COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: outbreaks continue on the Prairies
December 2, 2020
The number of new and active cases of COVID-19 continue to rise on First Nations reserves with 1,562 active cases according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. The federal department reported 765 new cases in the last week, with outbreaks occurring primarily in the Prairies.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5823739
Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada around the world on Wednesday
December 2, 2020
As of 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Canada’s COVID-19 case count stood at 383,468, with 66,369 of those considered active cases. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC’s reporting stood at 12,211.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-december-2-1.5824702
Feds provide additional support to Indigenous communities amid outbreaks
December 1, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday additional federal support through the Canadian Red Cross to the Nunavut government to fight the spread of the coronavirus. He added that they’ve approved a request for assistance for Hatchet Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan.
Indigenous Services minister to acknowledge Liberals won’t meet promised drinking water target
December 2, 2020
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller will announce today the Liberal government won’t meet its commitment to lift all long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations by March 2021, according to a senior government source with knowledge of the file.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/indigenous-services-minister-drinking-water-target-1.5824614
Stuck in a hotel during a Christmas pandemic, Neskantaga members wait for water crisis to end
December 2, 2020
Nine-year-old Bedahbun ‘Bee’ Moonias can’t bring herself to drink the running water in her Thunder Bay, Ont., hotel room. “Since we can’t drink the tap water back in Neskantaga, I’m scared to use the tap water here to drink it,” Moonias said. “So I use water bottles.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stefanovich-neskantaga-water-thunder-bay-evacuation-1.5822885
Documentary series sheds light on HIV/AIDS stigma in Indigenous communities
November 30, 2020
The Anishinabek Nation has launched a virtual documentary program to help reduce the stigma that surrounds the HIV/AIDS virus. “When we look at HIV as a whole it’s the stigma that is the killer. It leaves people voiceless and in gaps,” said Krista Shore, an advocate for people with HIV originally from the Peepeekeesis First Nation in Saskatchewan.
Six Nations adapts its own COVID-19 colour-coded system, places itself in Level 2
December 2, 2020
Six Nations of the Grand River’s emergency control group has made its own version of Ontario’s COVID-19 colour-coded framework that determines the risk of regions in the province — except the Six Nations iteration has stricter measures.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/six-nations-colour-coded-system-covid-19-1.5824731
Wiikwemkoong celebrates opening of FN95 mask manufacturing plant
December 2, 2020
The grand opening of a FN Procurement factory in Wiikwemkoong’s new light industrial park will not only bring 50 new long-term jobs to the community, but the ribbon cutting on the facility symbolically opens the route to a bright new future of hopes and dreams.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wiiky-ppe-industry-will-create-50-new-long-term-positions/
Voluntary Indigenous Self-Identification Pilot Project launched at Northeast Cancer Centre in Sudbury
December 2, 2020
Health Sciences North (HSN) and the Northeast Cancer Centre (NECC) are committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients on their healthcare journey and ensuring that they can access all of the services available to them.
Housing plan creates 20-year blueprint to solve issues in Nibinamik First Nation
December 2, 2020
One remote community in northwestern Ontario says it has the blueprint it needs, to solve its long standing housing issues. Nibinamik First Nation, about 450 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, has an on-reserve population of about 400 people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/nibinamik-housing-plan-1.5824105
Paramedic services offering naloxone delivery to at-risk individuals on Manitoulin
December 2, 2020
While Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board Chief of Paramedic Services Paul Myre is careful in his wording, he admits to having “suspicions” that there is an increase in overdoses in his catchment area, including Manitoulin Island.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says Canada’s fall economic statement is a strong plan for post-pandemic recovery
December 1, 2020
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde released this statement today following the release of the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Nibinamik First Nation gets ‘new’ fire truck from Nipigon, Ont.
December 1, 2020
A remote First Nation in northwestern Ontario will soon have its own working fire truck. Nibinamik First Nation is slated to receive the donated pumper truck, once the winter road network opens in late 2020 or early 2021, based on the weather. The donated truck comes from Nipigon, which received a brand new pumper earlier this year.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/nibinamik-fire-truck-donated-1.5822495
Break-in at band office prompts investigation
December 1, 2020
Officers with the Lac Seul Police Service are investigating a break and enter incident at the Frenchman’s Head Band Office this weekend. Police say it took place between November 27 and 29 at the office, located at 2 Lakeview Crescent. Officers are looking for the public’s help in identifying those involved in the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lac Seul Police
https://www.drydennow.com/local/break-in-at-band-office-prompts-investigation
Whitefish River First Nation rejects governance agreement
December 2, 2020
A proposed governance agreement is not being welcomed with open arms in all First Nation communities. Whitefish River First Nation, which held its ratification vote last week, is the latest First Nation to reject the proposed Anishnawbek Nation Governance Agreement.
