Ontario reports more than 4,800 new COVID-19 cases, setting another single-day record
April 16, 2021
Ontario is reporting 4,812 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, marking another single-day high for the second day in a row. The provincial total now stands at 408,383.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7759923/covid-19-ontario-cases-april-16-coronavirus/
Minister Miller and Indigenous Services Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease
April 16, 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: April 16, 2021 – Time: 1:30 PM (ET)
Further COVID-19 restrictions likely for Ontario as 3rd wave worsens
April 16, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet are set to meet again Friday morning to consider further COVID-19 restrictions to combat a worsening third wave that is pushing the province’s health-care system to the breaking point.
Ontario could see over 18,000 new COVID-19 cases per day by end of May: source
April 15, 2021
Ontario could see well over 18,000 new daily COVID-19 infections — despite continuing vaccinations — if current trends continue, CBC News has learned from a government source. New modelling details show additional public health measures could bring that number down closer to 10,000, sources say, however those measures would have to be considerably more restrictive to curb the rate of infection.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid-ford-curfew-1.5989426
COVID-19 vaccines ‘don’t rest in provincial freezers’: Ontario health official
April 15, 2021
Ontario’s chief coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer assured the public on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccines “don’t sit around; they don’t rest in provincial freezers or coolers.” Huyer said all vaccines received in the province are “rapidly allocated” across Ontario, even if they’re administered at different speeds.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/covid-19-vaccines-don-t-194020536.html
Health Minister says Canada rising up vaccination charts
April 15, 2021
The federal health minister says countries around the world are scrambling to acquire COVID-19 vaccinations. Canada is not alone in this regard. But while criticism has rained down on the country over the past week surrounding Canada’s vaccine procurement, Liberal Patty Hadju on Thursday said the nation’s vaccination numbers are rapidly rising among G20 countries.
4 key things to know as students, teachers prepare to pivot back to remote learning
April 15, 2021
The Government of Ontario announced the delayed return to in-school learning on Monday as the province deals with a third wave of COVID-19 cases.
Matawa Health Co-op expands its COVID vaccine clinic for Indigenous people
April 15, 2021
The Matawa Health Cooperative is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Thunder Bay. For three days next week, it will be open to anyone in the city’s urban Indigenous population 18 years and older. It will also be available to their families sharing the same household.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), Canada and Ontario announce the completion of an Addition to Reserve process
April 15, 2021
Today, Gimaa Kwe Joanna Desmoulin, Chief of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, together with the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, announced the Addition to Reserve of 1,038.155 hectares of land to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) Reserve North.
NDP, community oppose mining claims in Grassy Narrows area
April 15, 2021
Ontario’s hope to mine for gold in the Grassy Narrows First Nation area is under fire from members of the opposition, who say Ontario should focus on the health of the community first. “With gold prices soaring, there are 4,000 gold mining claims in Grassy Narrows First Nation. Meanwhile, two sites of potential mercury contamination are poisoning the rivers, the wildlife and the people of Grassy Narrows, have yet to be acted on by this government.”
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/ndp-community-oppose-mining-claims-in-grassy-narrows-area-
Funding will help rebuild Native Horizons treatment centre
April 15, 2021
With about $5.3 million in funding, including contributions from the federal and provincial governments, the Native Horizons Treatment Centre on Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation will be able to return to its important work.
Wiikwemkoong secures funding for Mino Bimaadziwin Project for its schools
April 15, 2021
Wiikwemkoong Board of Education (WBE) has been informed of the successful application of the Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the good way of life) Project proposal securing $3,966,833 million over a five-year period from Public Safety Canada’s National Crime Prevention Center’s Crime Prevention Action Fund.
Three Regional First Nations Receive Important Funding
April 15, 2021
Pikangikum First Nation is getting government funding for its Transitional Housing program. Kingfisher Lake First Nation has received funds to renovate the community arena. Bearskin Lake First Nation is also getting money to clean up two beach areas.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/04/15/three-regional-first-nations-receive-important-funding/
$1M in broadcast, digital ads to be awarded to campaign highlighting Indigenous voices
April 15, 2021
One million dollars’ worth of Bell Media TV, radio and digital ads will be awarded to a brand with new advertising campaigns “that highlight Indigenous communities with a clear message of diversity and inclusion.”
