COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know
April 21, 2021
While the number of active cases of COVID-19 has remained relatively stable in First Nations and Inuit communities for the past few months, new infections persist, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5994760
COVID-19 infections in Ontario shoot back up past 4,200, ICU admissions near 800
April 21, 2021
COVID-19 infections in Ontario shot back up past 4,200 Wednesday as the number of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) with the disease nears 800.
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald’s Response to the Tabling of the 2021 Federal Budget
April 20, 2021
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald welcomes new and additional investments for First Nations in the 2021 federal budget, presented on April 19, 2021.
Federal budget 2021: $18 billion is a step towards closing gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities
April 20, 2021
There is no denying that the landscape of our collective reality has shifted dramatically since the pandemic began. Budget 2021 reveals significant investments in COVID-19 relief efforts, job creation and building a resilient economy.
Urban Indigenous population receiving their vaccines
April 20, 2021
The vaccine rollout has been moving ahead in Northeastern Ontario Indigenous First Nations through the efforts of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN), Mushkegowuk Council, Wabun Tribal Council and other Tribal Councils in association with the government of Canada, government of Ontario and local public health agencies.
https://www.timminspress.com/news/local-news/urban-indigenous-population-receiving-their-vaccines
Select Ontario Pharmacies Offering 24/7 COVID-19 Vaccinations
April 20, 2021
The Ontario government, in collaboration with Shoppers Drug Mart, will offer 24/7 COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 40 and over at 20 pharmacy locations, with the majority located in hot spot communities.
Confusion mounts over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Ontario amid delay reports
April 20, 2021
Confusion is mounting over possible delays to upcoming AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Ontario. Premier Doug Ford’s office released a statement Monday which said that, in addition to previously announced delays with Moderna doses, the premier was notified “by our officials to be prepared for delays to two shipments of AstraZeneca expected from the federal government later this month and next.”
https://globalnews.ca/news/7769893/ontario-possible-delays-covid-astrazeneca-vaccine/
COVID-19: N’Amerind to host 2-day Indigenous vaccine clinic in London, Ont.
April 20, 2021
N’Amerind Friendship Centre in downtown London, Ont., will be home to a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Friday and Saturday aimed at vaccinating more Indigenous Peoples in the region
https://globalnews.ca/news/7773656/covid-19-london-indigenous-vaccines/
Missanabie Cree FN Joins with Three Allies to begin Logistic Planning for Agawa Canyon & Bear Trains
April 20, 2021
Today, Missanabie Cree First Nation, N1 Strategy Inc., a division of N1 Solutions Inc., and The Machine Shop are announcing the signing of a MOU and a partnership between the three allies. The announcement of this partnership comes with multiple opportunities and an enhanced plan to incorporate education, tourism, and the authentic Indigenous experience in Northern Ontario.
First Nations community receives funding for Native Horizons Treatment Centre
April 21, 2021
Five First Nation communities in Ontario will be improving community facilities including improvements and upgrades to the Native Horizons Treatment Centre in the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation in Ontario.
NAN Encouraged With Some Measures In Budget
April 20, 2021
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation says on the surface the 2021 federal budget contains some encouraging measures. In a series of Tweets, NAN says the fiscal document includes commitments to close socio-economic gaps for First Nations and supports communities during COVID-19 recovery.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/04/20/nan-encouraged-with-some-measures-in-budget/
Webequie Receives $3.7 Million for Housing Construction
April 20, 2021
Webequie First Nation (WFN) Chief and Council have welcomed a federal $3.7 million investment announced today by Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
https://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/04/20/webequie-receives-3-7-million-for-housing-construction/
Contract to complete Muskrat Falls transmission system surpasses $500M
April 20, 2021
A combination of missed deadlines, change orders, protests and settlements has pushed the cost of a contract to ready the Labrador-Island Link for operation beyond the half-billion-dollar mark, CBC News has learned.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/muskrat-transmission-contract-1.5992902
Wiikwemkoong’s youth will benefit from $4 mil. grant
April 21, 2021
Students in Wiikwemkoong will soon benefit from Wiikwemkoong Board of Education (WBE)’s new Mino Bimaadiziwin (living the good way of life) program, which it is advancing through a nearly $4 million investment from Public Safety Canada’s Crime Prevention Action Fund.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wiikwemkoongs-youth-will-benefit-from-4-mil-grant/
Surging Indigenous renewable projects lead shift to clean energy future
April 20, 2021
Mounting an Indigenous-led clean energy project in Canada’s remote communities takes a special kind of resilience, as best intentions meet the harsh reality of permitting delays, construction deadlines and difficult negotiations with governments and local utilities.
