COVID-19: What you need to know for July 20
July 20, 2021
Per yesterday’s government report, there are 130 new cases in Ontario, for a total of 548,347 since the pandemic began; 115 people are in hospital testing positive for COVID-19, while 151 are in intensive care who either previously tested positive or have currently tested positive, and 94 patients are on ventilators. To date, 9,294 people have died.
https://www.tvo.org/article/covid-19-what-you-need-to-know-for-july-20
Hundreds from Deer Lake flee to Cornwall to escape forest fires
July 20, 2021
As multiple fires rage in northwestern Ontario, hundreds from a First Nation community — many of them children — have been relocated to a hotel on the opposite side of the province.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/hundreds-deer-lake-flee-cornwall-080000283.html
‘We need Mother Nature to help’: Red Lake evacuation likely as forest fires rage on in northwestern Ontario
July 19, 2021
A full evacuation of the municipality of Red Lake due to forest fires remains likely, the mayor said Monday, following news Friday that members of Deer Lake First Nation would be fully evacuating, and residents of two other First Nations were already leaving their communities.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/forest-fires-northwestern-ontario-1.6108003
Sudbury and other Northeastern Ontario communities accepting forest fire evacuees
July 19, 2021
Sudbury is one of two Northeastern Ontario communities currently helping to provide temporary shelter to residents of Pikangikum First Nation (PFN) who have been evacuated because of the threat of forest fires.
Federal Funding To End Boil Water Advisory At Neyaashiinigmiing
July 20, 2021
A planned water treatment plant at Neyaashiinigmiing is now getting $59.8 million in federal funding to provide safe drinking water. Indigenous Services Canada’s website says the Cape Croker Public Water system has had a boil water advisory since January 2019, which became a long-term advisory the following year.
https://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/2021/07/20/123484/
Woodland Cultural Centre, site of former residential school, gets $9.4M from governments for upgrades
July 19, 2021
The Brantford, Ont., building that houses the Woodland Cultural Centre and once served as a former residential school will be upgraded with about $9.4 million in funding announced by the Ontario and federal governments.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/woodland-cultural-centre-funding-1.6108344
Ground search plans at former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Ontario to be announced soon
July 19, 2021
The elected chief of Six Nations of the Grand River says plans of a ground search at the former Mohawk Institute Residential School will be announced in the coming days. It will be the start of a solemn journey “in the hopes of recovering all of our children,” Mark Hill told reporters in Brantford, Ont., on Monday afternoon.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/ground-search-brantford-1.6108764
Supreme Court of Canada favours Lac Seul First Nation compensation claim (2 Photos)
July 19, 2021
In a precedent-setting case, the Supreme Court of Canada has set aside a $30 million award to Lac Seul First Nation, saying the method used to calculate the award was flawed.
National skills agenda required to prepare Indigenous youth for digital future: RBC report
July 19, 2021
Indigenous youth are growing four times faster than Canada’s non-Indigenous population, representing a vital influx of entrepreneurs, innovators, managers and business owners for years to come. But a new RBC report says many are not being fully prepared to seize the opportunities of the country’s rapidly changing economy.
Trudeau says he would support a criminal investigation into residential schools
July 19, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he would support a criminal investigation into the recent discovery of hundreds of unmarked burial sites at residential schools across Canada amid growing pressure on the government from the Indigenous communities.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8041594/residential-schools-criminal-investigation-trudeau-interview/
Digitally-staged play an act of reconciliation
July 20, 2021
Reconciliation was the focus of Magnus Theatre’s Stolen, Azhen digitally-staged online reading of a Collective Creation Project play presented in partnership with the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre on June 11. The play is posted online and on Magnus Theatre’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/07/20/digitally-staged-play-an-act-of-reconciliation/
Lakehead University continuing dialogue on residential schools
July 19, 2021
The recent discoveries of missing children and unmarked graves have brought a tragic history to our collective doors. On Monday, July 19 at 8 p.m., Lakehead University will be hosting “When History Hurts: A Community Dialogue”; a free, live online event that will continue the conversation about residential schools, the story of Indigenous-Settler relations, and the role each of us can play in truth and reconciliation.
Youth who grew up in care have the right to post-secondary education — and tuition waivers open doors
July 19, 2021
There are more than 50,000 children living in foster care in Canada and the number continues to grow year every year. But it doesn’t take into account the number of youth living in government care facilities such a group homes or other forms of residential care.
