Ontario reports 1,707 new COVID-19 cases; positivity climbs above 5 per cent
December 1, 2020
Ontario reported 1,707 new COVID-19 cases and seven new deaths on Tuesday, as positivity province-wide climbed above 5 per cent and Toronto hit a new single-day record high. “Locally, there are 727 new cases in Toronto, 373 in Peel and 168 in York Region,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said on Twitter. Toronto’s number for Tuesday is a new single-day high, nearly 100 more cases higher than what was recorded on Monday.
Minister pledges $1.5B to fix ‘unacceptable gap’ in Indigenous infrastructure during pandemic recovery
November 30, 2020
The federal government has tabled its Fall Economic Statement explaining how Ottawa plans to bounce back from an historic economic recession, projected deficit of $381.6 billion and federal debt exceeding $1 trillion – all largely caused by unprecedented pandemic spending.
Anishinabek Nation HIV Program to premiere mini-documentary series during virtual launch of HIV Anti-Stigma Campaign
November 30, 2020
The Anishinabek Nation HIV Program began the virtual launch of the HIV Anti-Stigma Campaign on November 26 and will culminate December 1 on World AIDS Day.
The First Nations Water Crisis Won’t End When Drinking Water Advisories Do
November 30, 2020
In October, more than 250 members of the Neskantaga First Nation were evacuated to Thunder Bay after an oily sheen was found on their reservoir. The discovery left the community, located in northern Ontario, without access to running water.
Indigenous communities need to have ‘both hands on the steering wheel’ when it comes to child welfare: report
November 30, 2020
While tabling the preliminary report for the inquiry known as the Laurent Commission, President Régine Laurent says one particular moment of public testimony stood out above others. “There’s a sentence that comes back to me: an Indigenous community said ‘excuse us, but we’ve been loving our children for thousands of years,’ Pierre told reporters Monday.
Highlights of the Trudeau government’s 2020 fall economic update
November 30, 2020
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled her long-awaited fall economic statement today, updating the federal government’s fiscal strategy for coping with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and shaping the recovery.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/freeland-highlights-fall-economic-update-1.5822404
Report Finds ‘Widespread and Insidious’ Racism against Indigenous People in Health Care
November 30, 2020
An Indigenous woman wakes up in a hospital far from her rural community in 2018 and again in 2019, dry heaving after both of her surgeries. She thinks she could be allergic to the sedative, but the nurse assumes she is going through withdrawal, despite the fact she hadn’t been drinking before either surgery. “You people drink too much,” the nurse says, and moves the woman to a bed where she doesn’t get further care for three days.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/11/30/Anti-Indigenous-Racism-Health-Care-Report/
Thunder Bay Indigenous Population Far Larger Than Thought?
November 30, 2020
Data released from a survey focused on Indigenous adults’ and children’s experiences with the health care system in Thunder Bay show communities deeply rooted in their cultural traditions and identities, while facing several systemic barriers that adversely impact their health and wellbeing.
http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/11/30/thunder-bay-indigenous-population-far-larger-than-thought/
‘Our people have seen plagues before.’ An Indigenous school in northern Ontario is facing the challenge of COVID
November 29, 2020
Maryann Swain waves smoke from burning sage throughout the gym at the Gaagagekiizhik school, just as her grandmother taught her when they were being exposed to pathogens on their reserve. Today, in Ontario’s first Anishinaabe immersion school, the need to clear the room of negative energy is more urgent with the onset of COVID-19.
Indigenous actor, author, elder, leaders appointed to Order of Canada
November 30, 2020
Several Indigenous Canadians have been awarded the country’s highest civilian honours in the latest round of appointments. Indigenous appointees include Tom Jackson and Doreen Spence of Calgary, Alta., Thomas King of Guelph, Ont., Chief Darcy Bear of Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Sask. and Harvey Andrew McCue (Waubageshig) of Ottawa, Ont.
