Ontario reports another drop in COVID-19 cases but positivity rate remains high
April 27, 2021
Ontario is reporting single-day another drop in the number of new COVID-19 cases but the province’s test positivity rate remains high. Health officials reported 3,265 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day in which the daily reported number of infections have decreased. There were 3,510 new cases reported on Monday, 3,947 cases on Sunday and 4,094 on Saturday.
Canadian Armed Forces sending teams to Ontario as COVID-19 cases strain critical care capacity
April 26, 2021
The Canadian Armed Forces will deploy three medical assistance teams to health-care facilities in Ontario, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area, according to a senior defence source with knowledge of the file.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-april-26-2021-update-1.6002130
Ontario Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Booking to Individuals 45 and Over in Hot Spot Communities
April 27, 2021
The Ontario government is expanding booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to individuals 45 and over in designated hot spot communities in 13 public health units, as identified by postal code, through its provincial booking system. Child care workers in licensed child care settings across the province will also be eligible to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Pharmacies running low on AstraZeneca vaccine as supply issues persist
April 26, 2021
Léa Gagné says she cried when she secured a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at an Orléans pharmacy because it meant she was one step closer to safely hugging her friends and family. But Gagné’s appointment for her first shot of the Astra-Zeneca-Oxford vaccine — originally scheduled for Monday morning — was cancelled last Wednesday, after the IDA Pharmacy said it hadn’t received any new doses that week and didn’t know when its next shipment would arrive.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/pharmacies-astrazeneca-shortage-1.6001690
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller on the $18B pledged for Indigenous communities in 2021 budget (Interview)
April 26, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller spoke with CBC Indigenous about spending promised for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in the federal government’s 2021-2022 budget.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-services-budget-marc-miller-1.5999883
Indigenous communities face unique challenges in funding infrastructure projects, experts say
April 26, 2021
The federal budget’s promise to spend $6-billion on infrastructure improvements in Indigenous communities is a welcome move, but closing an infrastructure shortfall estimated at $30 billion means breaking down barriers to funding and creating a climate of Indigenous equity ownership in projects, say experts.
Money coming to build housing in the territories
April 26, 2021
Some money is coming to build housing in the territories. Monday, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal revealed how much. He said he recently met with groups in the North over housing and how the pandemic has highlighted the need for shelter in vulnerable Indigenous communities.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/money-coming-to-build-housing-in-the-territories/
No concerns over Lake Nipissing water levels say NBMCA, MNRF
April 27, 2021
Despite what the barren appearance of the extended shoreline of Lake Nipissing would have you believe, water levels are normal for this time of year, according to the North Bay–Mattawa Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Sentencing decision for Brayden Bushby delayed to June 7
April 26, 2021
The decision as to how long Brayden Bushby will spend behind bars for his role in the death of Barbara Kentner of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation has been delayed to June 7 at 10:00 a.m. The sentencing decision was originally expected on May 4, but was delayed after Ontario’s Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz issued a directive asking the courts to defer as many matters as possible until May 7.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/bushby-sentencing-date-delay-1.6002163
Six Nation elected chief extends support to Land Back Lane movement (Video Interview)
April 26, 2021
Last week hereditary chiefs called for a moratorium on development in their territory and said construction can’t proceed without the consent of the people. In a press conference Monday Elected Chief Mark Hill extended his support to Skyler Williams and the 1492 Land Back Lane movement.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/six-nation-elected-chief-extends-support-to-land-back-lane-movement/
Waabnoong Bemjiwang uses technology for precise infrastructure strategy
April 26, 2021
Before digitization, Infrastructure Specialist Randy Roy couldn’t say how many fire hydrants were in the First Nations within the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations tribal council territory. Now he knows exactly how many there are and any possible information about them.
Working together to raise our children: Tikinagan Child and Family Services looking to fill positions
April 26, 2021
Tikinagan Child and Family Services is an indigenous child well-being agency serving 30 First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario, stretching from Ogoki in the east to the Manitoba border in the west, and from Savant Lake in the south to Fort Severn in the north.
Why many in Canada’s First Nations still don’t have clean drinking water
April 26, 2021
It’s 2021 and many people in Canada’s First Nations still do not have clean drinking water. The startling fact is laid bare in “Clean Water, Broken Promises,” an extensive report from Concordia University’s Institute of Investigative Journalism which brought together 70 students from 10 universities, professional journalists from six news outlets across Canada for two years of extensive reporting in a collaborative investigation. Two of the key members of the investigative team join “This Matters” to discuss the toll of the water crisis on generations of First Nations communities.
Colonization Name Change Official In Dryden
April 27, 2021
Dryden City Council has unanimously passed a municipal by-law renaming Colonization Avenue. The north end of the road will be known as Boozhoo Avenue, while the south end will be renamed Memorial Avenue.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/04/27/colonization-name-change-official-in-dryden/
Sudbury Juno nominee Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie working with Toronto Symphony
April 26, 2021
There is a rhythm to everything; to the world around us, to the tides and the moon, even our own heartbeats. Some would say if you listen hard enough, you can hear the beat of the earth through the roots of trees. For others, people like Sudbury’s Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, a singer and song maker and celebrated pow wow men’s traditional dancer, have been connecting to rhythm, to a beat, from a very young age.