20 Must Do Indigenous Getaways and Experiences in Ontario
July 19, 2021
There are several opportunities to see firsthand the people and traditions that tell their stories and appreciate the richness of Indigenous culture and heritage of Ontario. With Indigenous communities all across the province, you can find one near you or explore another area of Ontario.
https://www.todocanada.ca/20-indigenous-tourist-getaways-and-experiences-in-ontario/
‘I’m going to help’: Mom moves south to support student son with autism
July 19, 2021
A young man from Moose Cree First Nation is getting ready for college in Barrie, but his family has started a GoFundMe campaign because he can’t make the move on his own.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/moose-cree-mother-autism-son-college-1.6106358
New Halifax fire rescue boat named for harbour it serves: Kjipuktuk
July 20, 2021
Smoke drifted into the salty air Monday as Halifax’s new fire rescue boat, bearing the Mi’kmaw name for the harbour on which it floats, was officially welcomed with applause and a smudging ceremony.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/new-kjipuktuk-halifax-fire-rescue-boat-1.6109108
More than 1,600 evacuees leaving 4 Manitoba First Nations as wildfires burn near Ontario border
July 20, 2021
Four First Nations in eastern Manitoba are being evacuated because of smoke from forest fires burning near their communities. The Red Cross says more than 600 people have already been flown out of Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nation.
Indigenous leaders say Manitoba government must change ways or resign
July 19, 2021
Several Indigenous leaders are calling on Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative government to either overhaul its approach to First Nations issues or resign.
MKO Grand Chief’s Letter to Wab Kinew
July 19, 2021
Dear Mr. Kinew, In follow-up to our phone call yesterday, I am writing to you today to extend appreciation on behalf of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. for standing up and sharing the truth about the purpose of residential schools in Canada.
https://nationtalk.ca/story/mko-grand-chiefs-letter-to-wab-kinew
Residential school records must be released directly to First Nations: FSIN
July 19, 2021
Chief Bobby Cameron is calling for churches across Canada to release their residential school records — and for churches to release them to the right people.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8040881/residential-school-records-first-nations-fsin/
Grassroots farmers, ranchers in Saskatchewan share lands to honour treaty rights
July 19, 2021
As the province of Saskatchewan verges on making land less accessible to Indigenous hunters and gatherers through pending trespassing legislation, a group of farmers and ranchers are acting as a “counterpoint.” “It’s really, really amazing,” said Bradley Desjarlais, who is a member of the Anishnabek Nation Treaty Authority. He admits, however, he wonders what the catch is even though he was part of the launch event July 15 for the new Treaty Land Sharing Network (TLSN).
Impact of point-of-care screening for hypertension, diabetes and progression of chronic kidney disease in rural Manitoba Indigenous communities
July 19, 2021
Point-of-care screening programs in rural and remote Indigenous communities are adaptable methods for increasing awareness, monitoring risk and treating chronic diseases. Interventions such as the development of a national screening program could improve chronic disease care in high-risk populations.
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/28/E1076
Controversy over Mi’kmaw welcome sign to Cape Breton saddens, motivates treaty educators
July 20, 2021
Negative online comments about a new landmark are being treated as a teaching moment by an organization focused on treaty education in Nova Scotia.
Bringing the remains of Wabanaki ancestors home to rest
July 20, 2021
Donna Augustine is a Mi’kmaw elder from Elsipogtog First Nation who is on a mission to reclaim and bury the remains of Indigenous people.
She tangles with the likes of the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/donna-augustine-repatriates-wabanaki-remains-1.6096521
The Walk of Sorrow brings awareness, healing and hope
July 19, 2021
The Walk of Sorrow walkers from Saskatchewan have been stopping at former Indian Residential School sites along their journey to Ottawa, where they plan to speak about the injustices done to Indigenous children and families.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/07/20/the-walk-of-sorrow-brings-awareness-healing-and-hope/
Catholic register, survivors offer clues to who may be buried in cemetery next to Marieval residential school
July 20, 2021
Lloyd Lerat still remembers the day in the early 1960s when workers came to remove headstones from a section of the cemetery in Cowessess First Nation, Sask., that is now covered with tiny flags marking spots left by a ground-penetrating radar survey that the nation says found evidence of 751 unmarked graves.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/marieval-cemetery-graves-1.6106563
Public looks on as First Nations search former Delmas residential school grounds in Saskatchewan
July 19, 2021
This past weekend SNC-Lavalin started a ground-penetrating radar search for unmarked graves at the former Delmas Indian Residential School site in Saskatchewan after the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) held a ceremony there in June.