Indian Horse: History, Hockey and Healing
November 30, 2020
On Netflix (where it’s currently streaming), “Indian Horse” is described as “heartfelt,” “forceful” and “feel-good.” Only the first two adjectives are accurate. Similarly erroneous is Netflix’s marketing of the film as a sports movie. Ice hockey does play a pivotal role in the journey of Saul Indian Horse, but this is no stereotypical against-all-odds sports success story.
https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2020/11/30/indian-horse-history-hockey-and-healing/
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg artist graphic design work featured in the NHL
December 1, 2020
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg’s Jacenia Desmoulin looks forward to doing additional graphic design work for the National Hockey League team Chicago Blackhawks after designing the Native-inspired art for the Blackhawks’ Native American Initiatives webpage.
Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world on Tuesday
December 1, 2020
As of 7:45 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Canada’s COVID-19 case count stood at 378,139, with 66,037 of those considered active cases. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC’s reporting stood at 12,130.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-december-1-1.5823076
A Chief’s Angry Charge: Paternalism Is Putting His People’s Lives at Risk
November 30, 2020
Chief Wally Burns sensed right away that something was wrong. The voice on his cellphone belonged to the man who operated the community’s grader. He told Burns that he had a “wicked headache” and “terrible cough.” The man planned to do a little more work, then go home.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2020/12/01/Paternalism-Putting-Indigenous-People-At-Risk/
Lori Campbell hopes award will inspire young Indigenous, Black and LGBTQ women
November 30, 2020
The winner of the 2020 Women of Inspiration Indigenous Leader Award hopes her achievement will serve as an inspiration to young women from all walks of life.
The disappearing children of Constance Lake and the woman trying to find them
November 30, 2020
The streets of Constance Lake First Nation are quiet and bare. Children used to fill them, running around like kids often do. But it’s quiet these days on the small northern Ontario reserve about 500 km east of Thunder Bay. And has been for some time.
Lakehead University lobbies for funding for new Indigenous centre
November 30, 2020
More than four years after receiving $1 million in seed money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Lakehead University is still looking for funding to build a new Indigenous learning and programming centre.
McDonald’s festive coffee cups feature Indigenous symbolism
November 30, 2020
Philip Cote, from Moose Deer Point First Nation in Ontario is a well-known artist in Toronto. His work can be found throughout the city. Now his ideas are bringing art to McDonalds locations across North America.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/mcdonalds-festive-coffee-cups-feature-indigenous-symbolism/
SIU investigating death in Aundeck Omni Kaning
November 28, 2020
On Friday November 27, 2020 at approximately 10:40 p.m. members of the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a request for assistance by the United Chiefs in Council of Manitoulin Police Service (UCCM) request for assistance regarding a domestic dispute.
https://www.manitoulin.com/siu-investigating-death-in-aundeck-omni-kaning/
Ontario Providing Additional Financial Support for Young Learners
November 30, 2020
The Ontario government is again providing financial relief for families facing new education-related expenses in the COVID-19 era with support totaling $380 million. Starting today, parents or guardians residing in Ontario can complete a simple online application through the Support for Learners web page. Applications will remain open until January 15, 2021.
Support for Learners – How to Apply For Ontario’s $200 COVID-19 Childcare Support
November 30, 2020
The Ontario government is once again providing a one-time payment of $200 per child for families facing new education-related expenses in the COVID-19 era. The new Support for Learners program will provide direct one-time payments to help offset additional learning costs, whether their children attend school in person, online or a mix of both. This initiative is part of the 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover.
Shamattawa First Nation seeking military aid for COVID-19 outbreak
November 30, 2020
A COVID-19 rapid response team is on the ground in a northern Manitoba First Nation, but the community is looking for further support after 30 new cases were linked to the community Sunday.
