Ontario reports under 1,700 new coronavirus cases, 49 more deaths
January 27, 2021
Ontario is reporting 1,670 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, the third day in a row cases are below 2,000, bringing the provincial total to 260,370. Wednesday’s case count is lower than Tuesday’s which saw 1,740 new infections. On Monday, 1,958 new cases were recorded and 2,417 on Sunday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7602157/ontario-coronavirus-cases-january-27-covid19/
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: Active cases in First Nations decline
January 27, 2021
The number of active COVID-19 cases in First Nations across the country has declined after reaching a new high last week, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5887968
Ontario Regional Chief says Indigenous Vaccine Distribution is a priority for Task Force
January 26, 2021
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald says both on-reserve First Nations and urban Indigenous populations are priorities for the Ontario Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force.
Ginoogaming First Nation ramps up COVID-19 testing
January 27, 2021
The health director of Ginoogaming First Nation is hoping everyone in the community will be tested for COVID-19 soon, after more nursing support led to an increase in testing capacity.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ginoogaming-covid-testing-1.5888755
How do you run a COVID-19 vaccination effort in a remote community?
January 26, 2021
During a conference call last week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and provincial health representatives discussed a crucial question: How would vaccine teams transport the COVID-19 vaccine to a remote First Nations community without an airstrip?
https://www.tvo.org/article/how-do-you-run-a-covid-19-vaccination-effort-in-a-remote-community
Matawa First Nations ask for inclusion in Phase 1 COVID-19 vaccinations
January 25, 2021
The Chiefs of four First Nations belonging to the nine-member Matawa First Nations group want their communities prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Federal, provincial officials to discuss ways to counter anti-Indigenous racism in health care
January 27, 2021
Federal ministers are holding virtual meetings with provincial and territorial health counterparts, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation representatives and medical experts over the next two days to talk about anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health care system.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-indigenous-anti-racism-healthcare-meetings-1.5888513
Sen. Murray Sinclair urges Canadians to reckon with systemic racism
January 27, 2021
As he retires from the Senate this week, Sen. Murray Sinclair says Canada still needs a reckoning on “the systemic racism that has been bred into our very institutions.”
Provincial consultation deadline pushed back for two proposed roads in Ring of Fire
January 27, 2021
The Ontario government says it has heard concerns from Indigenous communities about the challenges of consulting on proposed developments for two access roads into the Ring of Fire area, and have extended deadlines for both projects after pushback from some First Nations in the area.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/access-road-tor-deadline-pushed-1.5888998
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug opposes federal government’s proposal to implement UNDRIP
January 26, 2021
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) is urging the Canadian government to begin dialogue with the First Nation in northwestern Ontario about its plans to implement the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), saying the current proposal outlined in Bill C-15 is “based upon a false and racist premise.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ki-rejects-federal-undrip-bill-1.5887344
Grand Council Treaty #3 starts new campaign in honour of MMIWG
January 27, 2021
Leadership with Grand Council Treaty #3, with support of the Social Department and the Women’s Council Gaagiidoo-Ikwewag, have introduced a new Red Ribbon campaign in awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
https://www.drydennow.com/local/grand-council-treaty-3-starts-new-campaign-in-honour-of-mmiwg
Wikwemikong High School obtains CNC machine for “next level manufacturing”
January 27, 2021
On December 15, 2020, Wikwemikong High School (WHS) received a CNC machine. A computer numerical control router (CNC) machine is a metal fabrication method where written code controls the machinery in the manufacturing process. The code determines everything from the movement of the cutting head, spindle speed and RPMs.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wikwemikong-high-school-obtains-cnc-machine-for-next-level-manufacturing/
Grants help transform Wiikwemkoong greenhouse into all-season operation
January 27, 2021
Teams are upgrading a greenhouse at Wikwemikong High School (WHS) to turn it into a four-season growing facility through a partnership with Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth (FFFIY) and a $30,000 contribution from RBC Future Launch, creating a community service that will bolster food sovereignty, enable opportunities for education and enhance existing services for the community.
https://www.manitoulin.com/grants-help-transform-wiikwemkoong-greenhouse-into-all-season-operation/
Manitoulin home to Ontario’s first community-based sexual, domestic violence service clinic
January 27, 2021
Noojmowin Teg inaugurated its new Sexual and Domestic Violence Services (SDVS) clinic at a virtual grand opening ceremony last Thursday, January 21, an event that featured dignitaries from across the province who came to celebrate the first community-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centre in Ontario—one that also provides culturally appropriate services for its Anishinaabe clients.
