Government of Canada COVID-19 Update for Indigenous Peoples and Communities
March 24, 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 1,083 active cases reported as of March 23, 2021. Even after being vaccinated, everyone must continue to follow public health measures, including minimizing in-person interactions with people from outside your immediate household, avoiding closed spaces and crowded places, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently.
Ontario reports more than 2,300 new COVID-19 cases, 17 deaths
March 25, 2021
Ontario is reporting 2,380 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 336,070. However, Thursday’s case count is an overestimation by about 280 cases due to data catch-up related to the provincial system, the Ontario government said.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7718317/covid-19-ontario-cases-march-25-coronavirus/
Pop-up clinics offer Indigenous people in Ontario easier access to vaccinations
March 24, 2021
Pop-up vaccination clinics in Toronto and across Ontario are offering COVID-19 vaccines to Indigenous people in larger cities, including those who are homeless and especially at risk. Anishnawbe Health Toronto, an Indigenous health-care group, has been travelling to Indigenous encampments across the city to deliver doses to some of the most vulnerable people in Toronto.
Indigenous pop-up vaccination clinic open Wednesday, Thursday
March 24, 2021
Another Indigenous pop-up vaccination will be open in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. It is being held at Region of Waterloo headquarters (150 Frederick Street in Kitchener). First Nations, Métis and Inuit residents who indicated they would prefer vaccination in partnership with an Indigenous organization have been offered the opportunity to attend the vaccination clinic. An Indigenous elder will be available to support members of the community.
Why guidelines for what Canadians can and can’t do after getting COVID-19 vaccines are still unclear
March 24, 2021
Canada has delayed second doses of COVID-19 vaccines by up to four months — the longest interval recommended by a country so far — but has yet to provide any new guidance to Canadians on what they can or can’t do while waiting for the second shot.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/vaccine-guidelines-canada-covid-19-1.5961173
Ontario 2021 budget brings COVID-19 spending to $51 billion
March 25, 2021
The provincial government has tabled its second budget since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2021 the focus will be on protecting people’s health and protecting the economy. But the leader of the opposition at Queen’s Park says the budget does not go far enough to provide the help the people of Ontario need right now.
Ontario budget doesn’t meet immediate needs during COVID-19 pandemic, critics say
March 25, 2021
Critics of Ontario’s $186-billion spending plan say it fails to meet the immediate needs of residents and small businesses struggling through the pandemic.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7718241/ontario-2021-budget-doesnt-meet-covid-needs-critics/
The real-life consequences of COVID-19 among First Nations
March 23, 2021
While Canada did not suffer as much disease misery as many of the other countries reviewed, its handling of the pandemic has proven far more costly – from a mitigation perspective (testing, vaccines, etc.) and in terms of economic consequences (debt, job losses, etc.). Yet this only tells some of the story. Some groups in Canada faced additional challenges that only increased the misery in their communities. A more in-depth look at First Nations’ reserves and their experience with COVID reveals the real-life consequences of this terrible epidemic.
Daytime health services resume in Pikangikum First Nation after nurses leave following OPP expulsion
March 24, 2021
Primary health care services resumed Monday in Pikangikum First Nation after Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) practitioners left the community the evening of March 20. The agency’s registered nurses and paramedics left due to “safety and security concerns” after the chief and council of Pikangikum First Nation expelled ten Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from the community over allegations of incidents involving OPP constables.
Unilever Supports Ornge and Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities to help keep Ontario’s Northern fly-in communities safe from COVID-19
March 25, 2021
Unilever is pleased to announce that Lifebuoy, the world’s number one selling hygiene soap brand*, will be supporting Ornge and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) with the donation of much-needed hygiene products. As the world’s leading hygiene soap brand*, Lifebuoy aims to make a difference by creating accessible hygiene products and promoting healthy hygiene habits.
NAN Celebrates Signing of Relationship Accords to Improve Health Care across NAN Territory
March 23, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler joined with First Nations leaders and health care providers to celebrate the signing of Relationship Accords during NAN’s Virtual Chiefs Assembly on Health Transformation & Governance today.
