Ontario government reports 1,076 new coronavirus cases, 18 new deaths
February 12, 2021
The Ontario government is reporting 1,076 new coronavirus cases on Friday, but issues with data in Toronto means there is an underreporting of cases. It was also reported that 18 people died since Thursday morning, bringing the total number of people dead to 6,632.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7636771/coronavirus-ontario-cases-february-12-covid-19/
Ontario postponing March Break to mid-April, says education minister
February 11, 2021
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the province is postponing March Break to the week of April 12, saying at a news conference on Thursday the move is intended to keep students safe and limit community spread of COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-february-11-march-break-1.5910105
Canadian Rangers Brave Frigid Cold to Assist First Nation in COVID-19 Emergency
February 12, 2021
A small group of Canadian Rangers who responded to a First Nation’s call for military assistance in a Covid-19 crisis made a huge impression on the small Ojibway community.
“We’re sad to see them leave,” said Sheri Taylor, a Ginoogaming First Nation band councilor and health director. “It’s been a great experience working with them.”
NAPS to ship food to Northern communities
February 11, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Police Service will pack food into empty shipping container space and will deliver it to 16 First Nations communities.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/naps-to-ship-food-to-northern-communities-3418977
Ojibway artist from Red Lake Ont., collaborates with NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks on Land Acknowledgement
February 12, 2021
An Ojibway artist from Red Lake Ont., now has his artwork on display in the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks home arena as part of the teams’ new Land Acknowledgement. Patrick Hunter designed digital artwork for the project, which made its debut before the Blackhawks game against the Detroit Red Wings in the 2020-2021 home opener, an opportunity he calls an honour.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ojibway-artist-red-lake-nhl-chicago-blackhawks-1.5911300
Six Nations still struggling with COVID-19 surge
February 11, 2021
Six Nations of the Grand River, which is in the grips of one of the worst outbreaks in the province. The Indigenous community southwest of Hamilton is experiencing a sustained spike in new positive cases, with eight more reported Thursday to bring the active case count to 57.
Indigenous Housing Strategy joins forces with local partners to combat homelessness in North Bay
February 11, 2021
North Bay’s Indigenous Housing Strategy has joined forces to battle homelessness. With 42% of the people who are homeless in North Bay being Indigenous, the executive director of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (NBIFC) needs proportional dollars to flow for NBIFC housing navigators to continue to be successful helping people find homes.
Ottawa to define “prior consent” through dialogue with First Nations: Lametti
February 11, 2021
Ottawa can build a shared understanding of free, prior and informed consent with First Nations, Métis and Inuit into a new law to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Justice Minister David Lametti said Thursday.
Thunder Bay health unit takes ‘aggressive’ action to control inmate discharges. But some ask why not sooner?
February 11, 2021
On January 27, a North Star Air plane left Thunder Bay to complete what it thought would be a standard passenger flight north to several First Nations, before returning to its headquarters in the northwestern Ontario city.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/tbay-inmate-class-order-1.5909487
Closing housing gap for urban Indigenous could cost $1.4 billion a year, PBO says
February 11, 2021
A new report by the parliamentary budget officer says the federal government would have to spend about $1.4 billion more a year to close a housing gap facing urban Indigenous people.
Annual Moose Hide Campaign goes virtual to help end violence against Indigenous women and children
February 11, 2021
The Moose Hide Campaign, a grassroots movement aimed at ending violence against Indigenous women and children, is holding its annual day of ceremony, fasting and action virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indigenous students recognized for academic achievement, leadership and advocacy
February 11, 2021
Two University of Toronto students received the President’s Award for Outstanding Indigenous Student of the Year this week during a virtual ceremony bookended by song and prayer.
REDress Campaign returns in virtual form for sixth annual event
February 11, 2021
Though it began as an art installation, the red dresses of the REDress Project have come to symbolize all the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.
Researcher to examine human trafficking in northwestern Ontario
February 10, 2021
The OPP’s Anti-Human Trafficking Investigation Coordination Unit has hired a researcher to examine human trafficking in northwestern Ontario with a specific focus on Indigenous persons.
Nearly 97% of LTC residents in area vaccinated
February 11, 2021
The Health Unit has completed the first dose of all long-term care home resident COVID-19 vaccinations in our district.
972 received immunization against COVID-19 as well as 42 long-term care home health care workers, 31 individuals from First Nation elder care facilities, and 24 First Nations Health Care providers.
https://www.mywestnipissingnow.com/40918/nearly-97-of-ltc-residents-in-area-vaccinated/
Lambton, Chatham-Kent have not vaccinated all LTC homes yet, despite provincial claims
February 12, 2021
Some long-term care homes in Lambton and Chatham-Kent are still waiting to receive first doses of the vaccine, despite provincial claims that all have gone through the first round.
