Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario – Special Chiefs Assembly 2021
February 2, 2021
The Chiefs of Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly will be held online from February 3-4, 2021. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/coo-sca-2021.
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald Applauds Nishnawbe Aski Nation and ORNGE on Accelerating Vaccination Efforts and Launching Operation Remote Immunity
February 1, 2021
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, on behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, is applauding Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and ORNGE for accelerating their vaccination efforts in northern Ontario and launching Operation Remote Immunity.
‘Operation Remote Immunity’ kicks off, bringing vaccines to fly-in Indigenous communities in Ontario
February 1, 2021
Planes filled with precious cargo prepared for takeoff this morning as Operation Remote Immunity, a program aiming at bringing the vaccine to fly-in communities in Ontario, officially took flight.
COVID-19 vaccinations accelerate in fly-in First Nations communities
February 1, 2021
Hundreds of residents in five fly-in communities will have access to the Moderna vaccine today, as Operation Remote Immunity officially begins its mission. Recognizing the critical importance of engaging Indigenous leadership in how vaccines are offered to their communities, the plan was co-developed through a partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services.
Mamakwa Gets Vaccinated To Reassure Families
February 1, 2021
A northwestern MPP is getting the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage others to follow his lead. Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa publicly got his shot today, saying he wants First Nations families to know the vaccine is safe.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/02/01/mamakwa-gets-vaccinated-to-reassure-families/
Canadian Rangers Assist in First Vaccinations in Peawanuck First Nation
February 1, 2021
Canadian Rangers provided support for a medical team that flew last week into Peawanuck, a remote Cree First Nation near the Hudson Bay Coast, to give the first COVID-19 vaccinations to a community in Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) in the Far North of Ontario.
Ontario records 745 new COVID-19 cases while citing data issue
February 2, 2021
Ontario is recording 745 new COVID-19 cases as health officials say a data migration has resulted in an underestimation of Tuesday’s count. The new infections of the novel coronavirus logged Tuesday mark a decrease from the 1,969 cases seen on Monday.
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-records-745-new-covid-19-cases-while-citing-data-issue-1.5292064
New COVID-19 cases on Six Nations traced to ceremonial gathering
February 1, 2021
Public health officials on Six Nations are asking anyone who attended last month’s mid-winter ceremonies to get tested for COVID-19 after new cases of the virus were traced to the annual gathering.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/covid-19-cases-six-nations-000600287.html
How London’s vaccine plan includes Indigenous clients
January 31, 2021
London’s COVID-19 vaccination plan will include partnerships and special services to ensure the unique health needs of the area’s Indigenous population aren’t overlooked.
Federal consultation period being extended for Ring of Fire assessment process
February 1, 2021
Ottawa is following Queen’s Park lead in allowing more time for locked-down remote Indigenous communities to express their comments and concerns on the potential impact of mining in the Far North.
First Nations are exerting more control over their borders. Health care could be next
February 2, 2021
On the only road connecting Pimicikamak Cree Nation to the rest of Manitoba, there’s a checkpoint designed to staunch the spread of COVID-19.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/first-nations-exerting-more-control-100000101.html
Indigenous language revitalization in Canada must be safeguarded now before a federal election, says leader
February 1, 2021
The federal government has a heavy workload ahead of it over the next 11 years as it focuses on fulfilling its commitment under the Indigenous Languages Act while serving in a leadership role globally when the International Decade of Indigenous Languages begins in 2022.