Rickford’s ‘never felt more confident’ in twinning plans
March 25, 2021
“I’m feeling very confident,” said Minister Rickford. “Consultations have effectively closed, and we’ll proceed to understand the details of an agreement. I know it’s a priority for all of the Chiefs. I’ve never felt more confident about this. I feel like we’re all ready to go and on the same page. We’re at the last stage. There’s nothing but a strong desire for this to move forward.” The Four Winds partnership combines Treaty #3 leaders from Washagamis Bay, Dalles, Wauzhushk Onigum and Shoal Lake #40 to study the impacts of twinning Highway 17 to their traditional lands.
https://kenoraonline.com/local/rickford-s-never-felt-more-confident-in-twinning-plans
Fort William Councillor shares journey on balancing
March 24, 2021
Fort William Councillor Michele Solomon highlighted the challenges of achieving balance as an Indigenous women politician during the PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise Fireside Chat with Women in Politics on March 11.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/24/fort-william-councillor-shares-journey-on-balancing/
Criminal justice system continues to fail Indigenous people and domestic abuse survivors
March 25, 2021
With deep regret and profound grief, we mourn the tragic loss of Cileana Taylor, a beautiful, vibrant young woman. A member of Curve Lake Nation north of Peterborough, Cileana was viciously assaulted last September. The attack resulted in severe brain injuries. Cileana fell into a coma and was taken off life support on Feb. 26 after her family’s pleas to allow the 22-year-old to pass on were finally granted. But her attacker remains free.
Peterborough police acknowledge request for upgraded charges in death of Indigenous woman
March 24, 2021
Police in Peterborough, Ont., said Wednesday they are aware of the calls for elevated charges in the death of a local Indigenous woman, but the investigation is ongoing. Relatives of 22-year-old Cileana Taylor asked on Monday that the charges against her alleged assailant be upgraded from assault to at least manslaughter.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-cileana-taylor-1.5963039
Thirsting for Solutions: Drinking water quality and access problems facing First Nations communities in Canada.
March 24, 2021
As of June 2012, there were 146 First Nations communities in Canada under a long-term Drinking Water Advisory. Drinking Water Advisories are created when the water in a community is deemed unacceptable based on the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines which set basic parameters for clean, safe drinking water.
https://www.alternativesjournal.ca/climate-change/environmental-justice/thirsting-for-solutions/
Indigenous peoples in Canada five times more likely to die in fire: report
March 24, 2021
A new study paints a bleak picture of fire safety among Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly those living on reserve. The study found Indigenous peoples across Canada are five times more likely to die in a fire compared to the rest of the Canadian population. That number increases to 10 times for First Nations people living on reserve.
Canada votes to collect data to document environmental racism
March 25, 2021
Canada will collect data on the impact on siting a disproportionate number of polluting industries and landfills in areas inhabited by racial minority communities, federal lawmakers voted Wednesday.
Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy
March 24, 2021
Today, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board Peter Bethlenfalvy released Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. The 2021 Budget is the next phase of Ontario’s response to COVID-19 and is the second Budget the government has delivered during the pandemic.
Ontario budget 2021: Deep deficits as province plots COVID-19 recovery
March 24, 2021
It will likely take Ontario until at least 2029 to balance its books, the province said Wednesday, as the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the government to spend record amounts of money.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-budget-2021-covid-19-doug-ford-1.5962279
No cash relief in budget for young Ontarians
March 24, 2021
Young people no longer in high school didn’t get the cash stimulus Ontario’s government offered their parents for younger siblings on Wednesday and will still be paying off their student debt for years, but at least they can claim some of the cost of job training.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/no-cash-relief-budget-young-005106310.html
Lucki says it’s her goal to change the RCMP’s culture in wake of Boushie report
March 24, 2021
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said today she’s trying to change the culture of the RCMP — comments that come in the wake of a scathing report from the force’s independent watchdog on racial discrimination.
Sioux Lookout OPP investigating recent death
March 24, 2021
Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old individual. Police say they were dispatched on March 20 at around 12:30 p.m. to assist Northwest EMS at an apartment complex on Millar Crescent in Sioux Lookout, according to a news release issued on Wednesday.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/sioux-lookout-opp-investigating-recent-death-3572414
Book review: Will I See?
March 25, 2021
Will I See is a powerful, evocative story that is amplified by visually stunning graphics. Through the eyes and actions of a teenage girl who resides with her Nokomis in a large city, the graphic novel speaks to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/25/book-review-will-i-see/
Government of Canada to provide support to First Nations communities in Manitoba to accelerate the vaccination campaign
March 24, 2021
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis in the fight against COVID-19, and to partnering with other federal departments to provide support as needed.
