Bell Let’s Talk: How to join the conversation and help raise funds
January 28, 2021
As the pandemic puts unprecedented stress on Canadians’ mental health, Bell Let’s Talk Day aims to dismantle stigma and raise money for the cause.
Ontario reports nearly 2,100 new coronavirus cases, death toll surpasses 6,000
January 28, 2021
Ontario is reporting 2,093 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 262,463. Thursday’s case count is higher than Wednesday’s which saw 1,670 new infections. On Tuesday, 1,740 new cases were recorded and 1,958 on Monday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7604600/ontario-coronavirus-cases-january-28-covid19/
Indigenous people should be priority for COVID-19 shots even amid shortage: minister
January 27, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday the federal government is still committed to its ambitious plan to vaccinate remote First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities by the spring even as the country grapples with a scarcity of shots.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/indigenous-vaccinations-priority-marc-miller-1.5889826
Ontario extends 2nd dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to 35 days due to delays
January 27, 2021
The province’s top doctor has once again revised the timing of when people can get the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In a memo sent to hospital CEOs and Medical Officers of Health on Wednesday, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams has recommended extending the dosing interval for the second shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine to 35 days and no more than 42 days.
Ottawa to lay groundwork for new Indigenous health legislation
January 28, 2021
The federal government will cap two days of meetings this week into eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system by announcing plans to begin co-developing new legislation to overhaul Indigenous health, according to sources who spoke to CBC News.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-indigenous-health-legislation-1.5890830
Talks underway to root out systemic racism in healthcare system
January 27, 2021
Over the next two days Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) will host a meeting between federal, provincial and Indigenous leaders, as well as health professionals, to discuss ways of ending systemic racism in Canada’s healthcare system.
First Nation leaders calling for naming of Indigenous governor general to ‘reinvigorate’ the role
January 27, 2021
Following Julie Payette’s resignation, First Nation’s leaders are calling for an Indigenous person to replace her as the next governor general.
Marc Miller Slams Ex-Senator Lynn Beyak For ‘Sickening’ Defence Of Residential Schools
January 27, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller left little doubt Wednesday that he has little regard for former senator Lynn Beyak, who abruptly retired this week and used her parting words to defend the “good” of Canada’s shameful residential school system.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/lynn-beyak-residential-schools-marc-miller-174300033.html
Province investing in northern broadband
January 27, 2021
The provincial government is investing $10.9 million to bring broadband internet to several towns and First Nations communities across northern Ontario. This also includes $1 million investment for First Nation communities in the Rainy River District.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/01/27/province-investing-in-northern-broadband.html?rf
Thunder Bay accessibility committee concerned after video shown of Thunder Bay police dragging Indigenous man
January 28, 2021
As someone with a mental health disability, the chair of Thunder Bay’s Accessibility Advisory Committee knows how harmful it can be to hear front-line responders and healthcare staff refer to their jobs as “babysitting services” when working with people that may have addictions or other mental health disabilities.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/tbay-accessibility-concerns-police-treatment-1.5890768
Ontario Extends Off-Peak Electricity Rates to Provide Relief for Families, Small Businesses and Farms
January 27, 2021
The Ontario government is extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms to support those spending more time at home in response to the provincial Stay-at-Home Order. The government will continue to hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until February 9, 2021. This lower rate is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for Time-Of-Use and tiered customers.
‘World’s largest Indigenous restaurant’ part of Caldwell First Nation big plans
January 27, 2021
Caldwell First Nation is going big — and going home. Fresh off the historic announcement of a new reserve after 230 years, Caldwell is poised to execute a series of monumental plans including housing developments, a medical cannabis operation, a rebranded marina, a winery and the world’s “largest Indigenous restaurant.”
Manitoulin Health Centre orders ultra-cold freezer for vaccines
January 27, 2021
Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is expected to receive an ultra-cold freezer later this week, a piece of equipment that will allow the hospital to accommodate up to 22,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, enough for two doses for most people on the Island.
https://www.manitoulin.com/manitoulin-health-centre-orders-ultra-cold-freezer-for-vaccines/
Helping Thunder Bay’s Indigenous community with a holistic approach to healthcare
January 27, 2021
While holistic approaches to healthcare are becoming a regular form of care throughout the healing community, Anishnawbe Mushkiki has been taking this approach for 20 years and counting.
Cultural Appreciation Webinar Series back by popular demand
January 28, 2021
Blue Sky Community Healing Centre’s Cindy Crowe and Melissa Roberts plan to hold repeat sessions of two of their most popular Cultural Appreciation Webinar Series presentations.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/01/28/cultural-appreciation-webinar-series-back-by-popular-demand/
A conversation with Elder Tom Snow – A healing journey
January 27, 2021
I first met Elder Snow a few years ago, jumping at the chance to go Sweetgrass picking for the first time with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. He is a quietly charismatic man who exudes a calm and steady presence. I approached the soft-spoken Elder for guidance and we soon became friends, honouring my family with my daughter’s naming ceremony.
