‘We need this:’ Getting COVID-19 vaccine to remote and urban Indigenous populations
February 27, 2021
Chief Chris Moonias looked into a web camera as he prepared to get a COVID-19 vaccine just after precious doses arrived in his northern Ontario community. “I’m coming to you live from Neskantaga First Nation community centre where our vaccines will be administered,” a jovial Moonias, wearing a blue disposable mask, said during a Facebook live video at the start of February.
Indigenous leaders in Thunder Bay, Ont., area call for COVID-19 relief
February 26, 2021
Community leaders in the Thunder Bay, Ont., area are calling on all levels of government to take action on the worrying spread of COVID-19 in the city that’s a travel hub for northwestern Ontario.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7665213/indigenous-leaders-thunder-bay-call-covid-19-relief/
‘They’re critical and they’re important to everyone,’ says Fort William Chief on COVID-19 vaccines
February 26, 2021
About 150 Fort William citizens 55 years and older and with disabilities received COVID-19 vaccinations on Feb. 25 with the assistance of Dilico Anishinabek Family Care at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre.
Ontario sees 1,023 new COVID-19 cases as 2 health units move back into lockdown
March 1, 2021
Ontario reported another 1,023 cases of COVID-19 on Monday as nine public health units moved to different tiers of the province’s colour-coded restrictions system, including two that are headed back into lockdown.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-march-1-2021-1.5931708
New vaccine brings optimism amid rising threat of variants, high case counts
February 26, 2021
Canada’s vaccine rollout received a boost Friday with the approval of a third COVID-19 inoculation, giving the country another immunization option at a time when case counts remain nearly 75 per cent higher than they were at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic.
Mass vaccination clinics planned for Indigenous age 55+ in Greater Sudbury
March 1, 2021
Mass vaccination clinics will be held later this week for Indigenous residents in Greater Sudbury who are age 55 or older. The two-day clinics are being planned by the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre (SKHC) and Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/indigenous-covid-vaccine-clinics-sudbury-1.5930073
New COVID-19 measures take effect in nine Ontario regions, two move into lockdown
March 1, 2021
New public health measures meant to limit the spread of COVID-19 went into effect across nine Ontario regions today, including two that are heading into lockdown due to rising case counts.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/covid-19-measures-effect-nine-090000218.html
Ontario activates ’emergency brake’ in Thunder Bay, Simcoe-Muskoka as York readies to administer vaccines
February 26, 2021
Ontario announced Friday afternoon that it is activating an “emergency brake” in Thunder Bay and Simcoe-Muskoka, sending the regions back into lockdown to “immediately interrupt transmission and contain community spread.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-february-26-vaccine-plan-1.5929117
Two more First Nations open winter roads after warm weather, COVID-19 delay season
March 1, 2021
Officials in Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations say the winter roads to their communities are now ready for at least partial loads, while Eabametoong is still putting the finishing touches on its road.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/northwestern-ontario-winter-roads-1.5930362
Federal Response to Auditor General Report Not Enough to Secure Safe Water for First Nations
February 26, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the Government of Canada’s response to yesterday’s report by the Auditor General of Canada falls shorts of the specific commitments needed to ensure that safe drinking water is available in First Nations communities.
Ontario Supports Indigenous Women Fleeing Domestic Violence in Sault Ste. Marie
February 26, 2021
The Ontario government is providing over $550,000 to help create safe and affordable housing for Indigenous women and their children in Sault Ste. Marie. The funding is being delivered through the Social Services Relief Fund and will support women fleeing domestic violence who are homeless or at risk of homelessness during COVID-19.
Saugeen First Nation to vote on cottage lease agreements
February 28, 2021
On Friday, Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot and Lands Manager Kirk Roote appeared in a Youtube video for a Land Management Update to discuss implications surrounding the agreement’s pending expiry date of May 1st.
‘You can’t change legislation on a whim:’ Magnetawan First Nation protesters
February 29, 2021
An enthusiastic group of about 25 protesters held a peaceful march Thursday morning on the Magnetawan First Nation, north of Parry Sound, angry that the Chief and council plan to postpone the territory’s band election.