https://www.myespanolanow.com/37218/whitefish-river-first-nation-rejects-governance-agreement/
2020 Atlohsa Peace Awards recipients announced
December 1, 2020
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is pleased to announce recipients of the 3rd Annual Atlohsa Peace Awards, honouring those who have made outstanding contributions, inspiring social change in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2020/12/01/2020-atlohsa-peace-awards-recipients-announced/
OHRC working to address anti-Indigenous racism in lacrosse
December 1, 2020
In recognition of the importance of lacrosse to Indigenous cultures and in the face of troubling reports of racial slurs and mistreatment in games involving Six Nations lacrosse players, the Ontario Human Rights Commission will meet with Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation (Six Nations), the Ontario Lacrosse Association and the Canadian Lacrosse Association.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2020/12/01/ohrc-working-to-address-anti-indigenous-racism-in-lacrosse/
Colonial child protection system being imposed on Indigenous families says Irwin Elman
December 1, 2020
Transformation. Reset. Modernization. Those are all just some of the ways provincial governments have characterized changes to child welfare systems and policies. All nice words, says Irwin Elman, but the hard part is making them mean something in the lives of young children. Elman, who spent nearly 11 years as the advocate for children and youth in Ontario, says the child welfare system itself is flawed and based on a colonial system.
Indigenous women entrepreneurs share stories of working with federal government
December 1, 2020
The Canadian government has a marketplace worth an estimated $25 billion each year.
And though it can be a difficult market to break into, countless businesses can benefit from many lucrative opportunities.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-women-entrepreneurs-share-stories-021233194.html
Indigenous chefs launch campaign to provide meals for families in need
December 1, 2020
A group of Indigenous chefs and charities from across Canada have launched a fundraising campaign to provide warm meals for Indigenous families in need over the holidays. The Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations (ICAN) is raising funds in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to create Indigenous feast boxes which will include locally-sourced ingredients inspired by Indigenous heritage.
Celeigh Cardinal, Logan Staats, Leela Gilday just some of the performances featured in the Connected Music Series
December 1, 2020
After nine long months of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns people around the world are truly feeling the emotional and physical crunch. Humans are social creatures and this pandemic has succeeded in separating us from one another more than anything else in recent memory.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/celeigh-cardinal-logan-staats-leela-020531101.html
Château Frontenac chef learns ‘real cuisine’ from Cree elders
December 2, 2020
Eeyou Istchee Tourism and Tourisme Baie-James have teamed up with a top chef at the Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City to publish a book of recipes created with the help of Cree elders. The recipes are part of Northern Flavours – ᒌᐧᐁᑎᓅᑖᐦᒡ ᓂᓯᐧᑖᐤ, a cookbook released this Fall as part of efforts to promote the region.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-cuisine-stephane-modat-chateau-frontenac-1.5822554
Federal fiscal update a missed opportunity, say northern environmentalists
December 1, 2020
Northern environmentalists say the federal government’s fiscal update on Monday was a missed opportunity — and it should have done more to help the region hardest-hit by climate change to emerge from COVID-19 with a greener economy.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/federal-fiscal-missed-opportunity-northern-183401389.html
SCO Response to Federal Fiscal Update
December 1, 2020
The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) is responding to the federal government’s latest fiscal update with a call for urgent implementation and prioritization of investments in First Nation communities and people.
https://nationtalk.ca/story/sco-response-to-federal-fiscal-update
Pandemic brings on new challenges to fighting HIV on reserves in Saskatchewan
December 1, 2020
Lockdowns and isolation have introduced new challenges in the fight against HIV on reserves in Saskatchewan. That’s according to Dr. Ibrahim Khan, regional medical health officer for Saskatchewan Inuit Health and Indigenous services
Sask. Indigenous communities have reached ‘intense’ phase of COVID fight, doctor says
December 1, 2020
Indigenous communities continue to grapple with COVID-19 outbreaks across Saskatchewan, and a doctor leading the pandemic response says they have reached an “intense phase” in the fight.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/sask-indigenous-communities-reached-intense-231012553.html
Over $180K in fines issued in Manitoba for not following COVID-19 public health orders last week
December 1, 2020
Fines totaling more than $180,000 were issued to people accused of breaking Manitoba’s COVID-19 rules in the last week, the province said Tuesday.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/over-180k-fines-issued-manitoba-162238506.html
‘Beadwork preserves the culture’: New book features murals and stories of legends
December 1, 2020
A Manitoba woman has spent a lifetime telling legend stories through beadwork and is now using her experience to teach the next generation about Indigenous culture. “The beadwork preserves the culture and it’s also something enjoyable. I want all cultures to see the beauty of First Nations culture,” says Kathleen Robinson Fingarsen, author of The Legends of Weesakayjak.
