Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indigenous Communities
March 3, 2021
As of March 3, Indigenous Services Canada is aware of 1,356 active cases of COVID-19 in First Nation communities across Canada. They are also reporting 239 COVID-19 related deaths in total, across all First Nation reserves in Canada. To date, Ontario First Nation communities have had a total of 1,256 COVID-19 cases.
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1598625105013/1598625167707
COVID-19: What you need to know for March 4
March 4, 2021
Per today’s government report, there are 958 new cases in Ontario, for a total of total of 303,763 since the pandemic began; 668 people are in hospital, 274 of them in intensive care, and 188 on ventilators. To date, 7,014 people have died.
https://www.tvo.org/article/covid-19-what-you-need-to-know-for-march-4
Indigenous people older than 55 in Sudbury eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine
March 3, 2021
Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre will offer 2,400 COVID-19 vaccines to Indigenous people aged 55 and older on Friday and Saturday. In all, 13 vaccination stations have been set up at Carmichael Arena in Sudbury and more than 1,000 people have pre-booked their appointment.
Matawa launches COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Thunder Bay
March 3, 2021
More than 170 Matawa First Nations members are expected to get their first COVID-19 vaccine doses in the coming days as the organization holds a vaccination clinic in Thunder Bay for vulnerable members.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/matawa-covid-vaccinations-1.5934878
Closure of Youth Justice Facilities and the Impact on Children from Northern First Nations
March 3, 2021
We write today on behalf of our children as we are learning in real time that the Government of Ontario is abruptly closing 26 youth justice facilities across the province. As Grand Chiefs, respectively representing Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Grand Council Treaty #3, we write to raise our collective horror about the impact on youth, from northern First Nations in particular, resulting from the abrupt closure of these facilities.
Here’s who the provinces say should expect COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks
March 4, 2021
As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have released details of who can expect to receive a shot in the coming weeks. Here’s a list of their plans to date.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7676351/canada-covid-19-vaccine-march/
Ontario eyes delayed-dose vaccination strategy after vote of support from national panel
March 3, 2021
Ontario is promising to accelerate its COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan after a national advisory panel decision Wednesday to support the delay of second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine and seniors: Where Canada and other countries stand
March 3, 2021
Canadians now have a third option to protect against COVID-19 after Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine last Friday. But questions remain about whether it should be used in people aged 65 and older — an issue that is also playing out in other countries around the world.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-seniors-different-countries-1.5934032
After spike, Six Nations COVID case count lowers
March 3, 2021
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Six Nations of the Grand River is trending downward after a plea from Ohsweken Public Health last week.
Closures of youth detention centres leaves young people ‘displaced, little support’, NAN Grand Chief says
March 3, 2021
The provincial government’s decision to close two youth detention facilities in northwestern Ontario has been described as “horrific” by the Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Closure of Youth Justice Facilities an example of institutional anti-Indigenous racism and colonialism – Sol Mamakwa
March 3, 2021
A decision to close Youth Justice Facilities across Northern Ontario has drawn the ire of NAN, Grand Council Treaty #3, and NDP Indigenous and Treaty Relations Critic Sol Mamakwa. The move which will see the Jack McGuire Centre and the JJ Kelso Centre located in Thunder Bay close will mean youth will be transferred as far away as Sault Ste Marie.
‘These young people were treated like pieces of furniture:’ Province under fire for decision to abruptly close youth jails and relocate children further away from their families
March 3, 2021
Ontario’s provincial government abruptly shuttered more than two dozen youth jails earlier this week, forcing the sudden relocation of roughly 25 children, including several from northern First Nations.
Indigenous traditional knowledge featured in new Nipissing University video series
March 3, 2021
Indigenous traditional knowledge sharing is the focus of a new series launched by Nipissing University. The six-video series, entitled “Visiting with Anishnaabe and Cree Knowledge Holders,” features knowledge holders from across the region and was produced in support of Nipissing University’s Summer Indigenous Institute. It is a transition program for Indigenous students entering university.
No More Stolen Sisters flag was raised on Sarnia’s waterfront
March 4, 2021
People walking through downtown Sarnia on Valentine’s Day weekend turned their heads to see tokens of love, tinged with sadness, hanging outside of City Hall. Red dresses, symbolic of Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, were displayed as reminders of violence against Indigenous women, both in the past and present.
http://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/04/no-more-stolen-sisters-flag-was-raised-on-sarnias-waterfront/
First Nations should consider statutory immunity as they take over child welfare jurisdiction, says lawyer
March 3, 2021
As First Nations across the country begin to adopt their own child and family welfare laws, they are being reminded about liability issues and adopting statutory immunity.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/first-nations-consider-statutory-immunity-003737942.html
Media Advisory – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Ontario
March 3, 2021
Members of the media are invited to attend an important virtual infrastructure event with Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Gimaa Craig Nootchtai, Chief of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Nation.