Billings acknowledges First Nations smelt fishing rights
April 16, 2021
A statement by M’Chigeeng First Nation’s chief and council indicates that it has passed a band council resolution supporting its members’ treaty rights to fish for sustenance during the provincial state of emergency and stay at home order, while following restrictions.
https://www.manitoulin.com/billings-acknowledges-first-nations-smelt-fishing-rights/
Raising awareness about Indigenous Patient Navigator Services at the Northeast Cancer Centre
April 16, 2021
As the Indigenous Patient Navigator at the Northeast Cancer Centre (NECC) at Health Sciences North (HSN) in Sudbury, Ont., Rose Pitawanakwat is ready, willing and able to help. And she wants more Indigenous people to reach out to her.
Program aims to preserve Indigenous history with archeological site training
April 16, 2021
A unique program aimed at preserving Indigenous history is gearing up again this spring to train people to monitor archeological sites, identify artifacts and learn about their history. A new session of the First Nations Archeology Monitoring Training Program, offered by the Oneida Nation of the Thames, is set to start next week in southwestern Ontario.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/first-nations-archeology-monitoring-training-program-1.5989035
Not ‘just a name’ as Dryden moves forward with renaming of Colonization Avenue
April 16, 2021
Dryden’s Colonization Avenue will soon have a new name. Two new names, to be specific. After a long process that involved public consultation, Dryden city council is slated to vote on new names for Colonization Avenue North and Colonization Avenue South at its meeting on April 26.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/dryden-colonization-avenue-new-name-1.5989232
Ghislain Picard becomes McCord Museum board chair
April 16, 2021
Four months after becoming one of its board members, Ghislain Picard is now chair of the McCord Stewart Museum’s board — the first Indigenous person to hold the position. Picard, who has been chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador for nearly 30 years, will begin his new job on June 1.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/mccord-museum-ghislain-picard-1.5990113
Wisdom: Proudly defining the narrative
April 15, 2021
Cora-Lee McGuire-Cyrette is no stranger to being part of a team. As the executive director of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), McGuire-Cyrette has wholeheartedly immersed herself in the issues at hand since assuming her role in 2015.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/wisdom/wisdom-proudly-defining-the-narrative-3627030
Sheshegwaning’s Odawa Fresh Water Gardens success leads to expansion
April 16, 2021
The Odawa Fresh Water Gardens in the community of Sheshegwaning First Nation has proven to be so successful that it is already being expanded and hopes to soon be able to provide and make fresh produce available not only for community members and the West End of the Island, but eventually all of Manitoulin.
https://www.manitoulin.com/sheshegwanings-odawa-fresh-water-gardens-success-leads-to-expansion/
Canada supports the nation rebuilding efforts of Indigenous groups in Quebec to advance self-determination and reconciliation
April 15, 2021
Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada The Government of Canada is rebuilding the nation-to-nation, Inuit–Crown and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous Peoples by supporting their right to self-determination. A key part of this work is the Nation Rebuilding Program.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-supports-nation-rebuilding-efforts-160000015.html
Habitat and species loss leaves just 3% of world’s land ecosystems intact, study suggests
April 15, 2021
Just under 3% of the world’s land remains ecologically intact, with undisturbed habitat and minimal loss of its original animal species, a new study suggests. The research, published Thursday in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, combined maps showing human damage to habitat with maps showing where animals have disappeared from their original ranges or are too low in number to maintain a healthy ecosystem to reach its conclusions.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/15/world/intact-ecosystems-report-intl/index.html
Kanesatake to help vaccinate urban Innu living in Montreal
April 15, 2021
Access to the COVID-19 vaccine has been a challenge for urban Indigenous populations in Quebec, which is why some First Nations in the province are coming together to vaccinate members living off-reserve.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kanesatake-urban-innu-vaccine-clinic-1.5988918
No evidence Higgs will share forestry revenue after axing tax agreement, First Nations say
April 15, 2021
First Nations leaders say they see little reason to have any faith in the Higgs government’s suggestion of resource revenue agreements to replace tax-sharing deals. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn said earlier this week that letting bands share in the profits from forestry and mining operations made more sense than the tax agreements being terminated.
Sask. Indigenous communities receive support for rapid housing
April 15, 2021
Nine Indigenous communities across the province will see affordable homes built by this upcoming autumn. On April 15, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social development announced a $17 million investment. Hussen is also the Minister Responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-indigenous-communities-receive-support-for-rapid-housing-1.5389379
Historic land claim sees chief finish what ancestor started 160 years ago
April 15, 2021
Patricia Bernard was in university majoring in history when she discovered several maps of her community, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, about 25 years ago and at a time when she wasn’t thinking of a land claim.
FSIN calls for Sask. security guard to be fired and charged after video goes public
April 15, 2021
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling for a security guard at a FreshCo grocery store in Saskatoon to be fired and charged by police after the release of a video showing an arrest on Wednesday.