B.C. hospital cuts 4 B.C. Indigenous health workers’ jobs during racism probe
December 1, 2020
Four unionized Indigenous health and wellness workers were terminated from St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver during a provincial investigation into racism in B.C.’s health-care system, CBC News has learned. All were Indigenous women.
Westbank First Nation woman dances to heal a community
December 1, 2020
In every step and jingle, Jamie Stimson has a prayer for a community. “My prayers today are going to be dedicated to those affected by the overdose crisis and to their families,” said Stimson, Westbank First Nation. “And also dedicated to the homelessness situation and I pray that we can come together.”
https://globalnews.ca/news/7496191/westbank-first-nation-woman-dances-healing-community/
‘Big Sky’ producers recognize Native American criticism
December 1, 2020
Native American tribes and advocates are condemning “Big Sky,” a Montana-set ABC drama, for ignoring the history of violence inflicted on Indigenous women and instead making whites the crime victims.
https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/entertainment/big-sky-producers-recognize-native-american-criticism/
Demonstrators blocked Trans Mountain tank farm entrance in Burnaby
December 1, 2020
Demonstrators against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion cleared out peacefully Monday afternoon after causing a “logjam of trucks” outside the Burnaby Mountain tank farm. Burnaby RCMP said they received a call at around 2 p.m. to an Indigenous youth-led protest at the entrance to the tank farm. There, officers found a car with its wheels removed blocking traffic at Underhill Avenue and Shellmont Street.
First Nation completes largest solar panel project of its kind in Metro Vancouver
December 1, 2020
Construction on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s solar electricity project at its reserve in North Vancouver District has reached completion, and it is set to be publicly unveiled this Thursday.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/tsleil-waututh-nation-north-vancouver-solar-panels
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.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/b-c-cabinet-includes-more-001732048.html
First Nation condemns ‘threatening’ behaviour of customer at Tseshaht Market
December 1, 2020
As part of the nation’s safety protocols, patrons are required to wear a facemask and sanitize their hands before entering the market. Increasingly, staff has been met with “grumbling” customers who reject the safety measures, said Hugh Braker, Tseshaht Emergency Operations Centre information officer.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/first-nation-condemns-threatening-behaviour-235305282.html
Nunavut lifts 2-week coronavirus lockdown in all communities except Arviat
December 2, 2020
Nunavut’s two-week lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to end today as the territory continues to see a drop in new cases. Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, said earlier this week that schools, businesses and workplaces could reopen.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7496526/coronavirus-canada-nunavut-lockdown-ends/
Federal finance minister says N.W.T.’s isolation hubs are ‘money well spent’
December 1, 2020
Federal finance minister Chrystia Freeland says the North is “uniquely vulnerable” to COVID-19 — but the Northwest Territories’ response is “a real success story … so far.” Freeland made the comments Tuesday morning on The Trailbreaker, the territory’s morning radio show, following a federal fiscal update that sets aside money not only to fight COVID-19, but for a post-pandemic future.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/federal-finance-minister-says-n-222117988.html
External report says Nunavut RCMP struck Kinngait man with vehicle by accident
December 1, 2020
Force used by a Nunavut RCMP officer who struck a Kinngait man with the door of a moving patrol truck during an arrest in June was “unintentional,” according to the Ottawa Police Service. The service leads what it calls “independent external investigations” into the actions of Nunavut RCMP officers when they are involved in a major incident, such as an injury or death, upon request.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-rcmp-kinngait-ops-report-1.5823877
Yukon First Nation monitoring overhunting and climate change with environmental guardians
December 1, 2020
It’s getting a lot colder in the Yukon these days, but that isn’t stopping Joe Bruneau from patrolling Kluane First Nation (KFN) territory. As an environmental guardian for KFN, it’s his job to collect information on the health of the land.
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
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.
Issue 8 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/oo20/
