Government of Canada to appeal recent ruling on the First Nations Election Cancellation and Postponement Regulations (Prevention of Diseases)
April 8, 2021
The Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller, issued the following statement today: “Last April, after hearing directly from First Nation leaders regarding their grave concerns, Indigenous Services Canada acted promptly to develop the First Nations Election Cancellation and Postponement Regulations (Prevention of Diseases) to address the immediate public health risks posed by holding elections during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Regulations provide a mechanism for First Nation councils to postpone their elections or to extend the terms of the chiefs and councillors, while avoiding a critical governance gap, to prevent, mitigate or control the spread of diseases on reserve, including COVID-19.
Ontario reports more than 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 for first time since second wave peak
April 9, 2021
Ontario health officials reported more than 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the first time in months, marking the second highest number of cases reported in a single day since the pandemic started. The province confirmed 4,227 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, which marks the highest daily total reported since Jan. 8 when officials added 4,249 new infections.
Ontario orders hospitals to halt non-emergency surgeries as COVID-19 patients fill ICUs
April 8, 2021
The Ontario government’s health agency is telling hospitals across most of the province to stop performing all but emergency and life-saving surgeries because of the growing caseload of COVID-19 patients, CBC News has learned.
Ministers promise ‘thorough review’ following APTN report on racism in their departments
April 8, 2021
The three ministers responsible for Crown-Indigenous Relations, Northern Affairs and Indigenous Services say they’re “deeply disturbed” following an APTN News story on racism in their departments — pledging “to conduct a thorough review to address the matter.”
Hajdu promises more vaccine transparency
April 9, 2021
Canada’s health minister says vaccines are almost certainly having an impact on Thunder Bay’s plummeting COVID-19 numbers. The good news is that the public seems to be anxious to get vaccinated, evidenced by how quickly spots in the city fill up when announced by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or one of its partner agencies.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/hajdu-promises-more-vaccine-transparency-3617238
Here’s why Canadians have reason to be more optimistic about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
April 9, 2021
Comparing apples to oranges isn’t necessarily useful if you’re trying to learn more about apples. And that is exactly what some experts say is happening in recent discussions of Canada’s vaccine rollout performance on the world stage.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-vaccine-rollout-data-1.5980588
It’s time to treat Pikangikum as a nation
April 9, 2021
For the past two weeks, during a global pandemic, Pikangikum First Nation – a Northern Ontario community of nearly 3,600, located along the Berens River near the Manitoba border – has operated without a fully equipped police service or access to proper medical care.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-its-time-to-treat-pikangikum-as-a-nation/
Rama First Nation expresses outrage and grief over woman’s death
April 8, 2021
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation near Orillia has expressed outrage and heartbreak after the death of a woman from the Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough. A news release from Rama expressed deepest condolences to the family of Cileana Taylor, 22. “As a member of the Williams Treaties First Nations, her death resonates throughout the treaty territory and beyond,” the release said.
Kenora-area First Nations agree to allow Highway 17 twinning to start
April 8, 2021
The leadership of four First Nations say they conditionally agree to allow the Government of Ontario to begin the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and the Manitoba boundary. Wauzhushk Onigum, Shoal Lake # 40, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe and Washagamis Bay First Nations made the announcement jointly.
Lakehead University launches new Indigenous Law and Justice Institute
April 9, 2021
Lakehead University Bora Laskin Faculty of Law assistant professor Nancy Sandy looks forward to expanding Indigenous law course offerings in the curriculum through the newly created Indigenous Law and Justice Institute.
Canada Nickel signs mine fleet financing agreement with Taykwa Tagamou Nation
April 8, 2021
A Timmins-area nickel mine builder is leaning on a First Nation development partner to help finance its electric vehicle fleet. Canada Nickel Company announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) on financing he company’s mine fleet for the Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Mine Project.
Framework aimed at enhancing city’s relations with First Nation communities
April 8, 2021
City council received an update on the Indigenous Engagement Framework during Tuesday’s meeting. Dave Landers, the city’s chief administrative officer, outlined some of the latest developments, while making a presentation to accompany the written 2020 Report Back on Progress.
