Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh and Grand Council Treaty #3 Ask For Citizens’ Assistance in Curbing Misinformation about COVID-19
February 22, 2021
Over the past week the rise in cases of COVID-19 in Kenora and the surrounding area has led to a great deal of misinformation being spread. Grand Council Treaty #3 is asking everyone to be mindful of their participation in spreading rumours, half-truths, and hearsay.
Fewer than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario
February 23, 2021
Ontario is reporting fewer than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time in almost a week. The 975 infections logged Tuesday mark a decrease from Monday’s total when 1,058 cases were recorded.
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/fewer-than-1-000-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-ontario-1.5320378
Ontario is expanding asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in schools. Here’s what you need to know
February 23, 2021
Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 in schools is ramping up across Ontario, following a directive from Education Minister Stephen Lecce earlier this month.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ontario-asymptomatic-testing-schools-1.5923083
Vaccine rollout will be different in each region, Ontario government says
February 22, 2021
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout could look different in each of its 34 public health units as the province receives more doses in the coming weeks, the government said Monday. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said Ontario is “empowering” local health units to draw up their own specific plans to distribute the vaccine, and all have been submitted to the government for approval.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-february-22-2021-york-reopens-1.5923459
All Nations Health Partners say no evidence of spread in Kenora
February 22, 2021
With an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kenora area, the All Nations Health Partners overseeing the work of containing the coronavirus is offering an update.
https://kenoraonline.com/local/all-nations-health-partners-say-no-evidence-of-spread-in-kenora
Thunder Bay tops 250 active COVID-19 cases
February 23, 2021
The COVID-19 case count in the District of Thunder Bay has jumped past the 250 mark, with 36 new cases added to the list on Monday. The Thunder Bay District at present has 257 active cases, 28 more than Sunday’s then record-high 229 cases.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/thunder-bay-tops-250-active-covid-19-cases-3446872
Cold snap contributes to winter road openings in northern Ontario
February 22, 2021
The recent blast of cold weather across northern Ontario has allowed several First Nations to open their winter roads. Twenty-four communities now have roads that are open to at least partial loads, according to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, while only seven, including Eabametoong, Marten Falls and Webequie, have roads that remain under construction.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/northwestern-ontario-winter-roads-1.5921353
Porcupine Health Unit warning about potential COVID exposure at Moosonee hardware store
February 22, 2021
Health officials on the James Bay Coast are reporting 10 cases of COVID-19 in the community of Moosonee, after several were reported over the weekend.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/porcupine-health-unit-hardware-store-moosonee-1.5922777
Muskrat Dam First Nation power generation issues appear to be improving
February 22, 2021
Officials in Muskrat Dam First Nation are optimistic the community will avoid a potential loss of power, after concerns last week that the community may have to evacuate.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/muskrat-dam-power-1.5922872
New Muskrat Dam ambulance will save lives: clinic director
February 23, 2021
The executive director of a clinic in Muskrat Dam First Nation says a donated ambulance will save lives in the community. The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board donated the ambulance to Muskrat Dam First Nation, which will soon be put into service in the community.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/muskrat-dam-ambulance-1.5923292
Indigenous water operators left behind by lack of funding
February 22, 2021
Water operators in First Nations across Canada play a critical role in maintaining infrastructure, but they’re overworked and underpaid. As part of an investigation led by Global News, APTN, and Concordia University’s Institute for Investigative Journalism, Elizabeth McSheffrey reports on the struggle of these pivotal workers.
https://globalnews.ca/video/7656437/indigenous-water-operators-left-behind-by-lack-of-funding
‘It doesn’t make sense’: Feds pledged spend billions on First Nations water plants, but not on the pipes to carry fresh water to homes
February 23, 2021
The $1.74 billion invested by the federal government for water infrastructure on First Nations hasn’t gone far enough to address issues faced by the 15 per cent of homes that depend on water delivered by trucks, say leaders.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/water-plants-first-nations-water-pipes/
Feds grilled over construction firms hired for First Nations infrastructure projects
February 22, 2021
The Trudeau government was grilled in the House of Commons on Monday over allegations federal policies are creating hurdles for First Nations infrastructure projects across Canada.
Jury that convicted Bradley Barton shows Canadians ‘ready for change’: Buller
February 22, 2021
The former head of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is applauding an Edmonton jury’s decision to convict Bradley Barton of manslaughter in the death of Cindy Gladue.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/bradley-barton-conviction-cindy-gladue/
Indigenous communities to consult on Third Crossing naming campaign
February 23, 2021
The City of Kingston launched the naming campaign for the Third Crossing at a press conference earlier today, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Through consultation with Indigenous communities and nations, a short list of names are expected to be presented for public feedback by the end of May 2021.
Atikokan biomass power plant helped pull NW Ontario through the cold snap
February 23, 2021
Ontario Power Generation says its biomass generating station at Atikokan did the job it’s meant to do whenever there’s a sudden demand for electricity in Northwestern Ontario.