Kenjgewin Teg joins OntarioLearn
February 27, 2021
Kenjgewin Teg joins OntarioLearn! Located on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island, ON), Kenjgewin Teg provides Indigenous, culturally relevant, community-based access and lifelong learning for adult postsecondary students.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/02/27/kenjgewin-teg-joins-ontariolearn/
Migizi Wazisin Elementary School joins the Model Schools Literacy Project
February 27, 2021
Long Lake #58 First Nation and the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) are very pleased to announce that Migizi Wazisin Elementary School has joined the Model Schools Literacy Project (MSLP). In November 2019, First Nation schools from across Canada were invited to apply for the Project as Cohort 3 schools.
Kenora Businesses and Organizations Refusing Service to Indigenous People a Violation of Human Rights Code
February 26, 2021
There have been over the past several days, reports of discrimination against Indigenous people in Kenora. An outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in businesses and organizations being accused of refusing service to Indigenous people.
Caldwell First Nation planning development, restaurant for future community
February 27, 2021
Caldwell First Nation has some gold star plans in the works including, a marijuana grow facility, and the world’s largest Indigenous restaurant. The world class restaurant will seat 600 people.
Keeper of cradles
February 27, 2021
Allowing a child to see the world at the eye level of adult members of their community is a moment of grace and connection for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Shirley Stevens, along with Caitlyn Bird, have revealed the importance of this with their new exhibit, Dakobinaawaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard) at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/wisdom/keeper-of-cradles-3460369
Address anti-Indigenous racism in health care before expanding MAID: advocates, MP
February 26, 2021
The federal government should not expand access to medical assistance in dying to those suffering solely from severe mental illness while Indigenous people live in conditions linked to higher rates of mental illness and suicide, says Tyler White of Siksika Health Services in Alberta.
Boil water advisory issued for Dryden
February 27, 2021
The City of Dryden has issued a boil water advisory for all persons consuming water from the City of Dryden distribution system. Water coming from the City of Dryden distribution system should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is used for human consumption
https://www.drydennow.com/local/boil-water-advisory-issued-for-dryden
Anishinaabe forestry professionals lend their voice to Industry e-book
March 1, 2021
Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) recently released the Anishinaabemowin translation of its A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals.
Canada’s pipeline regulator says it’s taking a stand against systemic racism
February 28, 2021
Rueben George says he’s not at all surprised that in an era of racial reckoning, Canada’s top pipeline regulator is signalling it wants to confront the problem of systemic racism and its sometimes fraught relationship with First Nations.
‘A need for speed’: Sprint car racing brings Kanien’kehá:ka community together
February 27, 2021
Sprint car racing is a fast and dangerous sport that has been bringing together the community at Six Nations of the Grand River, about 100 kilometres southwest of Toronto, for decades. For 21-year-old Alex Hill, sprint car racing is more than a sport — it’s a lifestyle.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/six-nations-speedway-aptn-series-1.5923408
Anishinaabe guest speakers celebrate Black History Month
February 27, 2021
Mount Dennis Aboriginal EarlyON celebrated Black History Month with a series of virtual presentations by people with Afro-Indigenous ancestry, including two Anishinabek Nation citizens. Aundeck Omni Kaning’s Jaden McGregor delivered his presentation on Feb. 17 and Wasauksing’s Shanell King delivered her presentation on Feb. 10.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/02/27/anishinaabe-guest-speakers-celebrate-black-history-month/
Lack of federal funding leaves First Nations with new plants but no access to clean water
March 1, 2021
Dozens of households in one Anishinaabe community in Manitoba are still dealing with a lack of access to clean water despite receiving extensive water and infrastructure upgrades funded by the federal government nearly three years ago, according to the community’s leadership.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7658349/lack-of-federal-funding-first-nations-clean-water/
Ontario Supporting Children and Youth with Complex Mental Health and Addictions Needs
February 27, 2021
The Ontario government is investing up to $10.5 million to immediately expand the mental health Secure Treatment Program for the province’s most vulnerable children and youth.