Accessible transit service to roll out in Eskasoni First Nation this summer
March 24, 2021
The Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton is getting its own transit service. Two new buses have been ordered for the service, which is expected to start running by late summer. Steve Parsons, CEO of Eskasoni Corporate Services, said the transit service is something that’s been floated for a long time.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/eskasoni-first-nation-transit-service-1.5962258
Report into shooting of Indigenous man shows desire for action from RCMP: Marc Miller
March 24, 2021
The federal Indigenous Services minister says Canadians are impatient to see action from the RCMP after a report that said officers in Saskatchewan racially discriminated against the mother of a young Cree man who was shot and killed.
Battleford-area mayors, First Nations chiefs issue anti-racist plea following Colten Boushie report
March 24, 2021
First Nations chiefs and mayors in the Saskatchewan region where Colten Boushie was killed in 2016 say more needs to be done to combat racism. Following the release this week of an RCMP watchdog report into the shooting death of the 22-year-old Red Pheasant Cree Nation man, they’ve issued a group statement vowing to work together on justice and reconciliation.
Ribbon skirt worn at historic swearing in shows ‘we are visible,’ says Sask.-raised Cree designer who made it
March 24, 2021
When Deb Haaland was sworn in as U.S. secretary of the interior last week, she wore a ribbon skirt adorned with butterflies, stars and the colours of the rainbow. The moment meant a lot to Agnes Woodward, a Plains Cree dressmaker from Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan, who made the garment.
‘He is coming to his rescue’: Older brother donates stem cells to 7-year-old with rare blood disease
March 24, 2021
The mother of a boy with a rare blood disorder who has been searching for a stem cell donor for the last four years says a partial match has been found — her older son. Tanner McLeod was just six months old when he was diagnosed with sideroblastic anemia.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/stem-cell-transplant-brother-donor-1.5961107
New judicial body will help Cowessess handle child welfare issues
March 24, 2021
Cowessess First Nation announced on Monday the creation of a new judicial body that will help the community handle child welfare issues internally.
Manitoba First Nations fear northern healing lodge project forgotten by province amid COVID-19
March 24, 2021
An addictions treatment and recovery centre set to be built in northern Manitoba has been stalled by the COVID-19 outbreak, and First Nations leaders are urging the province to provide the funding needed to restart it.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/northern-healing-lodge-funding-manutoba-chiefs-1.5961901
Poundmaker Cree Nation implements custom banishment laws to address alcohol, drug trafficking
March 24, 2021
The Poundmaker Cree Nation west of the Battlefords is implementing custom laws for banishment to address drug and alcohol issues on the First Nation.
Indigenous groups calling for completion of northern Manitoba recovery centre project
March 24, 2021
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and other Indigenous organizations in the province have released what they say is an “urgent call” to the province to fund an addictions treatment and recovery centre in northern Manitoba.
Saskatoon architect heads to class for First Nation’s school
March 24, 2021
A Saskatoon-based architect is bringing a community’s vision to life. Andrew Wallace of Wallace Klypak Architects, alongside Tawaw Architecture Collective, is designing a school for Sweetgrass First Nation inspired by the natural landscape and Cree culture.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/saskatoon-architect-heads-class-first-145722851.html
Indigenous leaders say N.B.’s plan to address systemic racism is a form of racism
March 24, 2021
Indigenous leaders have denounced the provincial government’s plan to address systemic racism in New Brunswick, saying they weren’t consulted or even advised. “It’s another classic case of a project about us, without us, which in itself is a form of racial discrimination,” said Tobique First Nation Chief Ross Perley.
Questions remain more than a year after Curtis McKenzie’s death at Sask. Penitentiary
March 24, 2021
The last times Stan Tu’Inukuafe spoke to Curtis McKenzie, McKenzie was in custody at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and the two spoke about getting McKenzie to a security level where he could be transferred to Willow Cree Healing Lodge and away from the penitentiary, where he had one of his most traumatic experiences.
Skoden Indigenous Film Festival returns for second year
March 24, 2021
In 2019, Carr Sappier (Wolastoqiyik) and Grace Mathisen founded the Skoden Indigenous Film Festival around the principles of truth and reconciliation. The two SFU film students at the School for Contemporary Arts envisioned an annual student-run event tied into a semester-long interdisciplinary class taught by Sappier and year one Skoden Film Fest consultant and mentor Kathleen Mullen.
