Canada Should Strive for More on World Water Day
March 22, 2021
Where would we be without water to drink, to wash and cook with, and to keep us healthy and alive? Water is essential. But as we mark another World Water Day, many First Nations communities in Canada still don’t have access to safe water.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/22/canada-should-strive-more-world-water-day
Government of Canada COVID-19 Update for Indigenous Peoples and communities
March 19, 2021
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is closely monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases reported in First Nations communities across the country. Overall, active case counts continue to decline, with 1,151 active cases reported as of March 18, 2021.
Ontario reports nearly 1,700 new COVID-19 cases, highest positivity rate since January
March 22, 2021
Ontario is reporting 1,699 new COVID-19 cases and 3 additional deaths on Monday. There were 31,089 tests completed in the last 24 hour period. This is down from the 49,200 tests completed a day ago. Testing numbers are typically down early in the week.
Indigenous Services Minister says COVID-19 vaccines showing early, positive signs on reserves
March 19, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says there are early signs COVID-19 vaccines are having a positive impact against the pandemic on reserves. But Miller warns it’s too early to let up our guard or a third-wave of infections could be devastating.
Region opens first Indigenous vaccination clinic
March 19, 2021
Today, the first of two pop-up Indigenous vaccination clinics in Waterloo Region will be immunizing members of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit community. The vaccination clinic at Anishnabeg Outreach, 236 Woodhaven Road in Kitchener, is open March 19-20 for Indigenous residents who are interested in receiving their vaccine in a culturally appropriate setting.
Province making strong testing suggestions for those travelling to First Nations
March 20, 2021
Provincial health officials are strongly recommending people get tested for COVID-19 before travelling or returning to First Nations communities. The First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team said testing should be done three days before travelling and they should be following the health orders the entire time.
No link between colonialism and vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous Peoples says professor
March 19, 2021
There is no evidence that Canada’s history of colonialism has made Indigenous people any more hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 than the general population, says an Indigenous studies professor casting a critical eye on the oft-repeated theory.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/vaccine-hesitancy-covid-19-indigenous-peoples/
New funding for First Nations water projects an ‘important step’ minister says
March 22, 2021
Canada’s infrastructure minister says new funding for clean water, wastewater and storm water projects announced last week by the province and federal government won’t solve all of the long-standing water infrastructure problems in First Nation, but it’s an important step. The two governments jointly announced $69.5 million in funding for projects in 37 First Nations, including around a dozen in northwestern Ontario.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-water-infrastructure-funding-1.5957217
$33 million for clean water in NWO communities
March 22, 2021
Work to end long-term boil water advisories and provide clean water in 37 First Nation communities across Ontario is set to begin soon, with 12 projects in northwestern Ontario communities.
https://www.drydennow.com/local/33-million-for-clean-water-in-nwo-communities
Watchdog’s report finds RCMP discriminated against Colten Boushie’s mother
March 20, 2021
A watchdog’s report into how Mounties handled the high-profile shooting death of a young Cree man in Saskatchewan has found officers discriminated against his mother. The finding is detailed in a report by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, which reviewed the investigation into the death of Colten Boushie.
Indigenous Services minister questions union statement on Jocelyn Ottawa allegations
March 19, 2021
Indigenous Affairs Minister Marc Miller questioned the nurse’s union, Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), over their statement regarding the allegations from Jocelyn Ottawa against the nurses who were tasked with treating her. Ottawa claimed she was asked to sing in Atikamekw. Miller said the union’s claim that it was a “misunderstanding” did not “make sense.”