Kenjgewin Teg Joins OntarioLearn
March 3, 2021
Kenjgewin Teg in M’Chigeeng announced last week it has joined OntarioLearn, of which all 24 of the province’s publicly-funded colleges are a part, with the goal of extending the reach of all the colleges’ online offerings to those who may not otherwise obtain a post-secondary education.
https://www.manitoulin.com/kenjgewin-teg-joins-ontariolearn/
Wiikwemkoong Board of Education welcomes Mick Staruck as its new director of education
March 3, 2021
The Wiikwemkoong Board of Education (WBE) is pleased to announce that Mr. Michael (Mick) Staruck has been selected as the next director of education, effective Monday, March 1. The appointment follows a comprehensive search that attracted strong candidates from across Ontario and from within our community.
Opinion: COVID-19 fears are fanning the flames of racism in Kenora
March 1, 2021
Members of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations isolating in the northwestern city have faced derogatory social-media messages. We must condemn these acts of discrimination
https://www.tvo.org/article/covid-19-fears-are-fanning-the-flames-of-racism-in-kenora
Two Spirit couple face racism and discrimination on journey to motherhood
March 3, 2021
For Brianna Olsen Pitawanakwat, a queer Anishinaabekwe (Anishinaabe woman), the journey to motherhood hasn’t been easy. Olsen Pitawanakwat belongs to Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and lives in Toronto with her Two Spirit fiancé Nanook Gordon.
Curve Lake First Nation woman removed from life-support following injuries in assault
March 3, 2021
Curve Lake First Nation is remembering a resident taken off life-support last week as a “beautiful soul” as her alleged attacker is out on bail. According to family, Cileana Taylor, 22, died in hospital late Thursday after they made a decision to remove her off life-support.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7673921/curve-lake-first-nation-woman-cileana-taylor-dies-assault/
Point of View: ‘A Legacy Of Kindness’
March 3, 2021
My home community is mourning the loss of two special Elders who were deeply loved and admired by so many in Attawapiskat. My Aunt Theresa Kataquapit was a kind matriarch to her family and encouraged and supported those around her quietly with openness and love.
http://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/03/03/under-the-northern-sky-a-legacy-of-kindness/
Elders Council awarded for sensitive, cultural approach to justice
March 3, 2021
‘Anishinaabe’ has many English translations, mostly in reference to creation: a people ‘lowered to earth’ from the sky or born from spontaneous breath by the Creator. But there is another definition suggested by Indigenous scholars and knowledge keepers: the “Good Humans,” or “The People Who Live upon the Earth in the Right Way.”
49-lot Assiginack subdivision gains Planning Board nod
March 3, 2021
Members of Manitoulin Planning Board unanimously granted draft approval to a proposed 49-lot seasonal subdivision in Assiginack, immediately north of Sunsite Estates, at the February 23 board meeting.
https://www.manitoulin.com/49-lot-assiginack-subdivision-gains-planning-board-nod/
Opinion: The wait for safe water must end
March 4, 2021
Canada and its Indigenous communities should finally commit this year to making the systemic reforms needed to ensure First Nations drinking water standards are the same as the rest of the country.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/the-wait-for-safe-water-must-end-573915192.html
Brock and Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre research Indigenous caregiver experiences
March 1, 2021
Indigenous Peoples place a high value on caring for sick, disabled and elderly community members. Yet, the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous employees are often overlooked or excluded as they struggle to juggle work and caregiving activities. These are among the observations of a joint research project being conducted by Brock University and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.
Statistics Canada looking for Indigenous hires
March 3, 2021
Statistics Canada is currently hiring approximately 32,000 people for census enumerator and crew leader positions across Canada. They are looking to hire Indigenous people to better represent the data that is collected within Northern communities.
https://saultonline.com/2021/03/statistics-canada-looking-for-indigenous-hires/
History: 10 Indigenous Firsts
March 1, 2021
Indigenous peoples have contributed greatly to Canadian society, culture and politics. Despite facing discrimination, racial segregation and policies of assimilation, Indigenous peoples have fought to make this country a better place for all, and to protect their own Indigenous cultures.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/10-indigenous-firsts
Sawridge Nation affiliate members asking Ottawa to allow them to form their own band
March 3, 2021
By the end of March, Indigenous Services Canada should have received a letter from Sawridge affiliate members (SAM) requesting a new band be created for them. They “would like to split away” from the Sawridge Indian Band (SIB).
