Ontario reports more than 1,800 new COVID-19 cases following single-day spike
January 29, 2021
COVID-19 case numbers in Ontario dropped Friday following a single-day increase reported a day earlier. The 1,837 new cases represent a decrease over Thursday’s total when 2,093 were confirmed. Friday’s report pushes the province’s lab-confirmed case total to 264,300, including 6,072 deaths and 237,871 recoveries. At least 58 of those deaths occurred in the last 24 hours.
Federal rollout of COVID-19 vaccine pitting First Nations against each other in northern Ontario
January 28, 2021
Constance Lake First Nation may be in northern Ontario but its chief says it’s not remote enough to be among the first communities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government.
Systemic racism in Canada’s health care and how it affects vaccine rollout
January 28, 2021
As Canada tries to address racism in healthcare, the country’s vaccine rollout needs to focus more on Indigenous communities, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7605267/systemic-racism-healthcare-vaccine-rollout/
Decrying medical racism, Indigenous leaders demand health care ‘transformation’
January 28, 2021
Canada must “transform” the discriminatory health care it offers Indigenous peoples, leaders demand after a series of troubling incidents across the country.
Bennett: “The system is not broken, it was built this way.”
January 28, 2021
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett talks about systemic racism in the Canadian health care system.
Indigenous people call for cradle-to-grave services in their communities
January 28, 2021
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett wraps up two days of talks about anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health-care system.
Coronavirus: Miller says governments need to ‘learn some lessons’ about how assets deployed to Indigenous communities
January 28, 2021
Speaking on Thursday following a two-day virtual meeting about anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system, Indigenous Affairs Minister Marc Miller said governments need to “learn some lessons” about the way to deploy assets to Indigenous communities as it moves forward with its COVID-19 vaccine rollout in harder-to-reach communities.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/coronavirus-miller-says-governments-learn-000842583.html
Beausoleil First Nation copes with community-wide, nine-hour power outage
January 28, 2021
There were no emergencies or significant problems as Beausoleil First Nation had to deal with a major power outage, said Joseph Stup, the community’s communications officer.
Indigenous leaders point to issues with Timiskaming forest management plan
January 29, 2021
Indigenous leaders in the Temagami area say the state of their relationship with the provincial government depends on which forest you’re talking about.
NAN Hope offers a lifeline for those struggling with mental health
January 28, 2021
A First Nations-led service called ‘NAN Hope’ is a 24/7 lifeline for people struggling with mental health or addictions during the COVID19- pandemic. It launched in August and so far has helped more than 260 clients from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Perry Bellegarde: It’s Time For Canada’s First Indigenous Governor General
January 28, 2021
With a growing sentiment that Julie Payette’s abrupt departure from Rideau Hall provides an opportunity for Canada to have its first Indigenous governor general, Perry Bellegarde laughs when asked if he’s been taking French lessons.
Beausoleil First Nation activist says senator’s resignation comes too late
January 28, 2021
An Indigenous activist from Beausoleil First Nation says the resignation of Lynn Beyak as a Canadian senator has come too late. While Indigenous people across Canada are relieved Beyak is leaving the Senate, Tori Cress said, Beyak was allowed to stick around the upper chamber for far too long.
Volunteers to reduce emergency response times in Fort William First Nation
January 28, 2021
During a medical emergency, sometimes minutes can mean the difference between life and death. A volunteer first response team on Fort William First Nation is hoping to reduce response times in the community and save lives.
They called him ‘Chief’: George Armstrong’s complicated relationship with his heritage
January 28, 2021
He was also well-known for his First Nation roots, so much so that the entirety of the staff and players of the Maple Leafs he played with – and everyone in hockey since then – called him ‘Chief.’
Kelowna man walking across Canada carrying cross for veterans, Indigenous communities
January 28, 2021
A Kelowna man has walked thousands of kilometres carrying a nine-foot cross across along the Trans-Canada Highway to raise awareness for veterans and First Nations communities without clean water.
Ottawa to build five new emergency shelters for Inuit women, children
January 28, 2021
The federal government will pay to build and operate five new emergency shelters dedicated to serving Inuit women and children, Indigenous Services Canada announced Thursday.
280,000 More Ontario Students to Return to Class
January 28, 2021
“On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, with the support of the local Medical Officers of Health, and with the introduction of additional layers of protection, 280,000 students in four public health regions will return to class on Monday, February 1.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/statement/60154/280000-more-ontario-students-to-return-to-class
Front line workers sound the alarm over domestic abuse and empty shelters
January 28, 2021
According to several shelters for Indigenous women in Quebec, domestic violence does not end with COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact they say it’s quite the opposite. They are afraid that some women are suffering abuse at home while spaces in their shelters are empty.
Should you double up on your face masks? Experts weigh in
January 28, 2021
Some experts say Canadians might want to consider upgrading their face masks, doubling up mask layers, or wearing one while outdoors as more contagious COVID-19 variants continue to spread.
Judge rules Quebec’s province-wide curfew should not apply to homeless population
January 28, 2021
A judge has ruled that Quebec’s province-wide 8:00 p.m. curfew should not apply to the homeless population. The news comes after Raphael Andre, a 51-year old Innu man, died near a closed Montreal shelter on January 17.
Widespread ‘fraud and vote buying’ found in 2017 Manitoba First Nation election
January 28, 2021
A federal review has concluded fraud and vote buying was widespread in the 2017 election at Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba, and might have affected the results for election of chief and council.
