COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know this week
March 10, 2021
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in First Nations and Inuit communities is continuing on a downward trend, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. There were 1,223 active cases in First Nations communities as of March 8. As of March 5, the federal department reported six active cases in the Nunavik region of Quebec and there were 23 active cases in Arviat, Nunavut, as of March 8.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5942565
Ontario reports 1,316 new COVID-19 infections, 16 more deaths
March 10, 2021
Ontario is reporting more than 1,300 new COVID-19 cases and 16 additional deaths on Wednesday with more than 54,000 tests processed yesterday. Provincial health officials logged 1,316 new infections of the novel coronavirus, up from 1,185 on Tuesday.
https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-reports-1-316-new-covid-19-infections-16-more-deaths-1.5341200
Recent M’Chigeeng clinics vaccinate 325 more people
March 10, 2021
Last week, M’Chigeeng ran two days of vaccination clinics for 325 community members and Island-wide essential workers, with other Manitoulin First Nations set to continue the vaccine rollout for consenting citizens this week.
https://www.manitoulin.com/recent-mchigeeng-clinics-vaccinate-325-more-people/
Vaccine clinics for Indigenous people opening soon in Waterloo region
March 9, 2021
COVID-19 vaccination sites will soon open in Waterloo region for First Nation, Métis and Inuit residents who want to get the vaccine in a culturally appropriate setting. Anishnabeg Outreach will open a vaccination clinic at 236 Woodhaven Road in Kitchener on March 19 and 20, according to a news release from the Region of Waterloo.
Ontario brings first doses of COVID vaccines to 31 remote communities
March 9, 2021
Ontario’s plan to provide COVID-19 vaccines to remote Indigenous communities, including those along the James Bay coast, has been met according to an announcement Monday from the Ministry of Health.
‘There is a lot of mistrust’: Researchers look at vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous Canadians
March 9, 2021
As Canada expands its vaccination program, a number of Indigenous people are still reluctant to get the COVID-19 shot — and for good reason. A new paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the root cause of vaccine hesitancy.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7687069/vaccine-hesitancy-indigenous-canadians/
COVID has illustrated systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous women: Bennett
March 9, 2021
COVID-19 has magnified the effects of systemic discrimination against Indigenous women in Canada, said Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett at a virtual summit the federal government organized to discuss a feminist response to the pandemic.
Ontario to begin AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination appointments at more than 300 pharmacies starting Friday
March 9, 2021
Some older Ontarians could soon be rolling up their sleeves to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their local pharmacy. The province is set to receive a shipment of 194,000 doses of the recently approved Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine today.
Chief Peter Collins concerned about COVID-19 cases on Fort William First Nation
March 10, 2021
The Chief of Fort William First Nation is appealing to community members to practise social distancing in the face of the rising incidence of COVID-19 in the Thunder Bay region.
‘COVID-19 is essentially everywhere’: Thunder Bay, Ont. is one of the leading hotspots in Canada
March 9, 2021
Thunder Bay, Ont. and its surrounding region have quickly become one of the leading COVID-19 hotspots in Canada. On Tuesday, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), which includes a vast region of 149.960 people that includes the city, its surrounding area, and as far north as Hudson Bay, reported 58 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total active case count in the area to 458.
Wiiky PPE manufacturing going well but Canada still purchasing offshore
March 10, 2021
The production of personal protective equipment (PPE) masks in Wiikwemkoong and Sagamok are great good news stories, with FNProcurement Inc. and its partners sighting in on the one million mask mark at its First Nations-based facilities in those communities.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wiiky-ppe-manufacturing-going-well-but-canada-still-purchasing-offshore/
Ottawa gives update on long-term drinking water advisories on reserves
March 10, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and Christiane Fox, deputy minister of Indigenous Services, are holding a press conference to provide an update on long-term drinking water advisories on reserves.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1871590979534
Equity needed for government-to-government relationship
March 9, 2021
Less accessibility to traplines and the need for pay equity and efficient broadband on-reserve are a few of the many issues needing prompt action for the government-to-government relationships that Anishinabek Nation holds with Ontario and federal Canada.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/09/equity-needed-for-government-to-government-relationship/
Closing the gap in disparities is not enough
March 9, 2021
Closing the gap in disparities is not enough, says Dr. Nadine Caron, this year’s Chanchlani Global Health Research Award winner. A member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Caron is the first female First Nations general surgeon in Canada. She is also the First Nations Health Authority Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC, and is a founding co-director and consultant of the UBC Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/09/closing-the-gap-in-disparities-is-not-enough.html
Regulatory gaps toxic to Aamjiwnaang First Nation
March 10, 2021
At one time, the shores of the St. Clair River were idyllic and the air clean. Now, Aamjiwnaang First Nation battles industry to clean up their mess and the federal and provincial governments to enforce their own regulations.