Mom outraged after LCBO bag used as example in Indigenous art class to make medicine bags
February 2, 2021
Lena Recollet didn’t understand why her son was refusing to complete one of his assignments — until she discovered what it was. “He got really upset; he called it paper bag animals,” she said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/indigenous-art-class-assignment-1.5888055
Off-peak hydro rates extended during shutdown
February 1, 2021
Residents will continue to be charged off-peak hydro rates until February 9 at the earliest, as hydro rate relief has been extended to align with Ontario’s Stay-at-Home orders.
https://www.drydennow.com/local/off-peak-hydro-rates-extended-during-shutdown
Country mourns the loss of First Nations warrior Philip Favel
February 1, 2021
Tributes to Philip Favel, one of the oldest First Nations veterans of the Second World War, poured in after his passing Sunday. Favel was from Sweetgrass First Nation, located two hours northwest of Saskatoon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences over social media.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/philip-favel-second-world-war-veteran-sweetgrass-first-nation/
Criminalizing ‘Pretendians’ is not the answer; we need to give First Nations control over grants
February 1, 2021
Over the weekend, CBC cancelled one of its few hit shows: the Indigenous-centred drama, “Trickster.” It’s a decision that baffles the mind, but at the root of it is a problem that plagues “Indian Country” today: “Pretendians,” non-Natives who pretend to be Indigenous for material gain.
Trickster’s Michelle Latimer serves CBC with a notice for libel after Indigenous ancestry controversy
February 1, 2021
Co-creator and former showrunner of Trickster, Michelle Latimer, has served the CBC with a notice for libel, following controversy over her claimed ancestry.
Northwestern artists reflect on 2020 Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto
February 2, 2021
A group of artists from across northwestern Ontario appreciated the opportunity to showcase their work through Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto’s Northwestern Ontario Spotlight virtual exhibition in late November.
From the trapline to a cell phone: Cree elder celebrates 95 years well lived
January 31, 2021
Martha Tapiatic Pachano has seen a lot of changes in her 95 years living in the northern Quebec Cree traditional territory of Eeyou Istchee. She was born in the pre-dawn hours at her parents hunting territory, near a lake north what is now the site of the La Grande 3 (LG3), one of Hydro-Québec’s power generating stations along the La Grande river in northern Quebec.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-elder-95-birthday-chisasibi-1.5890554
Cascading crises leave Island Lake nations desperate for help
February 1, 2021
After enduring a wildfire that sparked a meth crisis and now suffering a pandemic that has spurred two military deployments, the people of Island Lake are desperately waiting for an addictions-treatment centre.
Vaccination comments by Nechako Lakes MLA draw ire of First Nations leaders
February 1, 2021
First Nations leaders are calling on the BC Liberals to discipline Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad for making comments on social media they say fuelled racism against their communities.
Doctors break down First Nations COVID numbers
February 2, 2021
For months, the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba has been reporting alarming COVID-19 numbers. There are a reported 2,780 cases of COVID-19 in First Nations people, while the province reports 3,466 active cases overall.
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/doctors-break-down-first-nations-covid-numbers-573707322.html
First Nations leadership, province shares vaccination plans
February 1, 2021
Health officials say First Nations peoples face inequity when it comes to COVD-19 concerns but are hoping their vaccination plan will save lives. Starting as early as Monday, doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are heading up north to 63 First Nations communities. Dr. Marcia Anderson, the vice dean of Indigenous health, and public health lead for Manitoba First Nation PRCT, says 5,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine are heading north.
https://chvnradio.com/articles/first-nations-leadership-province-shares-vaccination-plans
Manitoba’s age-based vaccine rollout will see First Nations people 20 years younger inoculated
February 2, 2021
When Manitoba begins its age-based COVID-19 vaccine rollout starting with older adults next month, First Nations people who are 20 years younger will also be eligible at the same time. For example, when members of the general public who are over 80 begin to get vaccinated, First Nations people over 60 will also be eligible, in light of the disproportionate impact the virus has had on Indigenous people, Dr. Marcia Anderson said at a news conference on Monday.