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre fighting for homeless First Nations people
January 27, 2021
The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is asking for more collaboration with the city and the District of Nipissing Social Services Board (DNSSAB) to address the city’s homeless situation that is disproportionately affecting First Nation people in town.
Pandemic podcasts earning Indigenous and non-Indigenous praise nationally
January 27, 2021
Though her efforts are receiving plenty of praise, Marion Crowe would actually prefer that she was not still doing some of her current work.
Online book club with Indigenous authors to follow Anishnaabe lunar calendar
January 27, 2021
An online book club and interview series showcasing Indigenous authors and illustrators as well as cultural teachings about the Anishinaabe lunar calendar is launching Jan. 28.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/book-club-anishinaabe-lunar-calendar-1.5878006
Ontario launches Southwestern Ontario Transportation Task Force
January 26, 2021
Today, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, announced a locally based transportation task force in southwestern Ontario. The Southwest Task Force will focus on improving connections between transportation modes such as rail, bus, and local transit services across the region and will ensure that transportation planning is informed by local needs and considerations.
Cree pilot honoured to deliver COVID-19 vaccine to his own nation
January 27, 2021
A Cree pilot says he was honoured to be the person who delivered vaccines to some Cree communities in northern Quebec. Air Creebec pilot Willard Petagumskum flew vaccines to all of the coastal Cree communities in Quebec on Jan. 16. It marked the start of a regional vaccination campaign across Cree territory and an important step in the Cree fight against COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-pilot-vaccines-eeyou-istchee-1.5888003
Listuguj residents report harassment, hampered access to services in N.B.
January 26, 2021
To the residents of Quebec’s Listuguj First Nation, Campbellton is a lifeline to health care, schools, shopping and work.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/listuguj-residents-report-harassment-hampered-100000297.html
Southern Chiefs Organization says it’s ‘appalled’ by what happened to Ojibway woman in Alberta hospital
January 26, 2021
An organization representing 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in Manitoba is speaking out after an APTN News story about how an Alberta hospital cared for Lillian Vanasse (Ashley), a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway Nation.
Investigation underway into how Ojibway woman died while in care of Alberta hospital
January 25, 2021
It was Christmas day in their home of Hanna, Alta. when Cory Ashley realized something was wrong with his wife Lillian. “I can see my wife’s face was just beet red, she had sweat dripping down her face. I put my hand on her head and she was just burning up. She said, ‘I can’t breathe, it hurts, something’s wrong,’” he said.
Judge reserves decision on certification of RCMP systemic racism class action
January 26, 2021
A Federal Court judge has reserved her decision on whether or not to certify a $600-million systemic discrimination class action against the RCMP in the territories following a two-day hearing that wrapped up on Tuesday.
‘Fierce’ former Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Ron Michel dies
January 26, 2021
Ron Michel, a Prince Albert Grand Council senator, former grand chief, and long-time leader in northern Saskatchewan, has died.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fierce-former-prince-albert-grand-232804867.html
First Nations man forced to drive wife with broken leg nearly 300 km to ER after misdiagnosis
January 26, 2021
A band councillor from a remote northern Manitoba First Nation says he had to drive his wife, who had broken her leg, more than 300 kilometres to Thompson for medical treatment, after a local nursing station told her she had a sprain.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/broken-leg-first-nation-health-care-racism-1.5888434
Halifax council in favour of Millbrook First Nation reserve on Shannon Parks Land
January 26, 2021
The Halifax Regional Council voted in favour Tuesday in regards to the creation of a reserve by Millbrook First Nation on a section of the Shannon Park Lands.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7600989/halifax-council-shannon-parks-reserve/
Artist Lance Cardinal is increasing Indigenous awareness – in Alberta and beyond
January 26, 2021
The vibrant image on the cover of this month’s Alberta Native News is “Intergenerational Love” by Lance Cardinal, an acclaimed contemporary artist. It is a detail from a mural that the artist is currently painting for the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids lead first-ever International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards nominees
January 26, 2021
Haisla Nation duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids are leading nominees at the first-ever International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show. The two-day celebration will take place in Winnipeg on May 22 and 23, with the winners chosen by the public.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/indigenous-hip-hop-award-1.5888427
New record label aims to bring Indigenous music to the masses
January 26, 2021
Launching a brand new venture in the middle of global pandemic may not seem like the best idea but it’s working out pretty well for Red Music Rising. The Indigenous music company, announced last August, is a partnership between Coalition Music and APTN.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/facetoface/new-record-label-aims-to-bring-indigenous-music-to-the-masses/
Debut novel ‘Bad Cree’ has Sucker Creek Nation author living a dream
January 26, 2021
From a dream to an award-winning short story to a novel to be published by HarperCollins Canada. It’s all “surreal,” says author Jessica Johns. Johns’ debut novel “Bad Cree” was the subject of a bidding war between three publishing houses.