http://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/10/regulatory-gaps-toxic-to-aamjiwnaang-first-nation/
Rama chief proud to see cannabis store open on First Nation territory
March 10, 2021
The chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation near Orillia said he could not be more proud to see the territory open a brand-new luxury cannabis retail store owned, operated, and staffed entirely by Rama First Nation community members.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/rama-chief-proud-see-cannabis-110009442.html
Judge dismisses Ontario motion to be removed from Shoal Lake water taking lawsuit
March 9, 2021
An Ontario judge has dismissed an attempt by the province to be removed from a lawsuit filed by a First Nation over Winnipeg’s taking of water from Shoal Lake.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/shoal-lake-water-lawsuit-iifn-1.5941558
Nagamo Publishing looks to give a voice to performers, composers and artists of the Indigenous hubs in Canada
March 9, 2021
After two years of building its production library, Toronto-based Nagamo Publishing is ready to take on the world. As the first exclusively Indigenous-created music production library and composer agency on the planet to serve media needs, Nigel Irwin, Nagamo co-creative director and composer, says the company offers a lot of variety.
Weengushk Film Institute in expansion planning stage
March 10, 2021
Things are currently hopping at Weengushk Film Institute (WFI), with filming on six films currently underway, but all eyes are cast to the future as the organization is looking to expand its facilities—somewhere on Manitoulin.
https://www.manitoulin.com/weengushk-film-institute-in-expansion-planning-stage/
Innovative app created by NOSM medical students aims to reduce opioid-related deaths
March 10, 2021
As the opioid death rate continues to rise in Northern Ontario, medical students at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) have created an innovative app that improves access to Naloxone, a drug used to counter the effects of opioid overdose.
Waub Rice is back behind the mic on a new podcast
March 9, 2021
Though author, journalist and broadcaster Waubgeshig Rice moved on from his career with CBC to focus on his literary career, given his last role with them as host of CBC Radio Sudbury’s UpNorth, it seems natural he would continue talking on air – in one form or another.
https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/waub-rice-is-back-behind-the-mic-on-a-new-podcast-3528866
Look to rights-of-passage ceremonies, living tradition daily to prevent gender-based violence
March 9, 2021
Rights-of-passage ceremonies and traditions for youth can help prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. That’s the finding in a report released by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC).
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/look-rights-passage-ceremonies-living-014725857.html
Indigenous women still face systemic racism: advocates
March 9, 2021
Female leaders in Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities used International Women’s Day to highlight systemic racism they still face.
Stephanie Scott is first Indigenous woman to lead National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
March 10, 2021
An Indigenous woman is set to lead the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) for the first time. The NCTR, which is working to compile a complete history of residential schools in Canada, has named its former director of operations, Stephanie Scott, to the position of executive director.
Few Indigenous officers among RCMP’s higher ranks, data shows
March 10, 2021
When Carolyn Wagner joined the Mounties in 1986, the iconic bright-red serge and hat symbolized a path out of an unsatisfactory career with the Canadian military — not the dark history many Indigenous communities have associated with the RCMP.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/few-indigenous-officers-among-rcmps-090000337.html
Opinion: Romeo Saganash says Justin Trudeau still doesn’t care about Indigenous Peoples
March 9, 2021
Romeo Saganash’s use of unparliamentary language in the House of Commons in 2018 made international headlines. At the time, tensions were high over the discussion about the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline.
Why Canada needs a law to combat environmental racism
March 9, 2021
This month, there may be good news on the horizon. Nova Scotia Liberal MP Lenore Zann has introduced Bill C-230 in the House of Commons, the National Strategy to Redress Environmental Racism Act. It’s scheduled for a March vote. The historical link between the civil rights and environmental justice movements is widely acknowledged, yet these struggles have become increasingly isolated over time.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/03/10/opinion/why-canada-needs-law-combat-environmental-racism
Advocates want governments to better support youth leaving foster care amid pandemic
March 10, 2021
Advocates for youth in government care are calling on the provinces and territories to continue supporting those who are aging out of the child welfare system and trying to make it on their own during the pandemic.
Ontario Establishes Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force
March 10, 2021
The Ontario government announced the new Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force. It will be chaired by former MPP and Cabinet minister Tim Hudak, and give expert advice and recommendations on how to help the province’s $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60616/ontario-establishes-tourism-economic-recovery-task-force
COVID-era school design takes lessons from Indigenous educators
March 10, 2021
A Saskatoon-based architect is already applying lessons learnt from the pandemic to the schools he is designing, and said the First Nations clients he works with are providing him with directions for the future.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/covid-era-school-design-takes-110000705.html
Mi’kmaw tiny-home builders hope to solve big housing shortage
March 10, 2021
Robert Augustine and his uncle Lloyd Augustine are proud to show off the tiny home they have built, and hopeful that homes like this one will help solve the housing crisis many people in their community are facing.
Fisheries officers will enforce the rules if Mi’kmaq fish out of season, says minister
March 9, 2021
Anyone caught harvesting lobster outside the commercial fishing season this year will have to contend with fisheries officers, says federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan. The minister was referring to Mi’kmaw chiefs in Nova Scotia who have uniformly rejected the federal government’s mandate that all moderate livelihood fisheries must take place within the commercial season.