Pauingassi First Nation goes into lockdown after a quarter of members test positive for COVID-19
February 1, 2021
The chief and council of Pauingassi First Nation have shut down band operations, closed schools, prohibited public gatherings and are requiring residents to stay home after declaring an outbreak of COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pauingassi-first-nation-covid-19-level-red-1.5897188
RCMP ask for help finding driver in hit-and-run that killed Peguis First Nation man 1 year ago
February 1, 2021
RCMP are still looking for the driver in a hit-and-run in the Peguis First Nation that killed a 52-year-old father last year. Albert Bradley Flett died on Feb. 1, 2020 after he was hit by a vehicle while walking on West Road at about 6 p.m.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/peguis-first-nation-hit-and-run-1.5896267
New data shows pandemic disproportionately affecting Manitoba’s Indigenous communities
February 1, 2021
Manitoba’s First Nations communities have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. Indigenous communities, which make up half of Manitoba’s population, account for 73 per cent of active cases within the province and 52 per cent of ICU admissions.
First Nations seeking audit of school district spending
February 1, 2021
The chiefs of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band want a closer look at how School District 57 is spending money earmarked for its Indigenous students.
Province expanding COVID support program that provides free hotel stays
February 1, 2021
The Alberta government is expanding a program that provides free hotel rooms, food and $625 to those who need help quarantining. Previously, the initiative was only available by referral from Alberta Health Services to residents of Edmonton and Calgary, where it proved successful.
New Indigenous radio station The Raven launches in Edmonton: ‘It was emotional’
February 1, 2021
The Raven CIWE 89.3 took flight across Edmonton airwaves on Monday. “When we applied for this licence, we said everything but country,” said Bert Crowfoot, CEO of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA).
https://globalnews.ca/news/7613364/indigenous-radio-station-the-raven/
Officials apologize after more than 200 vaccine doses pulled from remote B.C. community
February 2, 2021
Senior health officials in British Columbia have apologized to the Nuxalk Nation after a medical health officer withdrew more than 200 COVID-19 vaccine doses that Indigenous leaders had been told were intended for their people.
Climate change disasters in B.C. likely to increase if industrial logging continues unchecked: report
February 1, 2021
A report commissioned by Sierra Club B.C. says keeping healthy, mature forests safe from industrial logging will help protect the province from catastrophic flooding, wildfires, droughts and heat waves caused by climate change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/logging-climate-change-bc-report-1.5895220
Authenticity of Indigenous artifact at Royal B.C. Museum questioned
February 2, 2021
The chief of a First Nation says he has the assurance of the Royal B.C. Museum that steps will be taken to determine how a carved stone pillar was deemed an Indigenous artifact perhaps dating back to the 1800s before a local man claimed it as his creation.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/02/02/authenticity-indigenous-artifact-royal-bc-museum/
More than 100 Penticton Indian Band members self-isolating due to COVID-19 exposure
February 2, 2021
The Penticton Indian Band has shut down all services and buildings for two weeks due to a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases among band members. Information from the band Monday states there are 12 positive cases within the PIB community, while more than 100 people are self-isolating and monitoring for symptoms.
‘It disgusts me’: how a wealthy couple lied to get a vaccine meant for Indigenous people
February 2, 2021
On a chilly morning in late January, three planes landed on the lone airstrip of a remote community in northern Canada. The first two carried members of a mobile team from the Yukon territory’s health department who were there to give Covid-19 vaccines to the residents of Beaver Creek. The tiny settlement of about 100 inhabitants had been prioritised because of its older population, many of whom belong to the White River First Nation.
Advocates raise alarm over ‘discriminatory’ changes to Yukon’s special education programs
February 1, 2021
Advocates in Yukon say changes in eligibility for special education programming will leave some students behind and compromise their futures. In a December letter to the premier, four advocate groups in the territory say 138 students are being moved from individualized education plans (IEPs) to student learning plans — shifting the responsibility for guaranteeing support for those students from the Department of Education to individual schools and teachers.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/iep-changes-yukon-special-education-1.5894082
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
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
Request for Proposals: Early Learning and Child Care Asset Mapping Report Consultant and Economist Team
You are invited to submit a proposal for a project by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) to utilize your research expertise and economic expertise to create an Early Learning and Child Care Report that analyzes the existing landscape of early learning and child care programming and services in Ontario for First Nations children 0-6 years old.
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/