Sask. Indigenous groups support letter of intent submitted to obtain 6M doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
March 1, 2021
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says it submitted a letter of intent to obtain at least six million doses of the newly-approved Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Woman makes Mi’kmaw alphabet book to help pass on language
February 28, 2021
Shyla Augustine is hoping to help give her children and others a chance to learn a bit of the language of her ancestors. Along with illustrator Braelyn Cyr, Augustine has created an alphabet book that includes the Mi’kmaw word for the animals used to highlight each of the letters from A to Z.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/mi-qmak-indigenous-newbrunswick-1.5928704
Canadian Medical Association nominates first Indigenous president-elect
February 27, 2021
The Canadian Medical Association has nominated its first Indigenous president-elect. Dr. Alika Lafontaine of Grande Prairie, Alta., is set to be confirmed as the CMA’s president-elect at an annual general meeting in August.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/canadian-medical-association-nominates-first-222809462.html
Manitoba RCMP say a First Nations man assaulted an officer. Court documents suggest that’s not what happened
March 1, 2021
On June 6, 2019, Brian Halcrow woke up in a jail cell in Thompson, Man., with four stitches across his forehead, a torn-up sweater and no recollection of how he got there.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rcmp-thompson-iiu-1.5928237
How Journalist Connie Walker Is Seeking Justice for Indigenous Women
March 1, 2021
The search for Jermain Charlo—a 23-year-old Indigenous woman who was last seen in Missoula, Montana—has been ongoing since 2018. Charlo’s disappearance is the subject of a new podcast from Gimlet Media titled Stolen: The Search for Jermain. The eight-episode show is lead by award-winning journalist Connie Walker, who is Indigenous (Cree) from Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada
https://www.vogue.com/article/connie-walker-stolen-the-search-for-jermain-podcast
Anishnaabe and Dakota chiefs call for inquiry over revelations in Broken Promises investigation
February 28, 2021
An advocacy organization representing Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in Manitoba is calling for an inquiry into how the federal government reviews major infrastructure projects on First Nations.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7665452/anishnaabe-dakota-inquiry-water/
Families concerned about care Elders receiving at care home run by Opaskwayak Cree Nation
February 26, 2021
Families who have loved ones living in the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home, run by the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) in northern Manitoba say they’re concerned about the care they’re receiving.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/investigates/rod-mcgillivary-memorial-care-home-manitoba/
Indigenous communities in Sask. seeing more COVID-19 cases than in any other province
February 27, 2021
First Nations in Saskatchewan have continued to be hit hard by COVID-19 in the first two months of 2021. According to Indigenous Services Canada, during the first seven weeks of 2021, there were 2,779 new cases in reserves in Saskatchewan — more than in any other province.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/covid-indigenous-sask-update-1.5930834
Sharing tales during month-long storytelling celebration helps keep Dene language alive in Sask.
February 27, 2021
Living in a remote northern community doesn’t stop Noel McIntyre from helping to keep the Dene language alive in Saskatchewan.
The 77-year-old knowledge keeper and others have shared stories virtually in February through an Aboriginal Storytelling Month project organized by the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/indigenous-storytelling-1.5930726
Memorial ride to Headingley jail held for William Ahmo, who died after incident with corrections officers
February 26, 2021
A memorial caravan ride took place Friday morning for an Anishinaabe man who died after what police called an “incident” with corrections officers at a Manitoba jail. The family of William Ahmo is hoping to spark changes for Indigenous people who are involved in the justice system.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/william-ahmo-memorial-ride-1.5928711
First Nations leadership questions B.C. departure from national vaccine rollout priorities
February 26, 2021
First Nations leaders in B.C. say the province’s updated COVID-19 immunization plan deviates from national guidelines that priority should be given to all Indigenous adults within the first two stages of vaccine rollout.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/bc-first-nations-vaccine-rollout-1.5928792
B.C. First Nation hit hard by COVID-19 begins mass vaccination of all adults
February 27, 2021
Hundreds of members of the Cowichan Tribes First Nation on Vancouver Island lined up Friday and Saturday to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the community began mass vaccination of adults.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7667586/cowichan-tribes-mass-vaccination/
Indigenous man shot dead by Tofino RCMP, B.C. police watchdog investigating
February 28, 2021
A young Indigenous man was shot dead by Tofino RCMP in a residence on Saturday night, Indigenous leaders have confirmed.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tofino-death-rcmp-1.5931241
First Nation and steelworkers’ union ink deal to access timber, create jobs on Vancouver Island
February 26, 2021
A new agreement between the Huu-ay-aht First Nation and the union representing forest industry workers on Vancouver Island means the two will lobby the B.C. government together for access to uncut wood in the Alberni Valley area — and the economic benefits that come with it.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mou-usw-huu-ay-aht-1.5928918
Tests in B.C. find unsafe lead levels in water of 35 First Nations schools
February 25, 2021
Tests done in 2017 by the First Nations Health Authority in 261 sites on reserves across B.C. showed unsafe lead levels in water for 35 schools. BC’s health minister was told, but what’s happened since is not publicly shared.