No charges for Winnipeg officer who shot 16-year-old girl after police chase
January 28, 2021
The father of an Indigenous teen killed by a Winnipeg police officer last April is criticizing a police watchdog report, which says no charges are recommended against the officer involved in the fatal shooting.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/eishia-hudson-police-shooting-no-charges-1.5891819
Rodney Levi’s family wants coroner’s inquest to include Mi’kmaq and their traditions
January 28, 2021
Rodney Levi’s mother says hearing that the Crown will not lay charges against the officer who killed her son was like losing him all over again, according to her lawyer. The lawyer for Levi’s family, Alisa Lombard, said the family is still not ready to speak publicly, but have shared with her how “devastated,” they were to hear the Crown say there’s no reasonable chance of conviction if charges were laid.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rodney-levi-coroner-s-inquest-metepenagiag-1.5892141
Mi’kmaw leaders, city at odds over changes for Charlottetown’s John A. Macdonald statue
January 28, 2021
P.E.I.’s First Nations are taking issue with the way the City of Charlottetown is planning to deal with the controversial statue of Sir John A. Macdonald.
Nine-year-old Indigenous hockey prodigy gets notice from NHL with astonishing tricks
January 28, 2021
A 9-year-old hockey player from a northern Quebec First Nation has caught the attention of the hockey world with his impressive trick-shot videos.
Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation helping members with food, supply distribution during pandemic
January 28, 2021
Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, located North East of the Battlefords, is providing support for its community, including helping the vulnerable and those self-isolating, to access essential items – food products and other supplies – during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grassy Mountain debate pits band leadership against people
January 28, 2021
While opposition continues to mount against the controversial Grassy Mountain coal project that will create open-pit mines on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, including among First Nations, the leadership of Piikani First Nation continues to enthusiastically support the project.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/grassy-mountain-debate-pits-band-033629171.html
Top court rejects police officer’s bid to appeal assault conviction of First Nations man
January 28, 2021
It’s the end of the legal road for a Calgary police officer convicted of assault after breaking the ribs and collapsing the lung of a First Nations man during a traffic stop arrest.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/top-court-rejects-police-officers-165959401.html
‘Refreshing change’: Students excited about new U of A course on Indigenous business
January 28, 2021
A new course at the University of Alberta’s business school aims to educate students about challenges and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/refreshing-change-students-excited-u-150000583.html
Okanagan Indian Band referendum on future of Duck Lake land underway
January 28, 2021
An Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) referendum to commercially designate the Duck Lake reserve is happening now. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 28), OKIB members can vote in favour or against designating 52 acres of Duck Lake lands in Lake Country for the purpose of building a business park, which the band would be able to lease for economic benefit.
Drones will deliver medical supplies to remote First Nations during COVID-19 pandemic
January 28, 2021
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine received a $750,000 dollar grant to deliver health care supplies to the remote First Nations communities using drones.
Facing fears and centering facts as COVID-19 vaccines roll out
January 28, 2021
Community nurse in Klahoose First Nation, Heather Jansen says she wouldn’t offer vaccines to people unless she felt good about it. “I’m always reading and looking into the vaccines I give. That’s my responsibility as a vaccinator, working in First Nations Community Health,” Jansen says.
Acho Dene Koe First Nation postpones election nominations
January 28, 2021
Fort Liard’s Acho Dene Koe First Nation has postponed nominations for its upcoming chief and council election as the hamlet remains under a COVID-19 containment order.
Man accused of stealing money from Indigenous youth set to enter plea in B.C. Provincial Court
January 28, 2021
Robert Riley Saunders’ next court appearance has been adjourned to Feb. 11 where he is expected to enter a plea and choose which court he’d like to be tried in — Provincial Court or Supreme Court.
‘We all need people like Floyd’: Fort Liard man praised for help during COVID-19 crisis
January 29, 2021
It is said that in times of crisis, look for the helpers. In Fort Liard, N.W.T., which has been dealing with a cluster of COVID-19 cases, one of those helpers is Floyd Bertrand, a local public health official who was praised by N.W.T. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola this week for “going above and beyond” in his community.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/floyd-bertrand-fort-liard-kandola-covid-19-1.5891611
N.W.T. gov’t investigating cause of Taltson flooding, pledges support to trappers
January 29, 2021
The N.W.T.’s department of environment and natural resources is investigating the cause of flooding along the Taltson River that’s led to “major losses” for trappers along the riverbanks, according to its South Slave regional superintendent for wildlife.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/enr-response-taltson-flood-1.5892284
Yellowknife RCMP under internal investigation after alleged mistreatment of Whatı̀ woman
January 27, 2021
RCMP in Alberta are investigating Yellowknife RCMP officers and their role in an alleged incident that took place in cells in October 2020. The incident in question revolves around the arrest of a 25-year-old Whatı̀ woman, Tracella Romie.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknife-rcmp-assault-whati-investigation-1.5889008
Wilson-Raybould encourages advocacy against status quo at Yukon education conference
January 28, 2021
Jody Wilson-Raybould encouraged educators to fight for systemic change during her keynote address at the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate Conference on Jan. 20.
N.W.T. gov’t investigating cause of Taltson flooding, pledges support to trappers
January 29, 2021
The N.W.T.’s department of environment and natural resources is investigating the cause of flooding along the Taltson River that’s led to “major losses” for trappers along the riverbanks, according to its South Slave regional superintendent for wildlife.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/enr-response-taltson-flood-1.5892284
Plans underway for MMIWG monument in Whitehorse
January 28, 2021
Several First Nations groups in Yukon are working to erect a monument in Whitehorse, to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The “Finding Peace Project” has put out a call for proposals from artists interested in designing and building the monument. The goal is to see it unveiled in Whitehorse sometime this summer.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mmiwg-monument-whitehorse-plan-1.5892458
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/