Canada to appeal striking of regulations allowing First Nations to postpone elections, extend terms
April 20, 2021
The Minister of Indigenous Services has announced an intention to appeal the Federal Court’s decision to invalidate as ultra vires s. 4, covering custom election codes, of the First Nations Election Cancellation and Postponement Regulations (Prevention of Diseases), SOR/2020-84.
Ottawa’s proposed review of St. Anne’s residential school claims is inadequate, judge rules
April 20, 2021
An Ontario Superior Court Justice ruled Tuesday there will be an independent review of some St. Anne’s residential school survivor claims — but with some changes. Justice Paul Perell said Ottawa’s review proposal is inadequate.
Online project aims to preserve voices, knowledge of First Nations elders
April 20, 2021
An elder based in Treaty 3 Territory in northwestern Ontario says he hopes a new website will help to preserve traditional Anishinaabe language and culture for generations to come. The recently launched firstnationelders.com features podcasts, videos and songs recorded by elders eager to share their knowledge.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-elders-website-1.5993540
Feds pressed to define ‘free, prior and informed consent’ in UNDRIP bill
April 20, 2021
Federal officials are facing calls for greater clarity on how a bill to harmonize Canada’s laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples could affect future development projects and government decisions.
Wait times for status cards example of systemic racism, says petition
April 20, 2021
Vivian Hermansen is collecting signatures for a new petition calling on the federal government to decrease the processing time for Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), known as status cards.
Lakehead University president says change to NOSM may destabilize medical education
April 20, 2021
Despite criticism from the dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the president of Lakehead University is reiterating her concerns about a lack of consultation over the future of NOSM.
Fred Sasakamoose, cast in bronze, is a good and fitting tribute
April 20, 2021
His NHL career was unremarkable, if you boil it down to the small set of statistics he constructed during a short stint under the bright lights. Fred Sasakamoose played 11 NHL games, on the last-place Chicago Blackhawks, during the 1953-54 season.
Autumn Peltier – Water Warrior gains more recognition
April 21, 2021
Autumn Peltier of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has been named to the national Clean50 list, which recognizes “outstanding contributions to clean capitalism.”
https://www.myespanolanow.com/40376/autumn-peltier-water-warrior-gains-more-recognition/
Drew Hayden Taylor explores everything from the weird and wacky to the deep and profound ways Indigenous Peoples impact the world in
April 21, 2021
Sam Karney (A Life on the Line) and Andrew Wiens (A Life on the Line) of Ice River Films are pleased to announce that the IndigiGonzo series, Going Native, starring Drew Hayden Taylor (Cottagers & Indians, Searching for Winnetou, Mixed Blessings) will premiere on Canada’s national Indigenous network APTN. The half-hour, 13-episode series premieres Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Award winning filmmaker tackles misrepresentation of crisis in her nation
April 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated the number of opioid related drug overdoses in Canada. The story is the same in province after province, last year was the deadliest year ever for opioid related deaths.
Assiginack students design banners for township’s 150th anniversary
April 21, 202`1
Students at Assiginack Public School (APS) have designed banners for the Township of Assiginack’s 150th anniversary this year and four of them will appear publicly in Manitowaning for the sesquicentennial, offering a small commemoration of this year’s significant anniversary until the full celebrations can take place once pandemic restrictions ease, hopefully in 2022.
https://www.manitoulin.com/assiginack-students-design-banners-for-townships-150th-anniversary/
Jamie-lee Oshkabewisens’ mother taught him the value of helping the community
April 20, 2021
If there’s a community effort underway in Wiikwemkoong, chances are good that Jamie-lee Oshkabewisens has had a part in it.
Ambitious Liberal budget with billions in spending has supporters and critics
April 20, 2021
The federal government’s new proposed budget is being praised for committing money to a number of crucial areas, while at the same time, criticized for excluding key populations. Released Monday, the Liberals new economic spending plan is its most ambitious to date with over $100 billion in new expenditures.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford isolating after staff member tests positive for COVID-19
April 20, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is isolating in Toronto after he was in close contact with a staff member who has since tested positive for COVID-19, his office said late Tuesday night. The staffer was in contact with Ford on Monday, and was tested on Tuesday after learning they had been at risk of exposure, according to Ivana Yelich, spokesperson for the premier.