Teenaged Indigenous climate activist part of unique month-long celebration of Indigenous voices at Carleton
April 26, 2021
Indigenous voices need to be heard in the conversation about environmental activism, a 16 year-old Indigenous climate activist told Carleton University students over Zoom during a unique month-long celebration of Indigenous culture called Minwàdjiyà-n which was led by the Carleton University Students’ Association.
NACCA Welcomes Supports for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Federal Budget 2021
April 26, 2021
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) welcomes the 2021 Budget’s significant investment in Indigenous entrepreneurs. “We commend Canada for recognizing the crucial role of Indigenous entrepreneurs in sustaining thriving communities, and are grateful for the funds the federal government has entrusted to NACCA and the network,” states Jean Vincent, Chair of NACCA’s Board.
Globe Climate: If Canada is going to meet its new greenhouse gas emissions goal, it is going to have to be tactical
April 26, 2021
One of the world’s largest insurers says that Canada will be more than $100-billion poorer by 2050 if the world doesn’t work harder to fight climate change.
Digital Lifelines for Ontario Women in Crisis: Rogers Expands Phone Program to Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses Across Ontario
April 26, 2021
Phones and plans to 100 Ontario shelters and transition houses to help women and their children, including Indigenous women, escape violence and abuse. Rogers Communications today announced it has expanded its phone and plan program to connect more Ontario women and their children with digital lifelines and support to escape violence and abuse.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/digital-lifelines-ontario-women-crisis-110000749.html
Presentation of the Round Table on the Theme “Women Facing Racism and Discrimination (Media Advisory)
April 26, 2021
Following the presentation of the AFNQL Action Plan on Racism and Discrimination towards First Nations, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, invites media representatives to an interactive virtual roundtable in English during which the theme of Women facing racism and discrimination will be discussed. WHEN: April 27, 2021 Noon to 1:30 PM – WHERE: https://zoom.us/j/95933401156
http://www.mastheadonline.com/cnw/?rkey=20210427C8615
Cultural collaboration gives Ikea shoppers a glimpse inside a Mi’kmaw home
April 26, 2021
A collaboration between a Mi’kmaw educator and the multinational furniture store Ikea is giving shoppers a glimpse inside a modern Mi’kmaw home. John R. Sylliboy, an educator of Eskasoni and Millbrook First Nations in Nova Scotia, collaborated with staff at the Ikea location near Halifax to decorate a section of the showroom with items that represent Mi’kmaw traditional territory and national pride.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mi-kmaw-showroom-ikea-halifax-1.6000526
Vaccinations ramping up in Sask. Indigenous communities
April 26, 2021
New data provided by the federal government provides a better picture of efforts to vaccinate First Nations communities in Saskatchewan.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/vaccinations-ramping-sask-indigenous-communities-171325058.html
Indigenous drum group rallies behind local healthcare workers as third wave continues
April 25, 2021
Every Monday night, a group of Indigenous drummers gather outside of Prince George’s University Hospital to show their support for the frontline healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients inside.
High school assignment has student/artist B.rose singing its praises
April 26, 2021
A high school student project in Saskatchewan has helped one student have aspirations of pursuing a career as a rap artist.B.rose, a Grade 11 student at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation school located 300 km northwest of Saskatoon, shot and edited a video for their Native Studies class.
Recalling the 2008 evacuation of the flood-vulnerable Fort Albany First Nation
April 26, 2021
On Sunday, April 27, 2008, residents of Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario evacuated their homes due to extreme flooding. The community had a population of 900 comprised of mostly women and children.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/recalling-2008-evacuation-flood-vulnerable-103000001.html
Vancouver Island First Nations face disproportionate burden during pandemic
April 26, 2021
A new Community Situation Report released by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) reveals the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Indigenous people on Vancouver Island. Despite representing only 7.6 per cent of Vancouver Island’s population, Indigenous people account for 34.9 per cent of COVID-19 cases. The rate of positive cases for the Indigenous population was 1,323 per 100,000 compared to 202 per 100,000 for the non-Indigenous population, according to the FNHA.
New fellowship advocates for First Nation youth in Yukon to fight climate crisis
April 26, 2021
Autum Jules is a member of Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC), a small First Nation in southern Yukon. For the last several years her First Nation has experienced low Yukon River salmon stocks – an important traditional food source for her people.
Yellowknife judge apologizes for imposing sweeping publication ban
April 26, 2021
A publication ban that shut down reporting on a murder trial of a Hay River man for its first week has been lifted. On Friday, in a rare move for a judge, Northwest Territories Supreme Court Justice Andrew Mahar apologized for imposing the ban. “In the heat of getting the trial going I didn’t give this issue proper consideration,” he said.
New technology means no tailings for Nechalacho Rare Earths Mine in N.W.T.
April 26, 2021
The Northwest Territories resource sector has a new kid in town. Nechalacho Rare Earths Mine, located around 100 kilometers east of Yellowknife on Thor Lake is gearing up to enter production this spring.
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.