Saskatoon statue will honour Indigenous NHL trailblazer Fred Sasakamoose
April 16, 2021
The family of Fred Sasakamoose is proud that a statue of the groundbreaking NHL player has been commissioned and may take a place of honour at SaskTel Centre. The Saskatchewan-born Sasakamoose was the first person with treaty status to play in the league, and eventually went on to become chief of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, northwest of Prince Albert, Sask.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/fred-sasakamoose-statue-1.5989203
New mural in Selkirk, Man., dedicated to legacy of residential schools
April 16, 2021
A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists have created a mural, dedicated to the children who attended residential schools, that will be displayed in Selkirk, Man. “My grandparents all went to [residential] schools and through that I learned a lot about myself, about the importance of culture and how important it is to keep it and make sure that people can see it,” said Jordan Stranger.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/selkirk-manitoba-mural-residential-schools-1.5989687
New housing project in Winnipeg to benefit youth aging out of care
April 15, 2021
A burned down, abandoned apartment building in Winnipeg will soon be a new housing project that will house 18 apartment units for young people aging out of the child and family services system in Winnipeg.
Human trafficking investigation in Alberta leads to arrest of Mi’kmaw man in Nova Scotia
April 15, 2021
A Mi’kmaw man in Nova Scotia is facing several charges for human trafficking that took place in the Edmonton area in the fall of 2019. William Meuse, 31, was arrested at his home in Bear River in Nova Scotia, 225 kilometres northwest of Halifax, on April 6, 2021 and transported by Alberta Sheriffs to Edmonton to appear in court.
Three to See: Cardinal gets Hipper, monolithic dance and Night of the Kings
April 15, 2021
Edmonton’s Celeigh Cardinal has just released a beautiful, funky cover of one of the Tragically Hip’s sleeper, deeper hits. Cardinal notes, “I wanted to celebrate Gord Downie’s contribution to Indigenous communities with a joyful version of this song.
B.C. blockades aimed at protecting old growth forests reveal First Nation split
April 14, 2021
The dispute over blockades aimed at preventing old-growth trees from being logged in Pacheedaht territory on southwest Vancouver Island has revealed divisions within the First Nation’s membership.
Residential school building in northern B.C. to be replaced with new community centre
April 15, 2021
After decades of lobbying by local Indigenous leaders, a former residential school in the remote British Columbia community of Lower Post is to be demolished and replaced with a new community centre.
Tla-o-qui-aht women honour their nation’s missing and murdered
April 15, 2021
Tofino, BC – In honour of this year’s Red Dress Day on May 5, sisters Nora Martin and Grace Frank are planning to hang three red dresses within Tla-o-qui-aht’s traditional territory. “We want people to know that our family and relatives are still missing,” said Martin.
First Nations woman creates tourism app showing Blackfoot lands across Canada
April 15, 2021
Souta Calling Last says there’s so much about the land that makes up Canada that people don’t know about. And she says it’s time that changes.
‘Stay the course’: Lawyer urges N.W.T. MLAs to focus on land claims instead of UN declaration
April 15, 2021
A lawyer specialized in Indigenous law urged Northwest Territories MLAs to keep focus on implementing land claim and self-government agreements instead of turning their focus to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Artists from Nunatsiavut explain pieces chosen for new Inuit Art Centre
April 15, 2021
For artist Glenn Gear, having his work included in the inaugural exhibition of Winnipeg’s new Inuit Art Centre is a personal and professional honour. INUA is the opening exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Qaumajuq, which houses the world’s largest public collection of Inuit art.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nunatsiavut-art-at-inua-1.5986278
Vulnerable Inuk man left homeless as public guardian argues it is not responsible for housing
April 16, 2021
An Iqaluit man under the protection of Nunavut’s public guardian is being forced into homelessness while government officials struggle to figure out how to help him and who should pay for that help, according to a case at the Nunavut Court of Justice.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-guardianship-homeless-court-1.5989579
Iqaluit reports 1st case of COVID-19, orders closures
April 15, 2021
Iqaluit has reported its first case of COVID-19, the government of Nunavut confirmed on Wednesday. On Thursday, the airline Canadian North confirmed that one of its employees has tested positive for COVID-19 in Iqaluit. At a press conference later that day, Dr. Michael Patterson, the territory’s chief public health officer, said the individual was an essential worker who had been in Iqaluit for 16 days, raising the possibility the disease was acquired locally.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/covid-19-cases-in-iqaluit-1.5988330
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
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.