Local women’s shelters getting emergency COVID funding
April 8, 2021
Five women’s shelters in Nipissing-Timiskaming will benefit from the latest round of funding from the Covid-19 Emergency Gender Based Violence Funding. Those shelters include The Crisis Centre North Bay, Nipissing Transition House, Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northeastern Ontario, and the Mattawa Women’s Resource Centre.
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/local-womens-shelters-getting-emergency-covid-funding-3614350
The power of Indigenous humour — sharing Indigenous experiences and voices through laughter
April 8, 2021
Stand-up comedian, Northern Style Women’s Traditional dancer, educator and backup singer, Stephanie Pangowish does it all. Part of the Anishinaabekwe from Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island, Pangowish is known for her community involvement.
Native Women’s Resource Centre offers Status Card Clinic
April 8, 2021
The Native Women’s Resource Centre in Toronto (NWRCT) is offering Status Card Clinic’s by appointment. Nicole Balthazar is the Investing in Women’s Future Coordinator for the NWRCT, and the muscle behind the Status Card Clinic. One of the core needs identified by the community was the need for assistance in gaining status.
Faculty worried about the future of University of Sudbury’s groundbreaking Indigenous Studies program
April 8, 2021
There are a few things to know about the department of Indigenous Studies at University of Sudbury, one of the federated universities on the Laurentian University campus impacted by the embattled school’s unilateral termination of the federation on April 1.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/faculty-worried-future-university-sudbury-153318107.html
White Water Gallery has a new executive director
April 8, 2021
In 2011, Rihkee Strapp applied for a first exhibition assistance grant through the White Water Gallery as an emerging artist. Originally from Red Lake Ontario, Strapp is a Red River Metis and was raised on Nohkum’s dial-up internet.
https://www.baytoday.ca/more-local/white-water-gallery-has-a-new-executive-director-3615696
When CBC viewers met Buffy Sainte-Marie
April 8, 2021
Buffy Sainte-Marie has been raising her voice to advocate for North America’s Indigenous people since the mid-1960s. Her musical output from that period is getting new recognition in 2021 from Canada Listens, the “great music debate” from CBC Music that gets underway on April 12.
https://www.cbc.ca/archives/buffy-sante-marie-1966-1.5976440
Black and Indigenous riders are ‘grossly overrepresented’ in TTC transit enforcement data, report finds
April 8, 2021
Black and Indigenous residents are “grossly overrepresented” in interactions with TTC officers and are significantly more likely than their white counterparts to be formally cautioned or charged while riding Toronto’s transit system, a landmark new report has found.
Ontario announces minerals strategy
April 8, 2021
Minister of energy, northern development and mines and minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford, announced on March 10, that the Ontario government is developing its first ever Critical Minerals Strategy to help support Ontario’s transition to a low-carbon economy and create jobs and opportunities in the mining sector.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ontario-announces-minerals-strategy-135221671.html
Deep water port project in Quebec receives mixed reactions from Indigenous groups
April 8, 2021
The Huron-Wendat Nation is throwing its support behind a deep water port project which would allow nearby Quebec City to welcome large ships. But the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake formally objected to the project when consulted on the environmental impacts.
Potential moose hunting agreement with Algonquin Nation in jeopardy
April 8, 2021
After an agreement-in-principle regarding a moose hunting moratorium was reached with the Quebec government late last week, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake have decided they will not be rushing to sign on the dotted line.
$5 million to Air Tunilik to support and improve air service north of the 49th parallel
April 8, 2021
The Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, is pleased to announce the allocation of $5 million of financial assistance to Air Tunilik in order to support its expansion project, which will ensure better air services for tourists wishing to visit northern Québec.