A blueprint for First Nations health service delivery
November 30, 2020
The last time Manitoba’s First Nations communities saw widespread flu-like symptoms among their people, the outcome was grim. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza pandemic disproportionally affected Indigenous peoples, with higher rates of infection and over-representation among those needing hospitalization.
https://news.umanitoba.ca/a-blueprint-for-first-nations-health-service-delivery/
N.S. First Nation, Ottawa nearing deal on lobster fishing rights
November 29, 2020
More than two months after a Nova Scotia First Nation launched a lobster fishery that has reignited a longstanding debate about fishing rights and regulations, the band says Ottawa has proposed a draft agreement that stands to be “a historic recognition” of their treaty rights.
Mi’kmaq band councillor, two fishermen face charges in Nova Scotia fishing dispute
November 30, 2020
An Indigenous band councillor and two fishermen are facing charges in relation to tensions that erupted on the water after a Mi’kmaq First Nation launched a self-regulated fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Indigenous artists and craftspeople go online to connect with holiday shoppers
December 1, 2020
Dana Connolly is one of hundreds of Indigenous artists who are selling their beadwork, crafts, clothing and gifts this year online as part of virtual holiday markets.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/holiday-online-market-indigenous-crafts-1.5820252
N.B. Group Launches Online Marketplace For Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs
November 30, 2020
With powwows cancelled because of Covid, Indigenous crafters and makers have not only lost important events for socializing and exchanging ideas but also a place to sell their products.
Sask. athletes start podcast to showcase Indigenous talent and stories
November 25, 2020
What began as an idea for two Cree best friends has turned into a podcast that is catching on with their laid back conversation and list of Indigenous guests. “We firmly believe that everyone has a story,” said River Thomas, 25, originally from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Saskatchewan, and co-host of Foxing Around.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/sask-athletes-podcast-foxing-around-1.5817798
COVID-19 outbreak at Saskatoon jail flagged as potentially fatal systemic failure
November 30, 2020
Tyler Magnus has lived in an overflow unit at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre for about three months, after he was remanded for breaching a court order following an alleged assault.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7493770/saskatoon-correctional-centre-jail-covid-19-outbreak/
Care home outbreak in Opaskwayak Cree Nation improves after Canadian Armed Forces called in
November 30, 2020
A COVID-19 outbreak at Rod McGillivray Memorial Care Home in Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) has been stabilized after the Canadian Armed Forces were called in to help. All 28 residents and many staff members at the care home had tested positive for the disease.
Native American Heritage Month: Larissa FastHorse Shares Indigenous Plays to Read
November 30, 2020
Many Indigenous playwrights are working on stages across America today, and even more in Canada. Indigenous people have been storytellers as long as they have been on these lands. While the contemporary American theater field is catching up to commissioning and producing stories of Native people, written by Native people, publishing has not.
Opinion: Indigenous group explores past and present with study of cannabis as First Nations medicine
December 1, 2020
For far too long, researchers have used marginalized populations as the subjects of their work. Henrietta Lacks is among the most well-known examples. She was a young African American mother of five, whose cancer cells were immortalized in service to science, without the benefit of her knowledge or consent.
Burden to Bear: Police called to confront legacy of racism and brutality
December 1, 2020
Kingsley Massiah scribbled down the feelings he couldn’t seem to shake as he thought back to the night of his arrest. “I have never been and did not deserve to be in that position,” he wrote on the back page of a document filled with witness testimony. “I think I was wronged.”
First Nations control of education will require radically different systems than what’s gone before
November 30, 2020
First Nations chiefs in Alberta will remind the federal government in a symposium next year that First Nations-led education is a treaty right.
Sherwood Park teacher wins GG award for course linking skateboard design, Indigenous history
November 30, 2020
A Sherwood Park teacher is being recognized for an unusual classroom project he created at Salisbury Composite High School. Kristian Basaraba teaches what he calls a “sk8trepreneur” course and one of his recent projects, Exploring Colonialism, Creativity and Reconciliation with Skateboards, combines skateboard design with Indigenous history.