After 230-year fight, Caldwell First Nation has reserve status; begins to build a new community
March 19, 2021
Caldwell First Nation has finally achieved reserve status, ending a decade-long bureaucratic struggle that included environmental assessments and various approvals from both provincial and municipal governments.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/caldwell-first-nation-reserve-status-1.5955097
NAN Celebrates Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’s $50-million Milestone
March 18, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Jason Smallboy, on behalf of the Executive Council, joined with First Nation leaders today to celebrate Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’s (NADF) milestone achievement of reaching $50 million in disbursed loans as of February 2, 2021.
https://www.nan.ca/news/nan-celebrates-nishnawbe-aski-development-funds-50-million-milestone/
Nipissing First Nation Chief says Indigenous languages revitalization is critical
March 21, 2021
The Chief of the Nipissing First Nation, west of North Bay, said that he is all for a federal government program, which aims to help Indigenous-led efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. Chief Scott McLeod said that he fully supports the fed’s announcement earlier this month which commits $10 million to fund 78 Indigenous languages programs across Ontario. That’s part of $60 million that the Government of Canada is investing in Indigenous languages programs across the country. The Chief said he has not yet heard how much of that funding will make its way to his community.
First Nations with road access, urban communities next priority for COVID-19 vaccines
March 19, 2021
First Nations with road access in northern Ontario are next in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose was administered in 31 fly-in communities, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7707541/first-nations-road-access-urban-covid-19-vaccine/
Statement on Canada’s request for an independent review of St. Anne’s Indian Residential School claims
March 19, 2021
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, issued the following statement today: “Residential schools are a tragedy born of colonial policies that harmed children, their families and their communities. The mistreatment of Indigenous children, including those who attended St. Anne’s Indian Residential School, is a tragic and shameful part of our country’s history.
Indigenous languages projects get boost in latest round of federal funding
March 22, 2021
When the Woodland Cultural Centre was founded nearly 50 years ago, its mandate was to repair damages caused to Haudenosaunee culture and languages by the residential school system’s long standing legacy.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-languages-federal-funding-1.5956667
AIAI Congratulates Batchewana on New Long Term Care Facility
March 19, 2021
In a recent announcement by the Minister Merrilee Fullerton, of Long-Term Care, Batchewana First Nations is the 3rd member Nation of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) to receive a license for a Long Term Care Facility for 96 beds for their elders. AIAI would like to extend a proud congratulations to Chief Dean Sayers, the Batchewana First Nation Council and the Anishinabek of Batchewana for this endeavour that is extremely invaluable to the Indigenous Peoples of Bawating.
https://nationtalk.ca/story/aiai-congratulates-batchewana-on-new-long-term-care-facility
Indigenous youth are playing a key role in solving urgent water issues
March 19, 2021
Unsolved environmental problems, a national mandate to uphold treaty responsibilities and a new appreciation for positive treaty relationships are leading some water researchers to consider new approaches to their work. They are examining how water monitoring practices that are conventionally considered strong, can be improved.
Storytelling youth awarded for Paying Respect
March 22, 2021
Jayden Restoule of Dokis First Nation is the regional winner of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Student Achievement Award for his short story, Paying Respect.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/22/storytelling-youth-awarded-for-paying-respect/
Wiikwemkoong lacrosse star hoping to coach in world junior lacrosse tournament
March 19, 2021
One of the top Indigenous lacrosse players is hoping to soon find out how his coaching skills rank on the world stage. Jeff Shattler, a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, has been named as the head coach for Anishinabe Baagaadowewin.
‘It grows into your blood’: Playing the centuries-old game of snow snake
March 19, 2021
For hundreds of years, men of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy have waited for the first big snowfall — and then sent their snakes speeding down the track
https://www.tvo.org/article/it-grows-into-your-blood-playing-the-centuries-old-game-of-snow-snake
Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation member named artistic director of Young People’s Theatre
March 18, 2021
Herbie Barnes has had his share of roles with Young People’s Theatre (YPT) over the years. Barnes has not only performed in various productions for the legendary Toronto theatre company but he’s also been a playwright, director and artist educator.
Working housing miracles for Ontario’s urban Indigenous population
March 22, 2021
Last March, about two weeks into the pandemic, Steve Teekens got a call from the police. Teekens runs an Indigenous housing agency and the officers were calling to say one of his clients had tested positive for COVID-19. It was the first case to surface at the Native Men’s Residence, an organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and deeply affordable rentals to a clientele of mostly Indigenous men in Toronto.
