Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indigenous Communities
March 15, 2021
On First Nations reserves, as of March 15 Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is aware of: 23,294 confirmed positive COVID-19 , 1,266 active cases , 1,047 hospitalizations , 21,770 recovered cases and 258 deaths. Provincial chief public health officers work with ISC’s regional medical officers and nurses to provide medical support as needed when a positive case is reported.
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1598625105013/1598625167707
Ontario reports 1,074 new coronavirus cases, 11 more deaths
March 16, 2021
Ontario is reporting 1,074 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 320,448. Tuesday’s case count is lower than Monday’s which saw 1,268 new infections. On Sunday, 1,747 new cases were recorded (a portion of those cases were older ones recently inputted into the provincial data system) and 1,468 on Saturday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7699094/ontario-coronavirus-cases-march-16-covid19/
Indigenous adults in Peel invited to receive COVID-19 vaccines
March 15, 2021
As part of the vaccine rollout in Peel, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) residents 18 years of age and older who live in Peel are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
https://ihtoday.ca/indigenous-adults-in-peel-invited-to-receive-covid-19-vaccines/
Six Nations COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Taking Pre-Registrations for Upcoming Clinics
March 15, 2021
The Six Nations COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is ready to begin vaccinating the community of Six Nations. Clinics are scheduled today, Friday, March 12, and next week on Tuesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 18 at the Emily C. General Elementary School, which was recently re-vamped to accommodate this clinic in late February. More dates and times for clinics will be announced as they are confirmed.
Here’s how community groups are getting COVID-19 vaccinations to Indigenous people in Canada’s largest city
March 14, 2021
First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults are a priority group to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Ontario, and Indigenous health and social service agencies are trying to get the word out to thousands of people spread across Toronto that it’s their turn.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-vaccination-outreach-indigenous-people-1.5949046
Canada will recommend AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine for those over 65, documents show
March 15, 2021
Canada will change its guidelines on the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine and recommend it be given to those over age 65, according to documents obtained by CBC News and sources with direct knowledge of the guidelines.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/astrazeneca-vaccine-canada-covid-19-1.5950580
Vaccination booking a breeze for some, frustrating for others on first day in Peterborough
March 15, 2021
Don Freeman picked up the phone multiple times on Monday to try to get an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, but was met with a nonstop busy signal. “The line was being jammed,” said Freeman, 82, who lives right on Lily Lake Road. On Monday the province’s online and phone-in vaccination appointment system began operating and people aged 80 and older were allowed to book.
Why Canada’s confusing COVID-19 vaccine guidelines could be leaving seniors at risk
March 13, 2021
Canada’s reluctance to follow evolving real-world data has led to potentially confusing COVID-19 vaccination guidelines that some experts say leave vulnerable seniors at risk in the community and could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-vaccine-seniors-risk-astrazeneca-covid-19-1.5948147
Submission to Canadian Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs – Briefing on Food Security in Northern Communities
March 16, 2021
Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization conducting research and advocacy in some 100 countries worldwide. In 2020, Human Rights Watch released a report, “‘My Fear is Losing Everything’: The Climate Crisis and First Nations’ Right to Food in Canada,” which documents how climate change impacts—including more extreme weather, thawing permafrost, reduced snow and ice, and more wildfires—are depleting First Nations’ traditional food sources.
Medical experimentation and the roots of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous Peoples in Canada
March 15, 2021
As the second wave of the pandemic sees case numbers rise to dangerous levels across the country, it has become clear that Indigenous people are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/11/E381
Head of Ontario’s vaccine task force set to leave as province’s vaccine booking system launches
March 15, 2021
The head of Ontario’s vaccine task force will leave his job in the coming weeks, Premier Doug Ford said Monday. The news about retired general Rick Hillier comes with Ontario reporting an additional 1,268 COVID-19 cases, and the province’s vaccine booking system launching both by phone and online for those over the age of 80.
The worst thing I’ve ever heard an Ontario premier say
March 16, 2021
Seriously, though, what in heaven’s name was Premier Doug Ford thinking? Ever since Ford got to his feet in question period last week to accuse NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa of jumping the queue to get his vaccine shot, I’ve been racking my brains to try to recall a more ill-advised thing said by a previous provincial first minister.
https://www.tvo.org/article/the-worst-thing-ive-ever-heard-an-ontario-premier-say
Ontario Expanding Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services in Northwestern Ontario
March 15, 2021
The Ontario government is providing over $1.5 million in annual funding to expand access to specialized mental health and addictions services in Northwestern Ontario. This funding will be used to hire up to six psychiatrists and help to develop a systemwide response to mental health and addictions challenges in the region through local community-based services, including culturally appropriate services for Indigenous children and youth.
A year into the pandemic, mental health workers face burnout and soaring demands
March 16, 2021
One year into the coronavirus pandemic, psychotherapist Jane Alway says she — like so many others — has had to adapt to finding creative ways to work in these unprecedented times.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7670061/coronavirus-mental-health-access-canada/
Indigenous owned and operated project management consulting company expands services during pandemic
March 15, 2021
Superior Strategies Inc. has found success during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by continuing to expand its virtual training programs and providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and other supplies.