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Long-term Care said all long-term care homes had gotten the first round of shots. That includes first doses for 62,000 residents, with 34,000 having received the second shot, the ministry said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/lambton-chatham-kent-province-1.5910754
Nipissing mourns loss of Dr. Muriel Sawyer
February 12, 2021
The Nipissing University community was sad to learn of the loss of a great friend to the University, Nipissing First Nation Deputy Chief, Dr. Muriel Sawyer (Honoris Causa). Dr. Sawyer was a custodian of language and culture and an irreplaceable advocate for Indigenous education.
Proposed housing development in Ottawa raises questions about Indigenous identity
February 11, 2021
City council in Ottawa approved a massive housing development Wednesday. It’s called Tewin – a new suburb that may one day house 45,000 people. But it’s not without controversy, even if it is fair distance from Parliament Hill. That’s because one of the groups involved in the development is the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), which represents 10 “Algonquin communities” according to its website
Book review: Settler Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada
February 12, 2021
Settler Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada written by two United Kingdom-educated academics explores Settler Canadian identity in terms of origins, privileges, colonialisms, fear, and responsibility.
Dalhousie introduces new specialization in Indigenous law
February 9, 2021
Law students at Dalhousie University in Halifax can now earn a certificate in Indigenous law.
Assistant professor Naiomi Metallic said the new specialization at the Schulich School of Law is a step forward as institutions recognize Indigenous and Aboriginal law “as credible and legitimate areas of legal study.”
Government of Canada supports Muskeg Lake Cree Nation jurisdiction over child and family services
February 11, 2021
The Government of Canada is continuing the important work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples to reform child and family services so that every Indigenous child has the opportunity to grow up in their communities, immersed in their cultures, and surrounded by loved ones.
Child welfare worker ‘shocked’ that Winnipeg child and family service is keeping children from parents
February 11, 2021
A favorable psychiatric assessment, months of clean drug tests, several parenting programs proactively sought and completed and a pile of support and reference letters are not enough for a couple to have their toddler and infant returned by Winnipeg Child and Family Services (Winnipeg CFS).
Lake Manitoba flood prevention project flawed, First Nations study suggests
February 11, 2021
A group of Interlake First Nations in Manitoba are raising concerns about the provincial government’s plans to prevent flooding in the region. A new report is calling into question Manitoba’s plan to prevent flooding on Lake Manitoba, which caused devastation during major flood events in 2011 and 2014.
New Zealand Maori leader ejected from parliament for refusing to wear ‘colonial noose’
February 11, 2021
A New Zealand Maori leader who was ejected from parliament this week for refusing to wear a necktie in the chamber said forcing him to a Western dress code was a breach of his rights and an attempt to suppress indigenous culture.
City of Ottawa approves Tewin project despite objections by chiefs in Quebec
February 11, 2021
Despite objections by Algonquin chiefs in Quebec, the City of Ottawa has approved construction of a new suburb under the flag of reconciliation. The development is for a new community, built from scratch, in the south east limits of Ottawa.
Federal inmate escapes from Indigenous healing lodge in Quebec
February 11, 2021
Provincial police in Quebec have issued an arrest warrant for a federal inmate who, on Wednesday evening, walked out of an Indigenous healing lodge in the Lanaudiere region and did not return.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/federal-inmate-indigenous-healing-lodge-quebec/
‘We matter like all other Canadians’: Tataskweyak Cree Nation calls on Ottawa to restore clean drinking water
February 11, 2021
Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) is one of more than 55 First Nation communities in Canada under a long-term boil water advisory and has been for the last four years.
Manitoba First Nation seeking help from United Nations over their lack of clean water
February 11, 2021
Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) in northern Manitoba says it is calling on the United Nations to help pressure the federal government into taking action to fix their drinking water.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/tataskweyak-cree-nation-united-nations-drinking-water/
Winnipeg students call on government to ‘Have a Heart’ for First Nations issues
February 12, 2021
Elementary students in a Winnipeg school division are learning about Jordan’s Principle and First Nations equity as part of a cross-Canada reconciliation event known as Have a Heart Day. Under Jordan’s Principle, the needs of a First Nations child requiring a government service take precedence over jurisdictional issues around which level of government pays for it.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/winnipeg-have-a-heart-day-1.5911131
Family, supporters of Colten Boushie still seeking ‘radical change’ to justice system
February 11, 2021
It’s been three years since Saskatchewan farmer Gerald Stanley was acquitted in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Indigenous man. Boushie’s family and supporters say they’re still seeking justice.
Indigenous artist Willie Dunn focus of anthology
February 11, 2021
A new anthology of music from late Indigenous singer-songwriter Willie Dunn is hoping to set the record straight on “one of Canada’s unsung musical heroes.”