Pikangikum OPP make arrest in 2020 infant drowning death
January 28, 2021
A 25-year-old Pikangikum resident has been criminally charged in connection to an August 2020 drowning death. In a news release, Pikangikum Ontario Provincial Police announced the arrest of Helen Fiddler and charged her with causing death by criminal negligence, abandoning child and failing to provide the necessities of life to a child.
Strands of Indigenous language need to be woven like a braid of sweetgrass, says educator
January 27, 2021
Three people in the field of education and community-based language revitalization pushed the requirement for more and better funding for the preservation and regeneration of Indigenous languages. They spoke on the second day of a five-day virtual symposium on Indigenous languages hosted by Canadian Heritage.
Opinion: Bell, let’s talk about #colonialism, #racism and #ableism
January 27, 2021
For more than a decade, the “Bell Let’s Talk” campaign has aimed to reduce stigma and increase conversations surrounding mental illness. While the campaign may help raise awareness, a study by University of Windsor communication studies graduate Jasmine Vido suggests it may be more about marketing than mental health.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/bell-let-talk-colonialism-racism-181024837.html
Mi’kmaw leaders call for tailored COVID-19 vaccine plan
January 27, 2021
Mi’kmaw leaders in Nova Scotia are calling for a vaccine rollout plan that is tailored to their communities’ unique demographics and reflects their marginalization.
Metepenagiag First Nation Chief Bill Ward Says It’s ‘Infuriating’ That Nobody Charged In RCMP Shooting Of Rodney Levi
January 27, 2021
The chief of a New Brunswick First Nation that was home to a man killed by the RCMP last year says it was “infuriating” to learn Tuesday that no criminal charges would be laid in the case.
Off-reserve First Nations elders want to be prioritized in Manitoba’s vaccination plan
January 27, 2021
With First Nations citizens in Manitoba making up about half of new COVID-19 cases in the province, off-reserve elders and knowledge keepers want to be included on the vaccination priority list.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/off-reserve-elders-vaccine-priority-manitoba-1.5890684
Former Wendake grand chief Konrad Sioui makes history, becomes head of SAAQ board
January 28, 2021
The former grand chief of the Huron-Wendat First Nation is taking the reins of the board of directors for Quebec’s automobile insurance board (SAAQ).
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/konrad-sioui-saaq-1.5891221
Enoch Cree Nation looks at forming an urban reserve inside of Edmonton
January 27, 2021
Earlier this week it was announced that talks for an Urban Reserve inside Edmonton have been initiated and Edmonton City Council will be voting on a motion to start exploring the concept.
Family offers $5,000 reward in search for woman missing from western Manitoba First Nation
January 28, 2021
The family of an Indigenous woman from western Manitoba who disappeared without a trace nearly a year ago is now offering a reward for information that leads to her being found.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/melinda-lynxleg-mission-reward-betty-lynxleg-1.5888456
Indigenous ownership boosted benefits of renewable energy project, report finds
January 28, 2021
A new report from the Conference Board of Canada’s Centre for the North says that an Indigenous-owned hydroelectric project in Atlin, B.C., is an “excellent example” of how infrastructure projects can benefit First Nations.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/conference-board-report-atlin-hydro-project-1.5890826
Indigenous Services minister ‘disgusted’ by B.C. couple who flew to Yukon for vaccine
January 27, 2021
The federal minister in charge of Indigenous Services has openly called out the wealthy Vancouver couple accused of flying to the Yukon so they could have a jump on the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7603089/bc-couple-yukon-covid-vaccine-miller/
Carved stone pillar found on B.C. beach is an Indigenous artifact
January 27, 2021
A carved stone pillar found at low tide on a beach in Victoria last summer is an Indigenous cultural treasure, the Royal B.C. Museum has confirmed.
Minister says couple who allegedly flew to Yukon for vaccine should consider ‘reparations’
January 27, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller has a simple message for anyone thinking of following the lead of the Vancouver couple who allegedly flew to a remote community in Yukon to jump the COVID-19 vaccination queue: Don’t.
Yukon changes vaccine eligibility after B.C. couple allegedly flew in to get doses
January 27, 2021
Yukon is changing eligibility requirements to get vaccines in the territory, to ensure only residents receive doses.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-covid-update-hanley-silver-jan-27-1.5890079
Federal announcements aim to address violence against Inuit women
January 28, 2021
Announcements by two federal agencies in the last two days aim to address the high rates of violence experienced by Inuit women. “This is an example of meaningful reconciliation with Inuit women, so we are very happy about that,” Rebecca Kudloo, president of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada told CBC News.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/pauktuutit-inuit-women-violence-rcmp-shelters-1.5890689
Mumilaaq Qaqqaq is back to fight for Nunavut with new tools to help her stay healthy
January 27, 2021
When Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq took two months off at the end of 2020 to recover from burnout and to deal with depression, she knew that she would have to explain herself to voters.
An non-traditional year for Traditional Games in the North
January 28, 2021
The annual Traditional Games is gearing up for a less-than-traditional championship. Typically hosting around 200 student athletes in Yellowknife to compete in northern and Dene games, the Aboriginal Sports Circle NWT announced there will be no travelling this year, with games instead taking place in the students’ respective communities.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/non-traditional-traditional-games-north-110000397.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 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/