How beading lessons from her son reconnected a residential school survivor to her culture
January 26, 2021
A special kind of cold is needed for mukluks. The traditional Anishinaabe footwear crafted out of moose hide with a fleece lining and adorned with coloured glass beads and rabbit or beaver fur doesn’t wear well in mild, wet winter weather, but rather when it’s cold and dry.
The deal is sealed, Mi’kmaq coalition partner with B.C company to buy seafood giant Clearwater
January 26, 2021
The Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia are now one of the major players in the seafood industry. The $1 billion deal to purchase one of North America’s largest seafood company became official on Jan. 25, and comes after moderate livelihood fisheries were launched last fall.
Regional Chief Prosper calls for Mi’kmaw-specific vaccination strategy in Nova Scotia
January 26, 2021
Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Paul Prosper is calling on Nova Scotia to implement a Mi’kmaw-specific vaccination strategy and raising concerns about the lack of Indigenous representation on the 11-member COVID-19 vaccine expert panel.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7600457/mikmaw-specific-vaccination-coronavirus-plan/
Crown prosecutor in New Brunswick says no charges in RCMP shooting of Rodney Levi
January 26, 2021
New Brunswick’s Public Prosecutions Service has concluded no charges will be filed against police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rodney Levi last year.
Eskasoni couple behind Mi’kmaw Chicken Run get shoutout from film’s co-director
January 26, 2021
The co-director of the British animated film Chicken Run says he was thrilled to discover his movie has been re-imagined in Mi’kmaw by a Nova Scotia family determined to keep their language alive.
British Columbia First Nation, Coeur, sign Silvertip mine agreement
January 26, 2021
The Tahltan Nation and Coeur Silvertip Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur Mining, (NYSE: CDE), have announced the signing of an Impact-Benefit Agreement (IBA) in connection with the company’s Silvertip silver-zinc-lead mine in northern British Columbia.
https://www.mining.com/british-columbia-first-nation-coeur-sign-silvertip-mine-agreement/
Vancouver man who survived assault looks forward to ‘second chance at life’
January 26, 2021
A Vancouver man is recovering in hospital after being brutally assaulted in the Strathcona Park tent city on Sept. 20, 2020. Carl Sinclair, 25, is still trying to heal from the assault – but he says forgiveness is helping him move on.
Independent panel contends Yukoners, First Nations aren’t benefiting enough from mining royalties
January 26, 2021
Over the past 10 years, the Yukon government has collected a mere 0.3 per cent of the value of placer and quartz resources on behalf of all Yukoners, the rightful owners of those minerals.
https://thenarwhal.ca/yukon-mining-royalties-panel-review/
Yukon leaders support harsher penalties for couple who flew to territory for vaccines
January 27, 2021
Some Yukon leaders are expressing support for White River First Nation as it calls for harsher punishment of a couple accused of sneaking into Beaver Creek, Yukon, last week to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/white-river-cema-penalty-support-1.5889170
White River First Nation in Yukon outraged Vancouver couple got access to COVID-19 vaccination
January 26, 2021
Members of White River First Nation (WRFN) in Beaver Creek, Yukon, are expressing outrage after a Vancouver couple charted a flight to the community so they could get early access to the Moderna vaccine.
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 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 and to register, please visit: www.chiefsmeeting.com.
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/