Thunder Bay could face return to lockdown: DeMille
February 23, 2021
Thunder Bay could be set for a return to lockdown as case numbers and hospitalizations surge, says medical officer of health Dr. Janet DeMille.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/thunder-bay-could-face-return-to-lockdown-demille-3448922
COMMENTARY: When it comes to vaccines, Canada needs to earn Indigenous, Black people’s trust
February 22, 2021
I’m a Black and Mi’kmaw journalist originally from Elsipogtog First Nation, and knowing the history of colonization of Turtle Island, and the abuse and systemic racism vulnerable populations have endured in the health-care system, one can understand why my communities may be hesitant of the vaccines now available in Canada for COVID-19.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7648229/vaccine-canada-indigenous-black-trust/
Nipissing University launches new video series promoting Indigenous knowledge sharing
February 22, 2021
Nipissing University is pleased to announce the launch of a new video series focused on Indigenous knowledge sharing. The six-video series, titled “Visiting with Anishnaabe and Cree Knowledge Holders”, features knowledge holders from across the region and was produced in support of Nipissing University’s Summer Indigenous Institute, a transition program for Indigenous students entering university.
Northern Ontario film organization launches new film crew directory
February 22, 2021
A new online directory for northern Ontario film and television production crew members will be an important tool as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/film-production-directory-1.5922312
APBA co-hosts webinars on Indigenous themed climate solutions
February 23, 2021
Jason Rasevych is not only encouraged that Indigenous communities are making a difference but he’s also thrilled about the prospect of what they can do in the future.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/02/23/apba-co-hosts-webinars-on-indigenous-themed-climate-solutions/
Ojibwe Author Tanya Talaga Joins Selkirk College’s Truth & Justice Series Conversation
February 22, 2021
Veteran journalist and acclaimed Ojibwe author Tanya Talaga will discuss the current state of Indigenous resurgence in Canada on March 4 as part of Selkirk College’s Truth & Justice Speaker Series.
TikTok connects Indigenous women during pandemic
February 22, 2021
Usage of the popular social media app TikTok increased since the start of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Many Indigenous women started using TikTok as a way to share their indigeneity and hobbies and to stay connected to others.
https://www.pipestoneflyer.ca/news/tiktok-connects-indigenous-women-during-pandemic/
Expansion of the Courage for Change Program at ONWA is Opening the Door to Courageous Conversations
February 22, 2021
As Indigenous communities in Ontario navigate the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous women and girls continue to suffer from the intersectional nature of gang involvement and human trafficking.
Indigenous Services Canada accused of dysfunction over woman’s decades-long quest for status
February 22, 2021
A Montreal-area woman says the federal government is holding her cultural heritage hostage. Cheryl Hutley insists her grandmother and her father were both Indigenous. But for decades, the government of Canada has refused to recognize that she is, even though she seemingly meets all the requirements.
Ontario Introduces New Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation
February 22, 2021
Today, on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the Ontario government introduced the Combatting Human Trafficking Act, new legislation and amendments to existing legislation to build upon the province’s $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy. This proposed legislation reinforces Ontario’s commitment to fight human trafficking and demonstrates continued leadership in responding to this pervasive crime.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60418/ontario-introduces-new-anti-human-trafficking-legislation
Ontario Supports Training of Hundreds of Personal Support Workers
February 22, 2021
The Ontario government is investing more than $4.1 million to help train 373 new Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and provide them with additional health and safety resources. This funding will ensure Ontario has more PSWs to provide the best care for seniors and residents in long-term care homes, while connecting people with meaningful work.
Ontario’s PSW plan woefully inadequate, critics charge
February 23, 2021
“Shocking,” “appalling,” “offensive” and “disappointing” are just some of the words critics are using to describe the Ontario government’s latest plan to train personal support workers (PSWs) in the province.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ontario-psw-recruitment-plan-inadequate-say-critics-1.5923648
Quebec invests $3M to buy permanent home for Resilience Montreal near Cabot Square
February 22, 2021
The shelter works primarily with people from Indigenous communities who gather in and around Cabot Square. For the past year, it has been operating out of a former restaurant near the square, though its lease is set to expire this spring.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/permanent-home-for-resilience-montreal-1.5923557
Lack of funding for piped water on First Nations in Sask. means some can’t drink from their taps
February 23, 2021
The worst thing February 22, 2021
Perry Mcleod ever pulled out of a cistern was a car battery. “The family didn’t know. They were using the water to wash their clothes, wash their dishes, wash their faces, brush their teeth,” he says.
Feds fund COVID-19 sewage testing in Saskatoon, First Nations
February 22, 2021
Federal funding will revive a University of Saskatchewan program that models the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatoon through the city’s sewage. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is awarding researchers $137,392 to conduct 27 weeks of wastewater surveillance testing in Saskatoon and participating First Nations.
Manitoba First Nation to get military aid to battle COVID-19 outbreak, chief says
February 22, 2021
A First Nation in northern Manitoba will be receiving military aid to battle its COVID-19 outbreak, the community’s chief told CBC News.