Cree owned gaming store opens in Edmonton with the hopes of bringing in new customers
February 28, 2021
A Cree owned gaming store has opened in Edmonton.
The owner says he wants more Indigenous people to be introduced to role playing, and table top games.
Indigenous woman to launch a travel app that features Blackfoot historical sites in Canada & U.S.
February 27, 2021
If you’ve driven down any of the highways in southern Alberta, you’ve likely passed by a Blackfoot historical site, such as an eagle catch, without even knowing it. But Souta Calling Last hopes to change that.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/souta-calling-blackfoot-travel-app-1.5928831
Family seeks return of Cindy Gladue’s remains from Alberta medical examiner’s office
February 26, 2021
The family of Cindy Gladue, a 36 year-old Cree-Métis woman whose killer was found guilty last week, wants Alberta’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to return her remains so they can lay her to rest.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/gladue-medical-repatriation-1.5928803
BMO Financial Group Teams Up with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to Get Personal Protective Equipment to Inuit Communities
March 1, 2021
BMO Financial Group (BMO) is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available to communities across Inuit Nunangat that need it most. More than 113,900 masks, 563,000 wipes and 438 gallons of sanitizer have been delivered to help protect Inuit during the pandemic in communities throughout Nunavut, Nunavik, the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Nunatsiavut.
Nunavik group welcomes $500,000 prize to help normalize hearing loss
February 26, 2021
A new Nunavik organization hopes to get people listening, and learning about, hearing loss. Tusaajuit aims to better treat, prevent and raise awareness around the high rates of hearing loss among Nunavimmiut. It’s a collaborative project developed by staff at Nunavik’s school board and its regional health agency.
Trappers want squatters gone from territory outside Yellowknife, but it’s not going to be easy
February 28, 2021
Fred Sangris walks the same snow-covered trail used by his ancestors for over 500 years. The route hugs the shore of Great Slave Lake, travels through endless bush and passes areas once used as small settlements.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/northwest-territories-yellowknife-squatters-treaty/
Trailbreaking Indigenous artist Willie Dunn gets new posthumous release
February 28, 2021
The opening lines of Willie Dunn’s I Pity The Country are still powerful, more than 40 years since the record was released. It’s still Dunn’s best known song, but during his career, the Indigenous artist and activist penned dozens of tunes, and even though he worked with groups like the CBC and the National Film Board, was never able to achieve mainstream success.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/airplay-yukon-music-1.5929518
Farm run by Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Yukon looks to expand to help feed community
February 27, 2021
A small First Nation’s farm just outside of Carcross, Yukon, has big plans to expand its enterprise. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) Farm has been in production for three years.
Hän-language childrens’ book pays tribute to beloved Yukon elder
February 28, 2021
Georgette McLeod says the inspiration for her new Hän-language childrens’ book was also the book’s translator — Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation elder Percy Henry.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/han-language-book-sh%C3%ABtsey-grandpa-1.5930317
Gwich’in elder learns video call technology to continue teaching language at a distance
February 27, 2021
Gwich’in language classes are continuing between provinces and territories through Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crystal Fraser began learning Gwich’in in 2018 with her daughter Quinn, who is now five-years-old.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/gwichin-language-classes-continue-pandemic-1.5926711
Richard Van Camp on storytelling and its power to combat loneliness
February 26, 2021
When Richard Van Camp graduated high school in Fort Smith, N.W.T., it seemed all his peers knew exactly what their next move was — except for him.
Upcoming tourist season looking bleak again in the Yukon because of pandemic
February 26, 2021
At this time of year, Teena Dickson is usually busy transporting cruise passengers between Alaska and the Yukon. But COVID-19 has upturned her business.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/yukon-tourism-covid-19-pandemic/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Issue 9 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/oo21c/.
Important Notice: 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.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/coo-health-forum
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021
The Chiefs of Ontario and Grand Council Treaty #3 will be hosting the 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021 on June 15-17, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario Engagement Sessions: First Nations Water Legislation
The Chiefs of Ontario Environment Department will be hosting a two-day engagement session on March 3-4, 2021. The focus of the 2-day fulsome engagement sessions includes creation of First Nations-led policies and solutions related to access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/water-engagement-sessions
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
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.