Federal housing program to deliver new affordable homes for Indigenous Torontonians
March 21, 2021
Hundreds of new affordable housing units are expected to open in Toronto this year, a significant proportion of which will be designated for Indigenous residents. The federal government on Friday announced the results of its Rapid Housing Initiative, a $1-billion program to quickly build new affordable housing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rapid-housing-initiative-indigenous-1.5957049
Canada Infrastructure Bank set to launch $1B initiative for Indigenous community projects
March 19, 2021
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is expected to launch a $1 billion infrastructure initiative on Friday to spur investment in First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities, CBC News has learned.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/indigenous-infrastructure-fund-1.5955719
Pikangikum expels OPP over misconduct allegations
March 22, 2021
Pikangikum First Nation has expelled Ontario Provincial Police over allegations of misconduct by officers posted there. Ten OPP officers posted in the community left on Friday as a result of a band council resolution, leaving First Nations police in charge of community safety.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/pikangikum-expels-opp-over-misconduct-allegations-3563178
CIRA grant prioritizing projects that benefit northern, Indigenous communities
March 19, 2021
Organizations looking to launch projects that will improve connectivity in northern and Indigenous communities could be eligible for funding. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is offering a total of $1.25 million for projects dedicated to infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital literacy. Those that benefit northern, rural, and Indigenous communities, as well as students will be prioritized.
CHRT confirms agreement reached to ensure greater funding for First Nations children, families and communities
March 18, 2021
Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, issued the following statement today: “On March 17, 2021, the Government of Canada was pleased to see confirmation from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on the importance of increasing funding for First Nation children and families living on-reserve and in the Yukon not served by First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies (FNCFS).This resolution addresses a non-compliance motion brought before the Tribunal in August 2020 and is a result of collaboration between the Government of Canada, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and the Assembly of First Nations.
Carbon Tax Decision Expected Next Week
March 20, 2021
The legality of the federal carbon tax will be decided in a matter of days. On Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada is set to deliver their decision on the constitutionality of the federal government’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, and its application to some provinces, and not others, based on the strategies proposed by each province to reduce carbon emissions.
https://swiftcurrentonline.com/local/carbon-tax-decision-expected-next-week
Buffy Sainte-Marie At 80
March 22, 2021
Indigenous rights, Mother Nature, decolonization and the environment have been at the heart of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s songwriting since she was in her early 20s. Sixty years later, these issues are more relevant than ever—just like Sainte-Marie herself
https://www.chatelaine.com/living/buffy-sainte-marie-at-80/
In nurses’ firing, union calls for due process, while First Nations leaders hope broader concerns aren’t lost
March 19, 2021
The two nurses accused of racist treatment against an Atikamekw woman should not have been fired before the incident was investigated fully, a representative for the local union says, in a controversy that has quickly escalated to include the provincial government and First Nations leaders.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-jocelyne-ottawa-1.5956586
Justice advocates await Ottawa’s promised national Indigenous justice strategy
March 18, 2021
When a social worker threatened to take her newborn away, Keira Prince knew she had to find a way to turn her life around. Prince is from Nak’azdli Band, which sits 926 kilometres north of Vancouver. In 2017, just 18 at the time, she was facing trial as an adult on a break-and-enter charge — and the prospect of both jail time and separation from her daughter.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-indigenous-justice-strategy-1.5864550
‘Open and frank’ meeting takes place between Indigenous leaders and Quebec government
March 19, 2021
At a Friday meeting, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) came to the table with the Quebec premier, the province’s Indigenous Affairs minister, and over 100 Indigenous delegates for the first in a series of political gatherings meant to bridge gaps in the nation-to-nation relationship.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/afnql-indigenous-leaders-quebec-government/
Vaccination blitz against COVID-19 on Peguis First Nation starts Monday
March 21, 2021
Every day, more calls come in to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines on Peguis First Nation in Manitoba. With a mass vaccination effort coming Monday, Chief Glenn Hudson said leadership expects the community will be able to immunize almost half its on-reserve population by Thursday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/peguis-first-nation-mass-vaccination-covid-19-1.5958134
Viewpoint – Indigenous education will be set back decades by Tory bill
March 21, 2021
The Manitoba government’s Bill 64, the Education Modernization Act, is a 100 per cent step backwards for Indigenous education. This bill turns back the clock by seeking to return to the same top-down, centrally controlled political and cultural ideology that led to the problems Indigenous learners face in the current system. It also threatens to undo everything that has been successful, such as the recent improvement to graduation rates and more culturally based learning.