First Nation Stakes Claim To NS Elvers
April 8, 2021
First Nation treaty rights are again under the spotlight following a recent Nova Scotia incident involving federal fishing authorities and Sipekne’katik fishermen’s right to fish for a modern livelihood. Officers a little over a week ago confronted several fishermen as they were dipping for baby eels – a highly regulated natural commodity in a multimillion-dollar fishing industry.
https://www.gamingpost.ca/canadian-sports-science-news/ns-fishing-issues/
‘They were not there’: First Nations feel betrayed after fish farm court decision
April 9, 2021
First Nations backing Ottawa’s plan to phase out salmon farms in the Discovery Islands feel betrayed after a court ruled in favour of aquaculture companies looking to restock fish at their sites in the region.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/09/news/first-nations-betrayed-fish-farm-court-decision
N.B. First Nation questions early start to fishing season after boat capsizes
April 8, 2021
The former chief of a New Brunswick First Nation says she’s concerned the crab fishing season began too early this year after a boat recently capsized off the coast of Cape Breton.
Hundreds gather in memory of Eishia Hudson, 16, who was fatally shot by Winnipeg police a year ago
April 8, 2021
About 300 people attended a vigil in Winnipeg to honour a 16-year old girl who was fatally shot by a Winnipeg police officer a year ago Thursday. Memorials were also scheduled to be held in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax Thursday evening to honour the life of Eishia Hudson, who died on April 8, 2020.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/eishia-hudson-vigil-winnipeg-police-1.5980336
Regina commission votes 8-1 to rename Dewdney Park to Buffalo Meadows Park, council to make final decision
April 8, 2021
The Regina planning commission voted eight to one in favour of renaming Dewdney Park in the North Central neighbourhood to Buffalo Meadows Park on Wednesday evening. Past reports from city administration said Edgar Dewdney was a historical figure who was “directly responsible for the development and administration of harmful policies toward Indigenous peoples,” including establishing and overseeing residential schools.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/rename-dewdney-park-buffalo-meadows-1.5979549
Manitoba government promise of diabetes coverage ‘will save lives’ but falls short, advocates say
April 8, 2021
Joseph Sandul is grateful Manitoba’s latest budget promises to cover costly diabetes equipment for his 12-year-old daughter. But the Métis father of two who works a minimum wage job can’t help but wonder why the province has proposed capping those supports for people under 25.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-diabetes-glucose-insulin-monitors-1.5979921
Indigenous leader says 2021 budget lacks support for Indigenous people
April 7, 2021
Chief Dennis Meeches says that they are disappointed to see the province lacking support for Indigenous communities saying it is “unfortunate” that this is what they have to live with.
New Faces New Places: The Patch Wine & Spirits is Sask.’s first urban reserve liquor store
April 8, 2021
New businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today, the StarPhoenix talks to Jason Allen and Cam Werezak, part of the team that operates The Patch Wine & Spirits, which opened in December south of Saskatoon in the Grasswood area.
https://thestarphoenix.com/business/local-business/new-faces-new-places-the-patch-wine-spirits
Residential school survivor and poet to read at Electric Mermaid
April 9, 2021
A third-generation residential school survivor, poet and attorney Francine Merasty will be a featured author at the next virtual Electric Mermaid event.
Drew Hayden Taylor explores everything from the weird and wacky to the deep and profound ways Indigenous Peoples impact the world
April 8, 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.
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
4-year-old Indigenous Olympic hopeful wows equestrian community
April 9, 2021
Canada’s latest Olympic hopeful may be short in stature, but what she lacks in height she makes up for in confidence. At just four years old, Ansale’wit Christmas has captured the attention of the equestrian community with her skill and passion for the sport.
Epekwitk Assembly to launch campaign touting livelihood fishery as beneficial to the whole Island
April 8, 2021
Indigenous communities on PEI will not be deterred from developing treaty-protected fisheries on their own terms, despite recent comments from federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan suggesting such fisheries be permitted only during regular fishing seasons.
Kainai filmmaker documents opioid crisis that has ravaged her community
April 8, 2021
Award winning documentary maker Elle Maija Tailfeathers’ new film called Kimmapiiyipitssini – the Meaning of Empathy, tells the story of how the opioid crisis has ravaged her community. Kainai or the Blood Reserve is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Canada aims to raise safety along notorious “Highway of Tears” with cell phone service
April 9, 2021
Canadian authorities will help fund mobile phone service to increase safety along a remote stretch of highway in British Columbia known as the “Highway of Tears” for the number of women who have gone missing on the route, most of them indigenous.
