Ontario reports 1,780 new coronavirus cases, 25 deaths
December 4, 2020
Ontario reported 1,780 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, bringing the provincial total to 123,526. Friday’s case count is a slight decrease from Thursday’s which saw 1,824 new infections but that was an overestimation due to a data processing error. On Wednesday, 1,723 cases were recorded, 1,707 on Tuesday, and 1,746 on Monday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7501488/ontario-coronavirus-cases-december-4-covid19/
Ontario Appoints Members of the Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force
December 4, 2020
Today, the Ontario government announced the appointment of nine members of the new Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. The task force, chaired by General (retired) Rick Hillier, former Chief of Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces, will oversee the delivery, storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Five people in Attawapiskat test positive for COVID-19
December 4, 2020
The James Bay Cree community of Attawapiskat is going into lockdown after five people tested positive for COVID-19. The Weeneebayko Health Authority says those infected are self-isolating and public health officials are following up with their close contacts.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/attawapiskat-covid-19-pandemic-1.5828075
Bee Moonias on life without clean drinking water
December 3, 2020
When you live your whole life without tap water that’s safe to drink, it can start to feel like you’re invisible. That’s how nine-year-old Bedahbun Moonias from Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario put it.
Indigenous rights advocates ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Liberal UNDRIP legislation
December 3, 2020
Indigenous rights advocates say the Liberal government’s draft legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) is better than expected. Justice Minister David Lametti tabled Bill C-15 in the House of Commons on Dec. 3. The bill would chart a path toward implementing the rights affirmed in the declaration.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/undrip-indigenous-rights-advocates-1.5827408
Canada tables legislation to align federal laws with UNDRIP
December 3, 2020
The federal government tabled new legislation in the House of Commons on Thursday that aims to align Canada’s laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/canada-tables-legislation-to-align-federal-laws-with-undrip/
Provinces express ‘significant concerns’ over federal bill to implement UN declaration on Indigenous rights
December 3, 2020
Harmonizing Canadian laws with UNDRIP has raised concerns that it could alter Canada’s legal framework around land and treaty rights, causing uncertainty and litigation
Mino Bimaadiziwin Healing and Prevention Centre opens its doors in Toronto
December 4, 2020
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) celebrated the grand opening of the Mino Bimaadiziwin Healing and Prevention Centre with a virtual tour and comments by dignitaries on Nov. 18.
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care looking to fulfill Christmas wishes for children in need
December 3, 2020
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care launched its 12th Annual Christmas Wish campaign on Nov. 18 with new options for contributions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
APTN tours Kenora to see how child welfare system plays out on the streets
December 3, 2020
There’s always a few sitting on the large cement blocks behind the Chinese food restaurant on 1st street in Kenora. You walk by them every day. And there’s more out by the beer store. There’s a broken child in each of them. Can you see it? They’re homeless so maybe you try not to look at them. But inside is a kid destroyed by the child welfare system. And it plays out on the streets of Kenora every day.
A child welfare system in ‘chaos’ put InFocus
December 3, 2020
Ever-changing expectations, moving targets, gaslighting, verbal and mental abuse plus over-loaded social workers – there’s no shortage of allegations against Canadian child welfare agencies by those in the system who say it’s rigged to keep kids in care, parents in turmoil and thousands of people employed.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/infocus/a-child-welfare-system-in-chaos-put-infocus/
These grassroots initiatives are battling growing food insecurity by catering to cultural and neighbourhood needs
December 4, 2020
Issues of food security continue to be exacerbated nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Food banks are experiencing record demand and are expecting those numbers to climb. In recent months, smaller grassroots initiatives have popped up, catering to immediate needs of a specific community as well as producing culturally appropriate food for their recipients.
Indigenous ‘Feast Boxes’ campaign kicks off to support Indigenous businesses and families in need
December 3, 2020
A new country wide fundraising campaign has kicked off just in time for the holiday season, and its goal is to feed families in need with a traditional meal, designed by Indigenous chefs.
Cree engineering student wins $30K Polytechnique memorial scholarship
December 3, 2020
She may be young, but Brielle Chanae Thorsen’s resume shows up that of someone twice – even three times – her age. Thorsen hails from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, and is this year’s recipient of the Polytechnique University $30,000 Order of the White Rose scholarship.
Habitat for Humanity and Saugeen First Nation
December 3, 2020
Saugeen First Nation and Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce have signed a memorandum of understanding forming a partnership that will involve Habitat building energy-efficient and affordable houses for band member families on Saugeen’s territory in 2021.
Gaining trust: History of Indigenous experiments poses challenge in COVID health
December 3, 2020
Some leaders and health professionals say they are facing a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic of persuading Indigenous people to trust a health system that has a history of experimenting on them. “There have been some deceitful and terrible things that have been done to our communities historically,” said Arlen Dumas, the Assembly of Manitoba Chief’s grand chief.