Adrian Sutherland music video filmed on virtual set in Manitoba
February 11, 2021
The latest music video from Indigenous artist Adrian Sutherland is bringing people together. The animated video for his song “Respect the Gift,” was a truly cross-country affair. Sutherland, a Cree artist, lives in Attawapiskat in Northern Ontario. The producer of the video RoseAnna Schick, lives in Winnipeg, and the animator lives in Toronto.
Native Council of P.E.I. plans COVID-19 vaccine clinic
February 12, 2021
The Native Council of P.E.I.is working with Health PEI on a plan to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to as many as 1,500 Indigenous Islanders living off reserve.
Fredericton sets money aside to develop relationship with Indigenous communities
February 12, 2021
The City of Fredericton has put new money in its budget this year specifically to engage with the Indigenous community in the area. The $50,000 funding marks the beginning stages of research and consultation to understand what could strengthen the relationship — although the money was news to the chief of St. Mary’s First Nation.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fredericton-indigenous-relationship-1.5910968
Alberta plans massive expansion of Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland area
February 12, 2021
The Alberta government plans to create the largest contiguous protected boreal forest area in the world by expanding the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland in the northeast part of the province. Under the plan, the wildland area would be expanded by 143,800 hectares, Premier Jason Kenney said Thursday at a news conference.
How much First Nations business comes from government?
February 12, 2021
The Business Council of British Columbia sees “a generational opportunity to accelerate and realize a new future where Indigenous communities and businesses are equitably participating in B.C.’s open trading economy.”
https://troymedia.com/bcs-business/how-much-businesses-comes-to-first-nations-from-government/
Mezzo-soprano creating new work for Calgary Opera celebrating Indigenous resilience
February 12, 2021
For the past three weeks, Marion Newman and a group of predominantly Indigenous artists have been hard at work in Calgary creating a new opera.
Art projections on the Glenbow to include ‘of-the-moment’ work by Indigenous artists
February 11, 2021
A new art initiative is set to bring an illuminating new perspective to downtown Calgary over the next weeks. Titled project prõjekt, the event will showcase 60 Alberta-based artists with their work projected on the side of the Glenbow Museum, located at the corner of 9th Ave SW and 1st Ave SE.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/art-projections-glenbow-moment-indigenous-213245449.html
Saik’uz First Nation seeks to preserve their language
February 11, 2021
Language revitalization is a priority for many First Nations across the province to prevent their language from being lost, forever.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/saik-uz-first-nation-seeks-204809872.html
CEO’s departure shows museum leaders need to be held accountable, says researcher
February 11, 2021
The resignation of the Royal B.C. Museum’s CEO won’t solve the institution’s problem with systemic racism, but it represents a shift in accountability, says an expert in museums and race theory.
Haisla family sues doctors, hospitals, health authority in B.C.
February 11, 2021
The parents of a stillborn baby were refused medical care by a northern B.C. emergency room doctor and an ambulance ride to another hospital because they are Indigenous, an exclusive copy of a statement of claim provided to APTN News alleges.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/kitimat-hospital-british-columbia-haisla-mother/
Stranded Baffinland mine workers pen open letter to protesters, say they support Inuit
February 11, 2021
CBC has obtained an open letter written by a “sizeable minority” of Mary River mine employees currently stranded in Nunavut by a protest, which says they recognize Inuit as “rightful custodians of the land.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/baffinland-protestors-open-letter-1.5910951
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario 15th Annual Health Forum
The Chiefs of Ontario 15th Annual Health Forum will take place on February 23-25, 2021. This year’s theme is Sharing Stories: The True Test of Resilience Amidst Pandemic.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/coo-health-forum
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 more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario Engagement Sessions: First Nations Water Legislation
The Chiefs of Ontario Environment Department will be hosting a two-day engagement session on March 3-4, 2021. The focus of the 2-day fulsome engagement sessions includes creation of First Nations-led policies and solutions related to access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/water-engagement-sessions
Annex 9 Climate Change Modelling Experts Workshop, March 22, 2021
As a follow up from the 2019 Climate Change Modelling Experts Workshop hosted in Ann Arbor, Annex 9 is working with GLISA to host another virtual workshop in March.
For more information, please contact Chris Hoyos at Chris.Hoyos@coo.org.
2021 Great Lakes Day, March 1, 2021
The annual Great Lakes Day features dialogue on Great Lakes priorities by regional leaders and members of Congress who play a critical role in shaping Great Lakes policies.
For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/3sjaa10
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
Contract Opportunity: Research and Knowledge Translation Specialist
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is inviting applications for a contract position: Research and Knowledge Translation Specialist
https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/contract-opportunity-research-and-knowledge-translation-specialist/
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/