Ontario Increasing Supports for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking in Sault Ste. Marie
March 15, 2021
The Ontario government is investing $1.2 million over the next five years to create a new community-based program so more young victims and survivors of human trafficking in Sault Ste. Marie have access to the supports they need. Enhanced protection of children and youth is a key component of the province’s new proposed groundbreaking Combatting Human Trafficking Act, which was introduced last month to help fight this growing crime.
AG says Canada is still failing to provide clean drinking water for all First Nations
March 15, 2021
While the federal Liberal government vowed in its 2015 election campaign to end water advisories in Indigenous communities by the end of March 2021, a recent report from the auditor general says they haven’t taken action to make this happen.
CER hammers out terms of reference with Indigenous Adivsory Committee
March 16, 2021`
The Canadian Energy Regulator has come to agreement with its Indigenous Advisory Committee on terms of reference for their relationship.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/cer-hammers-terms-reference-indigenous-053857849.html
Opinion: Zhooniyaa Zaagigin – Agriculture and Economic Development
March 16, 2021
When we talk about First Nations economies, the first things you may think of are natural resources, tourism, retail trade, and cultural services and supplies.
Canadian Human Rights Commission says Adopting UNDRIP Most Critical Human Rights Issue
March 15, 2021
The Canadian Human Rights Commission states that “The human rights issues facing First Nations, the Métis Nation, and Inuit are among the most pressing in our country. Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including through the adoption of Bill C-15 by Parliament, would represent a vital step towards promoting and protecting Indigenous rights in Canada. It would signal a clear commitment to advancing reconciliation.
Two Quebec nurses suspended after allegedly mocking death of Indigenous woman
March 15, 2021
Two Quebec nurses have been suspended without pay after allegedly mocking an Indigenous woman at a public clinic in Joliette, Que., northeast of Montreal. The incident is alleged to have taken place on Friday in the same city where another Indigenous woman, Joyce Echaquan, died in hospital last September after she filmed staff making derogatory comments about her. The video was shared around the world.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/two-quebec-nurses-suspended-allegedly-203954401.html
A Week Focused on Indigenous-Led Efforts to Reclaim, Revitalize, Maintain and Strengthen Indigenous Languages: Highlights of New Projects Funded in Quebec
March 16, 2021
The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous peoples are best placed to take the leading role in the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Kahnawake hopes to have 80 per cent of population vaccinated by end of the month
March 15, 2021
Kahnawake’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign is well underway, with just under a third of the population receiving their jabs in just two weeks.
Video conference to discuss Indigenous rights and title in Canada
March 15, 2021
The Campbell River Mirror will be hosting Indigenous rights lawyer Jack Woodward who will explain the basis of Aboriginal rights and title in Canada. Entitled “Understanding the rights and title of Indigenous people in Canada”, this informative video conference will be held Thursday, March 18 at 4 p.m.
Despite Sask. and federal gov’t warnings, Ontario woman insists vaccine deal legit
March 15, 2021
An Ontario woman connected to a Saskatchewan First Nation’s efforts to buy millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses insists the project is above board, despite warnings from the federal and provincial governments that such efforts may be fraudulent.
Cree-Métis yoga instructor makes ‘vision come true’ with cover feature in Yoga Journal
March 16, 2021
A Cree-Métis yoga instructor from Saskatchewan is on the cover of Yoga Journal magazine this month, and is working toward more Indigenous representation within the health and wellness industry.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/shayla-stonechild-yoga-journal-cover-1.5950771
Pandemic experience highlights need for systemic change, say First Nations, Métis leaders
March 14, 2021
Manitoba’s approach to its pandemic response in First Nation and Métis communities over the last year illuminates a need for change in the future, Indigenous leaders say.
‘Informed consent’: Doctors prepare to answer questions on COVID-19 vaccine
March 15, 2021
Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause death or serious injury? That’s a common question for doctors and nurses trying to ensure patients know the facts before deciding whether or not to get the vaccine, said Dr. Chris Sarin. “We’re very used to those questions,” said Sarin, deputy medical officer of health in Alberta for Indigenous Services Canada, who hopes people can get questions like this answered Wednesday at noon a provincewide town hall organized by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
Mi’kmaq couple help bring their language to the small screen
March 15, 2021
The Mi’kmaq language is on display for all to hear in a popular historical drama produced for the History channel – and a couple from Eskasoni First Nation helped make it happen.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mikmaq-couple-help-bring-language-230303995.html
RCMP charge man in death of Cote First Nation toddler
March 15, 2021
RCMP have charged a 23-year-old man with second-degree murder in the death of a one-year-old from the Cote First Nation. One-year-old Lorenzo Cote died on Nov. 21, 2020. Waylon Hilliard Severight of the Cote First Nation was arrested and charged Friday, following a RCMP investigation.