Thousands sign petition to have feds intervene in Alberta’s coal mining industry
March 24, 2021
More than 18,000 people across the country signed a petition that is asking the federal government to intervene in Alberta’s plan to expand on the coal mining industry. The petition, launched by Latasha Calf Robe with the Niitsitapi Water Protectors, was tabled in the House of Commons by Heather McPherson, the NDP MP for Edmonton-Strathcona in Alberta on Tuesday.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/petition-federal-government-alberta-coal-mining-industry/
Tahltan Nation evicts Doubleview Gold from territory over refusal to respect Indigenous law
March 24, 2021
The Tahltan Central Government is evicting Doubleview Gold Corp. from its territory after the mineral exploration company refused to respect Tahltan laws and policies. Last week, the government issued the company a notice of opposition and said it will do whatever is necessary to make sure the company leaves the territory.
UBC’s Sheryl Lightfoot appointed UN representative for the rights of Indigenous Peoples
March 24, 2021
UBC professor Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot has been appointed as a member of the United Nations committee to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous people. It’s the first time an Indigenous woman from Canada will hold the position of North American representative on the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
City of Vernon hands over copyright to name Ogopogo to Syilx Okanagan Nation
March 24, 2021
The City of Vernon has handed over the copyright to the name Ogopogo to the Syilx Okanagan First Nation. The city had held rights to the name, based on the Okanagan Lake monster legend of n’ha-a-itk since the 1950s, when it was used a marketing tool for the valley’s lakes and beaches.
B.C. woman’s request to register business in her Indigenous language denied by province
March 25, 2021
Cheyenne Cunningham speaks the down-river dialect of Hən̓q̓əmín̓əm̓, a language she’s been piecing together since she was seven. Not a single person in her Katzie community, east of Vancouver, is fluent, but she’s been picking it up since taking Hən̓q̓əmín̓əm̓ classes at her community school when she was a child.
Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre Librarian ready to help bring Indigenous knowledge into the classroom
March 23, 2021
Ashley Edwards joined the SFU Library last year as the Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre (ICRC) Librarian, a role dedicated to creating the ICRC. Working closely with Indigenous Initiatives Librarian Jenna Walsh, Edwards aims to shape the ICRC into a space—both physical and online—that offers guidance to SFU instructors about Indigenizing and decolonizing their curricula and pedagogy.
Candlelight vigil held for missing woman Chelsea Poorman
March 23, 2021
Over 200 supporters joined the family of missing 25-year-old Chelsea Poorman and shut down a busy downtown Vancouver intersection — where Poorman was last seen on Sept. 6, 2020 just after midnight.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/chelsea-poorman-vancouver-british-columbia-missing/
First Nations Police build connections in Cowichan Tribal Schools
March 24, 2021
While there’s discrimination against Indigenous Peoples that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admits exists within the Canadian police system, Cree constable Pamela Bolton believes First Nations police and programs are working to rebuild trust “one community at a time.”
B.C. women working to end period poverty in remote Indigenous communities
March 25, 2021
Ending period poverty in remote Indigenous communities in British Columbia is a big goal to have, but it’s one that two young Metro Vancouver women have set out to achieve, one menstrual product at a time.
Kluane Adamek named one of Canada’s most influential women for 2021
March 24, 2021
Kluane Adamek, the Yukon’s regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), has been named one of Canada’s top 25 most influential women for 2021. “It means a lot to look at the 25 women, and those who identify, who are being celebrated here, and to really see that diversity reflected,” Adamek said, noting that her fellow award-winners contribute to a diverse mosaic of background, experience and identity.
https://www.yukon-news.com/life/kluane-adamek-named-one-of-canadas-most-influential-women-for-2021/
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada Renew Commitment to Tuberculosis Elimination
March 24, 2021
The President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Natan Obed, and the Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller, issued the following statement today: “On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2021, we reaffirm our joint commitment to improving the health of Inuit across Inuit Nunangat through our TB reduction and elimination milestones.
N.W.T. communities welcome new housing, but worry over who qualifies for it
March 24, 2021
A Northwest Territories community leader says the funding for new or improved affordable housing units is welcome news, but there are worries over who will qualify to live in them.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/n-w-t-communities-welcome-203001191.html
Indigenous Self-Government in Yukon: Looking for Ways to Pass the Torch
March 24, 2021
Yukon has been at the forefront of Indigenous treaty-making for over forty years. Today, 11 of its 14 First Nations have land claims and self-government agreements, accounting for almost half of the total in Canada. By redefining the relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations people, these agreements have fundamentally altered Yukon society.
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/.
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.