Military, Red Cross on the way to help Mathias Colomb Cree Nation’s COVID-19 outbreak
March 9, 2021
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are in a northwestern Manitoba First Nation in response to a worrisome spike of COVID-19 cases, and more help is on the way.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pukatawagan-mathias-colomb-first-nation-covid-19-1.5942387
AMC calls on the federal government to immediately operationalize the promised action plan for the 231 calls for justice of the National Inquiry into MMIWG
March 9, 2021
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement today to call on the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to finally address the 231 calls for justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), including the long promised national action plan.
Hollow Water First Nation hangs red dresses to honour Jana Williams
March 9, 2021
Hollow Water First Nation is coming together to support the family of Jana Williams, 28, whose body was found last week on Alfred Avenue near the Red River in Winnipeg, by hanging red dresses in her honour and organizing a candlelight vigil.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/jana-williams-hollow-water-red-dresses-1.5942071
Manitoba should remove deadline for pursuing Indigenous land claims in new bill: AMC
March 10, 2021
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says the province should have used a new bill to fix a law that it says restricts Indigenous people from addressing historical injustices.
Tataskweyak suing federal government with class-action lawsuit over failure to provide clean water
March 9, 2021
Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) in Northern Manitoba, which has been under a boil-water advisory since 2017, is one of the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against the federal government that seeks to have access to drinkable water recognized as a right and spur the federal government to do more for it and other First Nations under long-term water advisories.
‘I know what it’s like’: Indigenous man completes 300km walk to honour homeless Albertans
March 9, 2021
Vee Duncan shed tears of joy as he was embraced by supporters at the Alberta Legislature Tuesday. Duncan – an Indigenous man who was once homeless on the streets of Alberta – completed a 300km walk to raise support and awareness for people struggling with homelessness and mental health issues.
OKIB Chief Byron Louis says substance in civic relationship more important than territorial acknowledgment
March 10, 2021
Actions speak louder than words, according to the chief of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Byron Louis says it would be nice if the City of Vernon made a territorial acknowledgment before council meetings, but he is more interested in the relationship the band has with the city.
First Nations headdress stolen 15 years ago found in West Vancouver dumpster
March 9, 2021
A 15-year-old B.C. mystery has been partially solved with one family getting a very precious item back. A First Nations headdress belonged to the late Chief Simon Baker with the Squamish Nation, who was a recipient of the Order of Canada.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7685817/stolen-first-nations-headdress-found-dumpster/
The ‘biggest bonfire’ of burning masks won’t see its moment just yet
March 9, 2021
While vaccinations across British Columbia have made people more hopeful, the acting chief medical officer at First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) says it’s not time to celebrate just yet.
Why Vancouver Should Adopt the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights
March 10, 2021
Our lives are defined by an ever-growing network of responsibilities, a set of relationships that bind us to our families, neighbours, friends and loved ones. Every day we are obliged within this network to care for one another and ensure each other’s well-being.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2021/03/10/Vancouver-Should-Adopt-UN-Declaration-Indigenous-Rights/
First Nations women create danger awareness online group
March 9, 2021
Several First Nations women from across B.C. have teamed up to provide a safe online space for women and girls to warn each other of any danger they may face.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/first-nations-women-create-danger-174130478.html
Mayor, tribal chair at odds over crime in Williams Lake
March 9, 2021
The tribal chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government is speaking out against Williams Lake city council for its most recent push to have prolific and repeat offenders face tougher jail sentences.
https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/327341/Mayor-tribal-chair-at-odds-over-crime-in-Williams-Lake
Bringing more women into politics an ‘incredible force’, says Yukon AFN chief
March 10, 2021
Kluane Adamek knows the importance of women seeing themselves reflected in the institutions that govern them. She is Yukon’s regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, and she said she views upcoming elections for the territorial and federal governments and national chief as a ripe opportunity to bring more women into the political world.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/kluane-adamek-international-womens-day-1.5943407
Elders need more help with day to day living in the N.W.T. say advocates
March 9, 2021
Once a week, Margaret Leishman drives an-hour-and-a-half to fill prescriptions and shop for supplies. She considers the trip self-care, but the lack of resources in her home community of Kakisa, Northwest Territories is no laughing matter when it leaves her with no other option but to commute to the neighbouring community of Hay River.
Northwest Territories sees spike in illegal caribou hunting along ice roads
March 9, 2021
Officials in the Northwest Territories say hunters are illegally killing caribou in vulnerable herds along the territory’s ice roads. Earl Evans, chairman of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, says it’s the worst he has seen in his 50 years of hunting and trapping.
14 Yukon First Nation students to graduate from family support worker program
March 10, 2021
Fourteen Yukon First Nations people are set to graduate on Friday from the first Yukon First Nations Family Support Worker Training Program.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-first-nations-family-support-worker-cyfn-1.5943153
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/.
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.
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.
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.