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/sawridge-nation-affiliate-members-asking-232346377.html
Quebec physicians, academics blast government for failure to recognize Joyce’s Principle
March 3, 2021
An open letter is blasting Quebec premier Francois Legault and his Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government for failing to adopt Joyce’s Principle and recognize that systemic racism exists in the province’s healthcare system.
‘It is not right’: Possible hunt of protected Labrador caribou a recurring concern
March 3, 2021
The presence of about 30 Innu from Quebec in southern Labrador has raised concerns that the group is there to hunt a caribou population that’s been protected by a ban since 2013.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/caribou-hunt-labrador-1.5934688
Questions raised over Saskatchewan First Nation’s vaccine dream
March 4, 2021
James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) chief Wally Burns says he is working to procure millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine, independent from Canada’s own purchases. However, the federal government and AstraZeneca, the company that designed and produces that vaccine, are casting doubt on the legitimacy of any such purchase.
Aboriginal council names two citizen members
March 4, 2021
The Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council (BUAPC), while in the process of finding a new community co-ordinator, welcomed two new citizen-at-large appointments earlier in the year.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/04/aboriginal-council-names-two-citizen-members.html
‘We’re going to establish our own fishery’: Sipekne’katik First Nation rejects DFO moderate livelihood plan
March 3, 2021
The Sipekne’katik First Nation is rejecting an edict from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to continue to operate under federal rules. “We’re going to establish our own fishery and our seasons outside of theirs,” Chief Mike Sack said Wednesday.
DFO announcement of same seasons for all fishers a positive first step
March 4, 2021
Today the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced a path forward towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and the management of the fisheries.
Sagkeeng First Nation mourns loss of another member in custody
March 3, 2021
A Manitoba First Nation is “extremely concerned and saddened” after it says a second community member in less than a month died while in custody. Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Derrick Henderson says the community will ensure the facts surrounding the death of Dwayne Louis Simard on March 1 are brought to light and justice is done.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7675839/sagkeeng-first-nation-mourns-loss-of-another-member-in-custody/
Peguis First Nation aims at taking back child welfare duties
March 3, 2021
Peguis First Nation in Treaty 1 territory is one step closer to taking control of its own child welfare services. The largest First Nation in Manitoba is the latest community to take advantage of Bill C-92, an act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/peguis-first-nation-aims-at-taking-back-child-welfare-duties/
‘He was waiting for us’: Indigenous Sask. hunter says he was unfairly detained by conservation officer
March 3, 2021
Darcy Iron grew up living off of the land. The Canoe Lake Cree First Nation band member, who now lives in Saskatoon, says his grandpa passed on his knowledge – how to collect traditional medicines and how to hunt and fish. He wants to pass that way of life on to his kids.
The long road to clean power for First Nations communities
March 3, 2021
The tanker trucks normally come by the dozen over the winter road from Fort McMurray, Alta., during the few weeks the ice can hold their weight. They make the 4½-hour northbound trek laden with the same fossil fuel they burn—stuff that Fort Chipewyan, Alta., has long used to generate its electricity.
https://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/the-long-road-to-clean-power-for-first-nations-communities/
Fort McKay Nations Secure Agreement With Alberta For Moose Lake Access Management
March 3, 2021
The Alberta Government and the Fort McKay Nations have reached an agreement on an access management plan (AMP) for Moose Lake – a traditionally sacred place for Fort McKay Nations.
2022 Arctic Winter Games put on hold due to pandemic
March 3, 2021
The Arctic Winter Games International Committee has postponed the 2022 Arctic Winter Games, that were set to take place in Wood Buffalo, Alta. In a news release Wednesday morning, the committee described the decision as a “proactive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic” after conversations with the Wood Buffalo host society, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the government of Alberta.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/awg-2022-postponed-1.5935057
Acho Dene Koe First Nation names chief and council candidates
March 3, 2021
The Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADKFN) in Fort Liard has released its shortlist of nominees for its chief and council election set to take place on April 26.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/acho-dene-koe-first-nation-212035317.html
Fort Nelson First Nation, municipality reject criticism of proposed wood pellet plant
March 3, 2021
The Fort Nelson First Nation and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality are voicing their support for a proposed wood pellet facility after a Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report criticized the project, which involves cutting down vast tracts of forest and turning them into pellets for export overseas.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fort-nelson-first-nation-municipality-180447677.html
Shíshálh Nation demands action after burial site reportedly desecrated by logging
March 3, 2021
The chief of shíshálh Nation says B.C.’s heritage conservation system is broken and is calling for immediate action to address the reported desecration of a burial site along Sechelt Inlet on the Sunshine Coast.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/sh-sh-lh-nation-demands-033025075.html
Treaty 8 leadership calls for B.C. mayor to resign after racist messages come to light
March 3, 2021
First Nations leaders from Treaty 8 met on video conference with Pouce Coupe Mayor Lorraine Michetti and the town’s council days after it was reported that she posted racist messages towards Indigenous and Jewish Peoples on social media.