Colten Boushie’s family to respond to watchdog report that found discrimination
March 22, 2021
First Nations leaders and relatives of a young Indigenous man shot and killed on a Saskatchewan farm are expected to address findings today from a watchdog’s review that concluded RCMP racially discriminated against his mother.
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in Manitoba getting help from military, organizations, to manage COVID-19 outbreak
March 19, 2021
A 41-person medical team from the Canadian Armed Forces is in Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, also known as Pukatawagan, assisting in COVID-19 vaccinations, conducting wellness checks and delivering food.
1st exhibit at Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Qaumajuq showcases Inuit art forms old and new
March 21, 2021
The common view of Inuit art centres around breathtaking soapstone carvings, sculptures and printmaking, but in reality, the body of work is as wide as the tundra is vast. Thousands of traditional and cutting edge works of Inuit art will be on display to the general public starting March 27, when Qaumajuq, the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s new Inuit Art Centre, officially opens.
First Nations advocate accuses Winnipeg police of mistreating suicidal woman in bridge incident
March 20, 2021
An Indigenous woman was mistreated by Winnipeg police during a mental health crisis earlier this week, an organization representing First Nations people in southern Manitoba says, and they are asking for a full investigation.
Advocate worries Manitoba school board changes will put Indigenous education on back burner
March 19, 2021
A longtime education advocate is worried Indigenous education won’t be prioritized under Manitoba’s proposed education reforms announced this week. The province is proposing dissolving its 37 English school divisions and instead grouping schools together in regional catchments. The regions would be overseen by a provincial education authority.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/manitoba-school-board-reform-indigenous-1.5955663
‘Strategic alliance’ as FSIN, Sask. Human Right Commission sign agreement: Chief Bobby Cameron
March 19, 2021
A new agreement signed Friday between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) recognizes their shared commitment to combating racism and discrimination in Saskatchewan.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/fsin-shrc-strategic-alliance-1.5957379
Father, son accused of killing Metis hunters in Alberta denied bail
March 19, 2021
A man and his son accused of killing two Metis hunters in Alberta have been denied bail a second time. Roger Bilodeau, who is 57, and Anthony Bilodeau, who is 32, are both charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/father-son-accused-killing-metis-171641937.html
Tahltan government says it wants gold, copper and silver mines out of the territory
March 20, 2021
The Tahltan Central Government say it wants gold, copper and silver mining company out of the territory. The nation in Northern B.C. says they will be taking steps to stop Doubleview Gold Corp. operations on their unceded lands.
VHS looking to move dog-rescue industry away from colonial ‘you’re not doing it right’ attitude
March 19, 2021
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is taking a lead in trying to decolonize the animal rescue industry in Canada. The organization is creating a training program for use across the country and seeking input from Indigenous Peoples.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/vhs-dog-rescue-indigenous/
Family wants trail-blazing grandmother’s carving contributions to receive more recognition
March 21, 2021
Kwakwaka’wakw carver Ellen Neel began carving in the 1930s and was among the first famous female carvers on the Northwest Coast but her story is little known outside art circles and Indigenous communities — something her family is hoping to change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ellen-neel-1.5954316
Tsilhqot’in Nation calls on B.C., Canada to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction amid COVID-19
March 18, 2021
A B.C. First Nation that won a landmark case establishing rights and title to its territory is calling on the provincial and federal governments to recognize its inherent jurisdiction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
$10,000 reward offered by family of young Indigenous woman who vanished in Vancouver
March 19, 2021
The family of a young Indigenous woman who vanished six months ago is holding a vigil walk in downtown Vancouver Friday, as they offer a $10,000 reward for information on her disappearance.