Grand chief in Alberta says AFN shouldn’t be consulting on UNDRIP bill with Canada
April 20, 2021
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey says Bill C-15, which is currently going through the committee process in Parliament, should be negotiated on a Nation to Nation basis and not through the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
‘I’m forever getting sick’: Two mothers in Mathias Colomb worry about their new homes
April 20, 2021
Two mothers in a First Nation in northern Manitoba say mould in their newer, band-built homes is making them sick. They say noticeable mould formed very quickly after they moved into the Roos Road subdivision built by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in 2019.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/mould-reserve-housing/
Canadian Cancer Society won’t back Manitoba’s extended smoking ban because First Nations sidelined
April 19, 2021
The Canadian Cancer Society is stamping out its previous support for a proposed Manitoba law that will ban smoking in public places on First Nations communities. The national charity — which actively campaigns to discourage smoking — has written to the province to withdraw its support of Bill 56 until First Nations are properly consulted.
FSIN calls for widespread Indigenous education to combat racism
April 20, 2021
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling on the provincial and federal governments to create an anti-racism strategy and to make Indigenous education mandatory to help combat racism.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7775482/fsin-indigenous-racism-sask-freshco/
‘When you watch that video it traumatizes you’: Lawyer for woman in video demands security guard be investigated
April 20, 2021
Annette Custer, the woman who is in a video being tackled by a security guard at a FrescCo grocery in Saskatoon appeared at a press conference Tuesday organized by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
Winnipeg safe space for women experiencing violence, exploitation or homelessness a reality at Velma’s House
April 20, 2021
Every morning before the doors open at Velma’s House, Isabel Daniels smudges the West Broadway space. When visitors enter they are greeted with the smell of sage. This ceremony is repeated throughout the day.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/velmas-house-safe-space-winnipeg-manitoba/
Vaccination clinics for urban Indigenous, homeless people to open in 4 Manitoba cities
April 20, 2021
Manitoba will open five vaccination clinics in four cities across the province, aiming to provide vaccines for Indigenous people living in urban centres and people experiencing homelessness or living in precarious housing.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid-19-vaccine-clinics-indigenous-homeless-1.5995408
‘Being who you are’: Cree princess hopes to help LGBTQ2S find tolerance
April 21, 2021
A Cree two-spirited college student from Mistissini, Que., says she looks forward to being a voice of acceptance for LGBTQ2S people in Cree communities after becoming the Quebec Cree Nation princess.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-miss-eeyou-eenou-pageant-waswanipi-1.5995358
Squamish Nation is ready to take legal action against CN Rail for ongoing disruptions
April 20, 2021
The Squamish Nation community is “at its wit’s end” with the ongoing disruptions from rail operations just metres from their homes, and council is ready to pursue legal action if changes aren’t made soon.
For many First Nations in B.C., connecting to high-speed internet is just the first hurdle
April 21, 2021
Access to sustainable, affordable bandwidth sufficient to meet the needs of health, education, economic development and emergency services is critical. Last March, as British Columbia entered into a state of emergency, it included internet and telecommunications in the list of services that must continue to be delivered during the pandemic, as “essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning.”
First Nations Energized by LNG, Geothermal
April 20, 2021
The proponents of the $3 billion floating LNG terminal will need to meet numerous conditions to mitigate impacts on land, air and water. But satisfying local Indigenous interests and concerns should be a little easier for Cedar LNG. After all, it would be the first LNG project built in Canada that would be owned by a First Nation: the Haisla.
https://biv.com/article/2021/04/first-nations-energized-lng-geothermal
The Nuu-chah-nulth Just Won a Huge Ruling for First Nations Fisheries
April 20, 2021
After a 26-month wait, the Nuu-chah-nulth are celebrating a B.C. Court of Appeal ruling released Monday that found the federal government has infringed on their commercial fishing rights in many ways.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2021/04/21/Nuu-Chah-Nulth-Just-Won-Huge-Ruling-First-Nations-Fisheries/
Yukon election leads to unprecedented random draw
April 20, 2021
Last week’s election is shaping up to be one of the most unique elections in the Yukon. After an unprecedented tie between the Liberals and the NDP in the least populated riding, a winner has been chosen through a random draw. Here’s APTN’s Sara Connors explains.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/yukon-election-leads-to-unprecedented-random-draw/
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.
