they want to remove an offensive word from four official place names in the territory. Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon, Liberal Leader Sandy Silver, and NDP Leader Kate White all say that if elected, they will do what they can to help make the change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-place-names-indigenous-slur-1.5969761
Letter from 1929 offers clues about origin of drawing on rock outside Fort Smith
April 10, 2021
It’s a mystery Richard Mercredi has been trying to solve for some time now. Not far from the main trail to his cabin outside of Fort Smith, N.W.T., there is a drawing of what appears to be a person, etched in red onto a piece of rock.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/rock-drawing-fort-smith-1.5982221
Disastrous 2017 fire makes it easier for First Nation’s archeologists to uncover the past
April 9, 2021
Widespead destruction of forests by a 2017 wildfire in B.C.’s southern Interior has made it easier for a First Nation in the Kamloops area to unearth traces of its past.
Uvagut TV cannot rebroadcast Baffinland hearings, says Nunavut Impact Review Board
April 8, 2021
Public hearings for Baffinland’s controversial proposal to expand production at its Mary River Mine were broadcast live on television earlier this year. But they cannot be rebroadcast ahead of the next set of public hearings set to begin April 12.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nitv-nirb-no-rebroadcasting-1.5978347
UPCOMING EVENTS
Call for Proposals: Capacity-building funding for An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families for fiscal year 2021-2022
A call for proposals is now open to support capacity-building in relation to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families for fiscal year 2021-2022. Funding is available to Indigenous Peoples, communities, and groups as they begin work to develop their own legislation and explore Indigenous-led models for child and family services.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/31P9GUe
Call for artist interpretations/artwork for the Assembly of First Nations 2021 Annual General Assembly
The Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee will be hosting the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 42nd Annual General Assembly in Toronto in July 2021 and is currently accepting original Indigenous artwork to be submitted. Artwork will be used for materials by the Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee and the AFN in promoting the Assembly. We are seeking artwork that supports and promotes First Nations culture in Ontario.
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 the Chiefs of Ontario All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC), please find the 1st Call for Resolutions attached. Deadline for Resolutions is Wednesday, May 26, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
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/.
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.