Indigenous Leaders Want Immediate Action on Health Care Racism
November 30, 2020
Indigenous leaders are calling on Premier John Horgan to immediately implement all recommendations in what they describe as an “appalling” report about systemic racism in B.C.’s health-care system.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/11/30/Indigenous-Leaders-Want-Immediate-Action-On-Health-Care-Racism/
No organized racist games in B.C. hospitals, but report finds widespread discrimination
November 30, 2020
A former judge and independent watchdog has dismissed allegations that organized, racist games were played in B.C. emergency rooms in which health care workers guessed the blood alcohol levels of Indigenous patients.
No proof B.C. healthcare workers played ‘Price is Right’ type game
November 30, 2020
An independent investigation by an Indigenous lawyer found no proof healthcare staff play a “game” to guess the blood-alcohol level of Indigenous patients admitted to emergency rooms.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/racism-b-c-healthcare/
Ehattesaht First Nation members struggling in wake of COVID-19 outbreak and repeated power outages
November 30, 2020
An outbreak of COVID-19 cases, compounded by repeat power outages and abysmal weather, has forced an isolated Vancouver Island Indigenous community into lockdown.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ehattesaht-first-nation-lockdown-1.5822201
Vancouver mayor wants Indigenous leaders to head possible 2030 Olympic bid
November 30, 2020
It was during one of the early planning sessions for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics that Chief Gibby Jacob heard a provincial government official talking about the Callahan Valley, which would eventually host cross-country skiing and ski jumping during the Games.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/vancouver-olympic-bid-indigenous-leaders-1.5820480
‘I try to be the voice for my daughter’: six months since Chantel Moore’s death, family still seeking answers
November 30, 2020
This week marks six months since the death of Chantel Moore, and the lawyer representing her estate says they haven’t heard any new information on the status of the investigation into her death.
Brother dies mourning his sister who was killed during a police wellness check, says their mother
December 1, 2020
The mother of Chantel Moore, who was shot in a police wellness check in New Brunswick last summer, is returning to New Brunswick from B.C. today after collecting the ashes of her son, Mike Martin.
Medical team sent to guide Vancouver Island First Nation through COVID-19 outbreak
November 30, 2020
A medical response team has been dispatched to a remote Vancouver Island First Nation community to help guide it through a serious COVID-19 outbreak.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/medical-team-sent-guide-vancouver-011353747.html
New B.C. cabinet includes more fisheries oversight, but advocates say it’s not enough
December 1, 2020
Fisheries appear to be taking a more prominent role in B.C. Premier John Horgan’s new cabinet. On Thursday, Horgan announced a new parliamentary secretary for fisheries position within the Agriculture Ministry. Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, will take up the portfolio that is focused on revitalizing salmon population, protecting habitat, creating a provincial-level “coastal strategy” and increasing domestic fish processing capacity.
GNWT receives federal funding to tackle substance use in the territory
November 30, 2020
Today, Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services and the Honourable Marc Miller, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, announced an investment of $1 million over five years for measures to help address problematic substance use through the Northern Wellness Agreement.
https://ihtoday.ca/gnwt-receives-federal-funding-to-tackle-substance-use-in-the-territory/
Nunavut mother tests positive for COVID-19 days after giving birth in Winnipeg hospital
November 30, 2020
A new mother from Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, was put in intensive care in a Winnipeg hospital last week when she tested positive for COVID-19 just days after delivering a baby by caesarean section.
How a cup of tea with an N.W.T. elder changed this man’s life
November 30, 2020
Wilbert Cook says if someone like him can do it, anyone can. The executive director of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation marked national addictions awareness week by sharing how a woman from his home town of Fort Good Hope, N.W.T. turned his life around about 20 years ago.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/cup-tea-n-w-t-143738648.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
Important Notice – Chiefs of Ontario Offices Closed for Winter Break: Please be advised the Chiefs of Ontario will be closed for the holidays from 1 pm on December 18, 2020, to January 4, 2021. Regular hours will resume on January 4, 2021.
Notice: Chiefs of Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly
Please see the attached save the date notice for the next Special Chiefs Assembly held online on February 3-4th, 2020. More information will be shared atwww.chiefsmeeting.com in the coming weeks.
Chiefs of Ontario Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
November 26, 2020
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.
