Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world on Tuesday
January 12, 2021
More public health restrictions are expected to be announced in Ontario today after the province releases new COVID-19 modelling projections that the premier had said would make people “fall off [their] chairs.” Sources have told CBC News the modelling, which will be detailed at an 11:30 a.m. ET briefing, projects Ontario’s intensive care units will be filled beyond capacity by early February. It also forecasts the province is on track to see up to 6,000 new cases per day by the end of this month.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-january-12-2021-1.5869645
Ontario cabinet debates new restrictions as COVID-19 deaths top 5,000
January 12, 2021
New restrictions to fight skyrocketing rates of COVID-19 were being considered by Ontario’s cabinet Monday night, although a curfew was not one of them. The discussion took place as the province hit the grim milestone of recording more than 5,000 deaths from the virus since the start of the pandemic.
Oneida Nation of the Thames introduces curfew after surge in COVID-19 cases
January 11, 2021
After going from nine COVID-19 cases on Friday to 33 active cases as of noon on Monday, Oneida Nation of the Thames has introduced a community-wide curfew and closed its administrative offices.
Construction of the James Bay Winter Road underway
January 11, 2021
The majority of the James Bay Winter Road is currently under construction. The 311-kilometre road connects First Nation communities on the James Bay coast including Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Moosonee. A winter road that connects Moosonee to the Ontario highway system is not being built this season because of COVID-19 outbreak concerns.
Wasauksing, Beausoleil Indigenous advocates outraged by Harris nomination for Order of Ontario
January 11, 2021
A member of the Wasauksing First Nation, near Parry Sound, said former premier Mike Harris has no business being nominated for the Order of Ontario. Rebeka Tobobondung stopped short of saying that said that Harris has Indigenous blood on his hands for his handling of the Ipperwash Provincial Park standoff near Sarnia in 1995. She wanted to make it clear she was making her comments as a private citizen, an Indigenous advocate and proud member of the Wasauksing First Nation.
Kenjgewin Teg’s Trades and Skill Centre becomes approved Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Testing Site
January 11, 2021
Kenjgewin Teg’s Anishinabek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre (ASIRC) is pleased to share the good news that the Skills Centre is now an approved testing location by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).
Ontario Native Women’s Association launches program for human trafficking survivors
January 11, 2021
For many, the words human trafficking conjure images of smuggling people across borders; so much so that the Ontario government includes a note about it as part of their Human Trafficking Action Plan.
Potential to implement UN Indigenous rights declaration a sign of hope for the New Year
January 11, 2021
For the many First Nations in Canada, the seasons are defined by the 13 moons of the year. The 12th moon has recently set, the moon that for my Anishinaabe sisters and brothers represents the spirits of family and friends. And last month, the final moon of the year began its journey, the moon of healing.
Sports Series: Indigenous curler continues adding to his impressive resume
January 12, 2021
Though his accomplishments may no longer be garnering considerable media attention and plenty of admiration in his hometown, Al Hackner continues to hold the title of championship curler.
Barbara Croall appointed to the “Order of Ontario”
January 11, 2021
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced 22 new appointments to the 2019 Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour. Halton Region resident Barbara Croall from the Odawa First Nations was appointed to the Order of Ontario.
Young Sudbury actor awaits world premiere
January 12, 2021
Walking down the red carpet at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival would have been “super cool” for Phoenix Wilson, but he’s content to watch the world premiere of his new film from the comfort of his own home.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/01/12/young-sudbury-actor-awaits-world-premiere.html
Review: “Inconvenient Indian” is a Testament to the Power of Indigenous Resilience
January 11, 2021
In a backlit taxicab driving down Front Street West in Toronto, author Thomas King gives viewers of Michelle Latimer’s Inconvenient Indian (2020) solemn advice: “The truth about stories is that it is all we are. So you have to be careful about the stories you tell; once they are set loose in the world, they cannot be called back.”
Is Justin Trudeau’s plan for Indigenous rights a step in the right direction, or just another hollow promise from Ottawa?
January 11, 2021
It took years for Canada to get to this point. And Alma Brooks wants to slam on the brakes. At 77, Brooks is the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s regional elder for the Atlantic, a Maliseet grandmother from New Brunswick who has been involved in the leadership of her nation for years.
Ottawa Continues Legal Fight Over Health Funding For Indigenous Families And Youth
January 10, 2021
On Dec 15, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave a speech to mark the fifth anniversary of the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He also spoke about the implementation of Jordan’s Principle; the Government’s new policy and funding approach towards Indigenous education; and how they are working with First Nations to respond to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Calls for Justice, to develop a national action plan to end the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and two-spirit people.