Low voter turnout a ‘constant struggle,’ says Kivalliq Inuit Association president
March 19, 2021
Despite a “constant struggle” to engage Inuit voters, the president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association says he’s confident the upcoming election will yield a higher voter turnout than other Inuit organization elections held in the last year, where less than 20 per cent of eligible voters casted a ballot.
No more excuses: Money would fix Nunavut’s housing crisis but Ottawa doesn’t want to pay
March 18, 2021
NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq doesn’t want to hear anymore excuses about Nunavut’s housing crisis.
Constantly saying it will just take time has turned the housing situation into a humanitarian disaster.
800-year-old moccasin connects Dene migrants to the American southwest
March 22, 2021
New research on a trove of 13th century moccasins is shedding light on how the Dene language may have spread across North America. The distinctly subarctic Dene moccasins were discovered in the Promontory Caves in Utah nearly 100 years ago. They’re believed to be evidence that some Dene people left northwestern North America and successfully resettled in what is now the American southwest.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/dene-migration-moccasin-1.5957499
Igloolik artist Terry Uyarak nominated for 2021 Juno award
March 20, 2021
An Igloolik, Nunavut, artist known for his performance background can now add another accomplishment to his list. Terry Uyarak was nominated for a 2021 Juno Award in the category Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year for his debut album Nunarjua Isulinginniani, released in October 2020.
Podcaster uniting Dene Athabaskan speakers across the continent
March 21, 2021
Dene Athabaskan languages spread vast across much of North America, and one man has set out to teach it online through a video podcast. Willis Janvier is from La Loche, Sask. and currently lives in Moose Jaw where he’s studying Indigenous social work at First Nations University of Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/podcaster-dene-yati-1.5957210
Change to assisted dying law overlooks Nunavut’s mental health crisis, say advocates
March 22, 2021
Nunavut wellness advocates say Canada needs to consider Nunavut voices on changes to the medically assisted dying program. In two years, federal legislation will expand assisted dying to people with a severe mental illness. Medically assisted deaths have been legal in Canada since 2016, but only for people whose death is imminent. Bill C-7 expands the service to people who are very sick and suffering, but not likely to die.
Gamètì’s Doreen Arrowmaker recognized with Wise Woman Award
March 20, 2021
Gamètì’s Doreen Arrowmaker is being recognized for her commitment to the Tłı̨chǫ region with the Wise Woman Award from the Status of Women Council of the NWT. “I’m very happy, very excited and just filled with joy,” she said. “Women just are just as important as everybody else, and they have a voice and they matter … at the end of the day, I just want to inspire my kids to set goals for themselves and to just strive forward.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/doreen-arrowmaker-wise-woman-1.5957601
UPCOMING EVENTS
Call for artist interpretations/artwork for the Assembly of First Nations 2021 Annual General Assembly
The Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee will be hosting the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 42nd Annual General Assembly in Toronto in July 2021 and is currently accepting original Indigenous artwork to be submitted. Artwork will be used for materials by the Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee and the AFN in promoting the Assembly. We are seeking artwork that supports and promotes First Nations culture in Ontario.
Chiefs of Ontario Discussion Session on Federal Policing Legislation
Chiefs of Ontario’s Justice Sector is hosting a discussion session on March 29th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm with Leadership and technicians to share preliminary thoughts about a federal policing legislation. Contact Sarah-Grace Ross at sarah-grace.ross@coo.org for more information.
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 the Chiefs of Ontario All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC), please find the 1st Call for Resolutions attached. Deadline for Resolutions is Wednesday, May 26, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
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/.
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.