What it’s like owning land being searched for residential school graves
July 19, 2021
It began with a gift of tobacco. When Karen Whitecalf, the woman organizing the search for unmarked graves at the former Delmas Indian Residential School site in northwest Saskatchewan, arrived at Doug Montgomery and his wife Donna McBain home, she came bearing a gift.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/owning-land-being-searched-residential-100000856.html
Canada’s museums wrestle with history of residential schools
July 20, 2021
Last month, the Canadian Museum of History announced that it would cancel its Canada Day celebrations after unmarked graves were found at the sites of former residential schools across the country — one of a number of adjustments it is making in the wake of the traumatic discoveries.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/museums-residential-school-legacy-changes-1.6108669
Report recommends Saskatoon appoint official matriarch for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people
July 19, 2021
A report presented to a Saskatoon committee Monday recommends that the city appoint a representative matriarch that would work to support Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (IWG2S).
Report details harms to Alberta First Nation for creation of Wood Buffalo National Park
July 19, 2021
Members of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation were forcibly expelled from their traditional lands in Northern Alberta to clear the way for the creation of Wood Buffalo National Park, the largest national park in Canada, a new report says.
Skull found in 1979 laid to rest as ‘Unknown Blackfoot Warrior
July 19, 2021
A human skull found in southern Alberta in 1979 has been returned to the Kainai Nation and buried as an unknown Blackfoot warrior. RCMP say the skull was found in the Old Man River west of Lethbridge and was turned over to police, who passed it on to the University of Alberta for analysis.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/blackfoot-skull-burial-ceremony-1.6108281
Toronto, Calgary Catholics join Sask. in fundraising drive for residential school survivors
July 19, 2021
Catholics in two of Canada’s largest cities are resurrecting their fundraising efforts for residential school survivors. They join five bishops from Saskatchewan who made a similar announcement two weeks ago.
Massive First Nations golf tournament to be held in Ponoka
July 19, 2021
A bit of history is expected to be made in the central Alberta town of Ponoka next week. The inaugural All Nations Cup will be staged over six days at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/massive-first-nations-golf-tournament-222629942.html
Rallies planned for B.C. Indigenous man Jared Lowndes who was shot, killed by RCMP
July 20, 2021
People will gather on Vancouver Island and in North Vancouver Tuesday to support the family of an Indigenous man who was killed by police in Campbell River.
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/07/20/rallies-indigenous-jared-lowndes/
Squamish Nation survivor of St. Paul’s residential school shares his story
July 19, 2021
The day Sam George’s dad walked him and his three siblings to St. Paul’s Indian Residential School is still as clear as ever in his mind. It was 1952 and George was just seven years old. He remembers thinking they were all taking a walk to his grandmother’s house who lived just down the block, until they went past her house and up the hill.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/squamish-nation-survivor-st-pauls-165559214.html
Kamloops Indian Residential School missing children findings but a fraction of investigation and work needed
July 20, 2021
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc calls on people worldwide to bear witness to a very important truth about Indigenous People and Canada. Indian Residential Schools have been referred to as a historic dark chapter –but Indigenous people very much live with the repercussions today.
Two Interior Health employees withdraw from Aboriginal health positions over criticism
July 19, 2021
Two Interior Health employees hired for Aboriginal health positions have withdrawn following complaints that Indigenous candidates were not considered for the roles.
Habs’ Price says ‘better job’ needed in teaching Canadians about residential schools
July 19, 2021
The Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price says more needs to be done to make more people aware of the history of residential schools. Price, from Anahim Lake, B.C., has previously spoken about his grandmother being a residential school survivor who faced “social injustices” at school.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/carey-price-residential-schools-1.6108830
Documentary captures historic Tlingit canoe journey from B.C. to Alaska
July 20, 2021
Standing in front of the Taku River, partway through a historic trip, Wayne Carlick looked out at a group of paddlers.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/documentary-captures-historic-tlingit-canoe-140047550.html
N.W.T. government gives $1.75M to 52 anti-poverty initiatives
July 20, 2021
The Northwest Territories government has expanded their annual $1 million Anti-Poverty Fund this year, awarding $1.75 million to 52 community, Indigenous and non-profit organizations with grants for their anti-poverty programs.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/anti-poverty-fund-52-organizations-1.6109074