Logging in Algonquin park is just one example how Ontario is failing to protect nature
January 12, 2021
One side-effect of COVID-19 restrictions has been a renaissance in our collective appreciation for nature. All over the province, people have flocked to forests, wetlands and beaches to seek solace, wildlife sightings and places to safely be with others. Many parks and conservation areas were overwhelmed.
Mohawk Council of Kanesatake takes Oka to court over The Pines
January 11, 2021
The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake is taking the municipality of Oka to court over what it calls an “illegal” bylaw concerning the land that was at the heart of the Oka Crisis. In December, Oka passed a bylaw designating seven lots of forested land that are part of The Pines as a heritage site “in order to ensure its conservation and its development in the public interest.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/kanesatake-oka-the-pines-bylaw-1.5868569
Cree communities in northern Quebec record 30 cases of COVID-19 following ‘super-spreader’ gatherings
January 12, 2021
The Cree communities of Ouje-Bougoumou and Mistissini in northern Quebec recorded an outbreak of 30 cases of COVID-19 following what officials call two ‘super spreader’ social gatherings in the area.
‘A great achievement’: Peguis First Nation marks 25 days without new case of COVID-19
January 12, 2021
It’s been 25 days since Peguis First Nation has seen a new case of COVID-19 in the community, even after allowing some visiting over the holiday season. The Interlake community had what it called “relaxed lockdown” days, which allowed extended family and students, including those living off-reserve, to visit one household from Dec. 23 to 28, and over New Year’s Eve.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/peguis-first-nation-zero-active-cases-covid-19-1.5869568
Manitoba chief claims victory after allowing hundreds of visitors during ‘relaxed lockdown’
January 11, 2021
The chief of a Manitoba First Nation that allowed gatherings over the holidays is telling the premier of Manitoba to take note, after reporting zero active cases in the wake of the holiday season.
No new cases of COVID-19, as vaccinations underway in Nunatsiavut
January 11, 2021
Provincial officials are reporting no new cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, as the Moderna vaccine starts to roll out in Labrador’s five Inuit communities. Monday’s briefing is the first live update since Wednesday. There was one new travel-related case announced over the weekend, making for five active cases in the province.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-covid-19-jan-11-labrador-vaccine-1.5868542
The Ayajuthem language radiates across territory
January 11, 2021
The word Gɩǰɛ..gih’jeh radiates across airwaves through deep forests, over waters, into intricate fjords and snowy mountain tops into the lush and vibrant area of Ayajuthem-speaking territory.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/01/11/the-ayajuthem-language-radiates-across-territory.html
Island mayor condemns racism against First Nation hit hard by COVID-19
January 11, 2021
The mayor of North Cowichan has come out swinging on social media in a strongly worded post slamming what he is calling fear-based racist comments directed at a First Nations community that’s been ravaged by COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mayor-north-cowichan-tribes-racism-1.5868518
Petition calls for Black Shirt Day in B.C. schools to help fight racism
January 12, 2021
Following the success of the Pink Shirt Day anti-bullying campaign and Orange Shirt Day to remember the dark legacy of residential schools, there is a push in British Columbia for students to wear black in support of anti-racism.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7569578/black-shirt-day-petition/
Outbreak declared as Interior Health confirms 32 cases of COVID-19 linked to Canim Lake Band
January 11, 2021
Interior Health has confirmed an outbreak within the Canim Lake Band community east of 100 Mile House. So far, 32 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the First Nations community, where 228 people live, according to the 2016 census.
Resource board calls on N.W.T. to end controversial aerial wolf cull
January 11, 2021
The Wekʼèezhìi Renewable Resources Board (WRRB) issued their final recommendations Friday on a one-year wolf cull pilot program that saw the government hire marksmen to shoot wolves from helicopters, in an effort to decrease their impact on the population of two key caribou herds.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/board-calls-n-w-t-221329488.html
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. Click learn more for additional information.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/coo-health-forum
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario – Chiefs Forum on Justice
The Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting a Chiefs Forum to discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the provincial engagement on the Commission Safety and Policing Act on January 12, 2021.
For more information, please visit: www.ChiefsMeeting.com/chiefsforum
Save the Date: 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 at www.chiefsmeeting.com in the coming weeks.
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/