https://regina.ctvnews.ca/rcmp-charge-man-in-death-of-cote-first-nation-toddler-1.5348237
Walking in both worlds’: Hatchet Lake Elder wins prestigious University of Regina award
March 15, 2021
They tried to take if from her, but Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth’s Denesuline language is more alive than ever As a residential school survivor who persevered despite being taunted and forbidden to speak her language, Hatchet Lake Dene Nation Elder Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth said she’s always been a bit of a rebel.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/walking-both-worlds-hatchet-lake-192208550.html
Cook-Searson recipient of national Indigenous leadership award
March 15, 2021
Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson is the recipient of the 2021 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award. The honour was announced Monday by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and it marks the fifth time the award has been bestowed.
https://larongenow.com/2021/03/15/cook-searson-recipient-of-national-indigenous-leadership-award/
Indigenous Students Reconciliation Committee hosts keynote speaker on residential schools
March 14, 2021
St. Thomas University’s Indigenous Students’ Reconciliation Committee hosted Ivan Augustine for the second part of their four-week speaker series on March 11. Augustine, an Indian day school survivor, focused his presentation on Indian day schools and residential schools.
Williams Lake First Nation creating community trails master plan
March 15, 2021
Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) decision-makers are looking for input from their members regarding a community master trails plan.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/williams-lake-first-nation-creating-182011596.html
Siksika Nation and Strathmore anti-racism agreement making progress after COVID-19 delays
March 15, 2021
An anti-racism partnership between the Town of Strathmore and the nearby Siksika First Nation is gaining momentum after delays in the past year due to COVID-19.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/siksika-nation-strathmore-anti-racism-120000202.html
Secwépemc Nation hosts sacred fire ceremonies
March 15, 2021
Sacred fires burned across B.C.’s Interior as the Secwépemc Nation shared prayers and offerings after a challenging year. Outside the Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake) First Nation band office Monday, March 15, south of Williams Lake, a sacred fire burning there was one of many held across Secwépemc communities.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/15/secwpemc-nation-hosts-sacred-fire-ceremonies.html
Fort Nelson First Nation powering a new green economy with geothermal project
March 15, 2021
The federal government has invested more than $40 million in a geothermal project led by the Fort Nelson First Nation. The funding will see the Clarke Lake gas site in northeastern British Columbia transitioned to a commercially viable geothermal electricity production facility.
Feds fund Indigenous-owned geothermal development
March 16, 2021
Federal officials have announced Canada will spend $40.5 million to build an Indigenous owned and led geothermal project in B.C. The Clarke Lake Geothermal Development Project will be one of the first commercially viable geothermal electricity production facilities in Canada.
BC Government Blamed for Blocking Carrier Sekani Treatment Centre
March 16, 2021
A proposal from Carrier Sekani Family Services to build a healing and treatment facility for people with substance use issues has the support of Premier John Horgan and the NDP government.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/03/16/BC-Blamed-Blocking-Carrier-Sekani-Treatment-Centre/
FNHA Publishes Groundbreaking Indigenous-Focused Health Research
March 15, 2021
Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver, BC – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has edited a two-part guest edition of the International Journal of Indigenous Health featuring groundbreaking initiatives with a unique Indigenous approach lens to share Indigenous traditional knowledge while applying scientific techniques to the benefit of all Indigenous Peoples.
https://ihtoday.ca/fnha-publishes-groundbreaking-indigenous-focused-health-research/
B.C. urged to protect at-risk old growth forests while it works to transform policy
March 14, 2021
The most at-risk ecosystems should be set aside from logging while British Columbia shifts its forestry policies toward a more sustainable system, says a forester who helped write a provincial report on old-growth forests.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-urged-protect-old-growth-forests-1.5947764
Passion for competition has Paralympic champ Richard Peter changing courts
March 16, 2021
At 43 years old and with three Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball on his resume, Richard Peter chose a new challenge in 2016. With the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics scheduled to be the debut of para-badminton, Peter decided to try to reach the podium in a sport as new to him as to the Games.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/paralympics/paralympics-richard-peter-changing-courts-1.5950204
B.C.–based Indigenous author Eden Robinson to discuss Return of the Trickster at Vancouver online event
March 15, 2021
The cancellation of the B.C.–filmed TV series Trickster after only one season proved to be a huge disappointment for fans. However, the creator of the source material has returned with something that should mitigate that despair while providing hope: the latest installation of the novel series.
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arriving in B.C. will go to priority workers, industries
March 15, 2021
British Columbia’s initial shipment of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be used to inoculate workers in vulnerable sectors including food processing plants and employees who live in congregate settings, health officials announced Monday.
‘Monumental day’: Indian Country reacts to Deb Haaland vote
March 16, 2021
Citizens of tribes across the U.S. cried and clapped in celebration Monday as Deb Haaland became the first Native American confirmed as secretary of a Cabinet agency.
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.