False positive in Makkovik was ‘huge sigh of relief’ but shows how quickly COVID-19 can take hold
February 22, 2021
When community leaders in Makkovik found out that a presumptive case of COVID-19 turned out to be a false positive, there was a big sense of relief — but, they say, the scenario shows just how quickly things can change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/makkovik-false-positive-relief-1.5922781
Lennox Island Ice Walk event unites Mi’kmaq and settler people in spirit of reconciliation
February 23, 2021
Participants will walk across the frozen path between Port Hill and Lennox Island, in a spirit of awareness and understanding of the history and realities of the Mi’kmaq on P.E.I., like the tragic loss of life their people suffered as a result of having to cross the ice for basic needs.
Cape Breton Mi’kmaq boy receives thousands of messages of support for his braid
February 22, 2021
Eight-year-old Linden Lafford from Potlotek First Nation is an energetic, soft-spoken boy with a shy smile and a playful demeanour. Just over a week ago, he was having fun bowling with his family at Lanes at Membertou when he took a break to make a solo trip to the washroom.
Commercial fishers seek intervener status in lawsuit over Indigenous fishing rights
February 22, 2021
A group representing commercial fishers is seeking intervener status in a lawsuit filed by a First Nation challenging Nova Scotia’s rules around buying and selling seafood products.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7655754/commercial-fishers-intervene-lawsuit-indigenous-fishing-rights/
New board game store aims to create inclusive space
February 22, 2021
A new Indigenous-owned board game shop in Edmonton is aiming to create an inclusive community where everyone can join in the fun. Pe Metawe Games opened earlier this month in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. The Cree name translates to “come and play” and features Cree syllabics used in its marketing materials.
‘Someone knows what happened to Caitlin’: Mom pleads for tips on woman missing 5 years in B.C.
February 22, 2021
Five years after Caitlin Potts disappeared in B.C.’s North Okanagan, her mother is begging anyone who has information on what happened to her to come forward and share what they know.
Port Hardy signs groundbreaking relationship agreement with Kwakiutl First Nation
February 22, 2021
History has been made in the North Island. On the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Douglas Treaty (Feb. 8), Kwakiutl First Nation Hereditary Chief David Knox, Chief Councillor Ross Hunt Jr. and Mayor Dennis Dugas met at the District of Port Hardy’s municipal hall, located on Kwakiutl traditional territory, to sign a Relationship Agreement.
Lheidli T’enneh, McLeod Lake Indian Band to develop natural gas processing plant
February 22, 2021
A natural gas liquid (NGL) processing complex is being considered within the proposed Shas Ti-Dlezeh Industrial Park, approximately 40 km north of Prince George.
‘Localized harassment’: RCMP patrol Wet’suwet’en territory despite UN calls for withdrawal
February 22, 2021
On Valentine’s Day, a small group of Wet’suwet’en people gathered outside a Coastal GasLink pipeline work camp in northwest B.C. to hold a ceremony to remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. They chose the site because of the connection between work camps and violence against Indigenous women.
https://thenarwhal.ca/rcmp-wetsuweten-territory-february-2021/
Review to be conducted after video shows VPD officers ‘throwing’ Indigenous youth at protest
February 22, 2021
An Indigenous youth group is calling for justice, claiming a peaceful protest in Downtown Vancouver turned ugly when Vancouver Police Department officers “violently” dispersed the crowd.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/review-conducted-video-shows-vpd-014153877.html
This Mural Tells a Beautiful Tale of Cultural Solidarity. But Did It Really Happen?
February 22, 2021
On the side of a federal building in Vancouver, a three-story, brightly coloured mural tells an amazing story. It shows generous Indigenous paddlers offering food and supplies to immigrants from India trapped on the Komagata Maru after Canadian officials refused to let them enter Canada in 1914.
https://thetyee.ca/Culture/2021/02/23/Did-Beautiful-Tale-Cultural-Solidarity-Really-Happen/
Pond Inlet MLA says territory is ‘muted’ on controversial Nunavut mine expansion
February 23, 2021
The MLA for Pond Inlet is criticizing the Nunavut government for taking a back seat in negotiations for the Mary River mine expansion.
Yukon justice system failing Indigenous women, say advocates
February 22, 2021
Protests were held in two Yukon communities Monday calling for urgent action to protect Indigenous women from violence.
Survey data sheds light on Indigenous languages, traditional activities across North
February 22, 2021
Less than one in 10 Indigenous Yukoners can speak or understand an Indigenous language, and young people across the North were far less likely to understand even a few words than their parents’ generation.
Arctic Inspiration Prize win will mean new slaughterhouse in central Yukon
February 22, 2021
The Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation is looking to get a long-disused slaughterhouse up and running once again at its farm in central Yukon — using Arctic Inspiration Prize money.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/aip-nacho-nyak-dun-farm-abattoir-1.5923510
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
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/