Manitoba premier wants extra doses of vaccine if Ottawa reserves portion for First Nations
December 3, 2020
The federal government’s proposed plan to reserve a portion of COVID-19 vaccine for First Nations would leave Manitoba with the fewest doses for the rest of the population, Premier Brian Pallister said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-first-nations-covid-19-vaccines-1.5826960
Southern Chiefs’ Organization claims Pallister is fear-mongering over COVID-19 vaccine distribution
December 3, 2020
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has expressed that Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has been fear-mongering over the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/southern-chiefs-organization-claims-pallister-230049393.html
Federal bill to implement un declaration “a positive step toward healing the wounds of racism and injustice” says National Chief Perry Bellegarde
December 3, 2020
National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) welcomed the tabling of a federal bill to advance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Minister: I saw what I saw
December 3, 2020
Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller gave a short response when asked about an investigation that found an RCMP officer did not intentionally hit a young Inuk man with his truck door during an arrest in June.
Three Things the NDP Should Do Right Now on Indigenous Relations
December 3, 2020
Premier John Horgan has identified Indigenous reconciliation, self-determination and economic independence as a priority. This is as it should be. These issues are inseparable from the success and growth of British Columbia.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2020/12/03/Three-Things-Right-Now-Indigenous-Relations/
Shamattawa First Nation dealing with ‘off the charts’ COVID-19 outbreak
December 3, 2020
An isolated Manitoba First Nation has COVID-19 “numbers off the charts” and needs emergency military intervention, says area MP Nikki Ashton. “Shamattawa is up to 106 cases as of a few minutes ago,” Ashton said in an interview with APTN News after voicing her concerns during question period Thursday.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/covid-19-first-nation-manitoba/
117 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shamattawa, Man., renewing calls for military aid
December 3, 2020
The chief of Shamattawa First Nation in northern Manitoba is renewing calls for military aid in his community as the number of people infected with COVID-19 continues to grow. As of 9:30 p.m. Thursday, 117 people have contracted the illness, and there is a 68 per cent test-positivity rate, said Chief Eric Redhead.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/shamattawa-first-nation-covid-19-outbreak-military-1.5827746
History: Living among the Mi’kmaq
December 3, 2020
In 1793 an English “correspondent” residing in Cape Breton for a few years wrote three descriptive letters for the first two editions of The Sporting Magazine, published in London, England.
First Nation appeals to province to help cover $6.3M shortfall on $100M geothermal project
December 3, 2020
The Fort Nelson First Nation in northeastern B.C. is calling on the provincial government for help with a $6.3-million shortfall on a $100-million geothermal energy project. Chief Sharleen Gale says if the money is not secured by March 31, 2021, $40 million of funds from the federal government will disappear.
First Nations renew call to revoke salmon farm licences
December 3, 2020
B.C.’s First Nations Leadership Council is calling on Canada’s fisheries minister to immediately revoke the 18 salmon farm licences from the Discovery Islands ahead of her official decision expected sometime this month.
https://www.saanichnews.com/news/first-nations-renew-call-to-revoke-salmon-farm-licences/
On the Verge of Wild Salmon Extinction: FNLC Call for Precautionary Principle to be Implemented and Support Nations’ Call to End Fish Farms in Discovery Islands
December 3, 2020
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to fully implement the Precautionary Principle.
Indigenous consultant expands reach
December 3, 2020
An Indigenous entrepreneur from the Columbia Valley has climbed mountains with her Lower Mainland businesses. Ktunaxa citizen Beverley O’Neil, who owns O’Neil Marketing and Consulting and Numa Communications Ltd., serves Indigenous clients with facilitation, marketing and design as well as communications from her home in Vancouver.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-consultant-expands-reach-040142600.html
Former Yukon inmates file claim against territory for mental health issues following lock up in segregation units
December 3, 2020
Two former inmates of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC) have filed a class action on behalf of jail population because of mental health issues including an attempted suicide following prolonged stays in segregation units.
Yellowknives Dene demand federal compensation, economic benefits from Giant Mine
December 3, 2020
Members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation demonstrated outside the Giant Mine site Wednesday demanding a federal apology, compensation and a formal role in the remediation of their traditional lands — lands mined without consent, and left poisoned with arsenic trioxide.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/ykdn-demands-compensation-giant-mine-1.5826317
Meet this year’s inductees to the Order of Yukon
December 3, 2020
The Commissioner of Yukon has announced this year’s inductees to the Order of Yukon. In a news release sent Wednesday, Commissioner Angélique Bernard gave the names of the ten inductees from the territory who were chosen from nominations submitted to an advisory council.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cree-student-white-rose-polytechnique-1.5826821
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/