A Monument to Racism: BC Doubles Down on Site C Dam
March 3, 2021
To acknowledge BC’s 150th anniversary as a province, the University of Victoria and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released an open source publication entitled Challenging Racist “British Columbia”: 150 Years and Counting.
Indigenous anti-pipeline protest ends peacefully in Vancouver
March 4, 2021
A protest by Indigenous protest that temporarily shut down a major intersection in Vancouver and prevented access to the city’s port ended peacefully Wednesday night after four of the demonstrators were arrested.
https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2021/03/04/indigenous-anti-pipeline-protest-ends-peacefully-in-vancouver/
Vancouver demonstration over jailing of pipeline protester ends with 4 arrests
March 3, 2021
Four people have been arrested after Indigenous youth temporarily blocked and forced the shutdown of a major Vancouver intersection to protest a 90-day jail sentence handed to an anti-pipeline protester.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-port-vancouver-protest-1.5936035
Vancouver councillor proposes city implement U.N. declaration on rights of Indigenous Peoples
March 3, 2021
Longtime Musqueam councillor Howard Grant says when it comes to the relationship between his First Nation and the City of Vancouver things have come a “long, long, long, long way.” “Back in the early ’50s the mayor and council of Vancouver came to my community and wanted to use our land as the Vancouver city garbage dump site,” he said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/vancouver-city-council-motion-implement-undrip-1.5935260
Indigenous protestor sentenced to jail after Burnaby smudging ceremony
March 3, 2021
Opponents of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project are furious after an Indigenous person was sentenced to 90 days in jail for what they call a harmless smudging ceremony at the Burnaby Mountain tank farm in the fall of 2019.
Celebrate Indigenous arts virtually at the Coastal Dance Festival (VIDEO)
March 3, 2021
The resiliency of B.C. Indigenous arts is being demonstrated this year, as the 14th annual Coastal Dance Festival goes virtual. Audiences are invited to this free online event from March 12-18. The program will feature the world premiere of a new dance by Dancers of Damelahamid, honouring late Elder Margaret Harris, as well as performances and cultural sharing by many of the festival’s long-standing artists.
Indigenous tourism: Vancouver Island First Nation plans marine tours that honour its culture
March 3, 2021
The Songhees Nation on Vancouver Island is preparing to launch an ambitious tourism venture that it says will give the world a first-hand look at the land, culture and history of the Lekwungen people.
Species at Risk Committee to reflect Indigenous, community knowledge
March 3, 2021
The N.W.T. Species at Risk Committee (SARC) says its assessments about the territory’s species will now better reflect Indigenous and community knowledge alongside scientific knowledge.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/species-risk-committee-reflect-indigenous-151052177.html
Nunavut judge says no to protesters, yes to Baffinland
March 3, 2021
Even though their blockade has ended, the protesters who call themselves the Nuluujaat Land Guardians are now forbidden from returning to the Mary River iron mine to impede or obstruct activities, especially the tote road and airstrip, judge Susan Cooper has ruled.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavut-judge-says-no-to-protesters-yes-to-baffinland/
Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy update
March 3, 2021
The Government of Yukon and Council of Yukon First Nations welcomed implementation of the first phase of the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy. As of February 22, 2021, portions of the policy will be used by procurement authorities on Government of Yukon procurements.
https://yukon.ca/en/news/yukon-first-nations-procurement-policy-update
BMO donates personal protective equipment to Inuit communities across Canada
March 3, 2021
BMO Financial Group (BMO) is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) to distribute more than 113,900 masks, 563,000 wipes and 438 gallons of sanitizer to vulnerable Inuit communities throughout the Inuit homeland in Canada’s Arctic, stretching from Nunatsiavut on the northern Labrador coast, through Nunavik in northern Quebec, the Arctic territory of Nunavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories.
Julie Green: Anti-Indigenous Racism in Health Care
March 3, 2021
Throughout the Northwest Territories, the health and social services system works to provide quality services for all NWT residents, care that is respectful, responsive and accessible. However, research shows that Indigenous peoples experience a disproportionate amount of negative health and social outcomes in comparison to
non-Indigenous people.
https://ihtoday.ca/julie-green-anti-indigenous-racism-in-health-care/
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.
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.
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.