Teegee says “First Nations need to be part of the decision-making process”
April 8, 2021
BC’s Indigenous population needs to be more involved in the decision-making process, in relation to the forestry sector. That’s according to Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee who spoke today (Thursday) during the Council of Forest Industries convention, which was held virtually.
Conservancy protects area sacred to Tahltan Nation in northwestern B.C.
April 8, 2021
Indigenous, provincial and federal leaders have worked beside industry and environmental groups to create a new conservancy in an area of northwestern British Columbia sacred to the Tahltan Nation.
The fight over Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island intensifies after an injunction is granted
April 8, 2021
Blockades and support is growing after the conservation group called the Rainforest Flying Squad was ordered by the B.C. courts that a logging company has access to an area known as Fairy Creek.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/fairy-creek-injunction-old-growth-british-columbia/
Vaccine Mistrust: A Legacy of Colonialism
April 8, 2021
Acknowledging and supporting Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination – the right to choose – is a critical step in addressing COVID-19 vaccine mistrust. See the opinion editorial published March 31, 2021 in The Globe & Mail, co-authored by Margo Greenwood, Academic Leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, and professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, and Noni MacDonald, Professor of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University.
https://www.nccih.ca/485/NCCIH_in_the_News.nccih?id=468
Forest sector flexes muscle
April 8, 2021
A new economic impact study by the BC Council of Forest Industries finds the industry generated over $13 billion in GDP in 2019.
The study also found the forest industry supported more than 100,000 jobs, and generated nearly $8.5 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits.
Indigenous vaccine priority causing racist blowback
April 8, 2021
Many are crying that this is unfair. Ignoring the reasons that Indigenous communities have been prioritized.
https://omny.fm/shows/steele-drex/indigenous-vaccine-priority-causing-racist-blowbac
‘There needs to be more accountability’: Protesters impatient with Sagmoen court process
April 8, 2021
A long drawn out court hearing nearly ended in a return to custody for Curtis Sagmoen, whose lawyer appeared in Vernon court Thursday afternoon just in time to have a warrant for the high-profile North Okanagan man’s arrest rescinded.
Global Indigenous map has B.C. roots
April 8, 2021
Long before Europeans mapped North America, Indigenous people occupied the land without regard for the borders we recognize today. Much of that knowledge has been lost over the years. Linda Aylesworth introduces us to a B.C. web developer who’s taken on the mission of mapping Indigenous communities and languages around the world.
https://globalnews.ca/video/7747572/global-indigenous-map-has-b-c-roots
WNBA’s Connecticut Sun honour Indigenous owners with imagery on jerseys
April 8, 2021
While many teams have been moving away from using Native American names and symbols, the Connecticut Sun have added them to their jerseys as a way to honour the heritage of the team’s tribal owners.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/wnba-connecticut-sun-jerseys-1.5980495
Federal court orders First Nation in N.W.T. to hold election
April 8, 2021
A federal court judge has ruled in favour of a dene man who took his First Nation to court over a postponed election. Floyd Bertrand, a member of Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADKFN), and former chief, legally challenged chief and council’s decision to postpone an election.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/federal-court-orders-first-nation-in-n-w-t-to-hold-election/
Yukon may reopen border soon if residents continue to get vaccinated
April 8, 2021
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is hinting the territory might be reopening its border soon – but only if Yukoners continue to get vaccinated. Sixty-eight per cent of the territory’s eligible population is vaccinated, which is close to the seventy-five per cent target.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/yukon-may-reopen-border-soon-if-residents-continue-to-get-vaccinated/
Native Americans: Move Boston Marathon from Oct. 11 holiday
April 8, 2021
Native Americans in Massachusetts are calling on the organizers of the Boston Marathon to move the already rescheduled date for the storied race because it now conflicts with a day meant to commemorate the contributions of Indigenous people.
Preserving Navajo culture during the pandemic ‘I’ll do anything for my people
April 8, 2021
When the Covid-19 made its way to Navajo Nation, activist Allie Young found her mission. Young was born in Navajo Nation, and moved back to stay with family during the pandemic.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/preserving-navajo-culture-during-pandemic-140126657.html
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.
