Vaccine rollout for high-risk Indigenous community expands
March 5, 2021
The campaign to get the COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Ottawa’s Indigenous community has been so successful, it’s ramping up with a move to a larger facility and expanding eligibility to adults 50 years and older.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/vaccination-pandemic-indigenous-health-ottawa-1.5935257
Ontario Increasing Mental Health Supports for Indigenous Peoples, Families and Communities
March 4, 2021
The Ontario government is investing over $12.8 million to immediately expand and enhance culturally appropriate mental health and addictions services for Indigenous peoples, families and communities across the province. This funding is part of the $176 million being invested in the government’s mental health and addictions plan, Roadmap to Wellness. The plan is delivering high-quality care and building a modern, connected and comprehensive mental health and addictions system.
Indigenous leaders horrified by closure of detention facilities, treatment of youth
March 5, 2021
The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says he’s horrified by the province’s decision to shut down youth detention facilities in northern Ontario, including three in northwestern Ontario, and by the way in which the government is alleged to have handled the closures.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/youth-detention-closures-thunder-bay-1.5937076
Grand Council Chief Hare voices opposition to small modular reactors in order to protect water
March 5, 2021
As a speaker on the leadership panel at the fifth annual Anishinabek Nation Lands and Resources and Economic Development Forum, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare made clear his opposition to small modular reactors (SMR) being transported on highways or through First Nation lands and to the planned storage radioactive waste at Chalk River.
Ontario reports 22 more COVID-19 deaths, daily cases top 1,200
March 5, 2021
Ontario says another 22 people have died as a result of COVID-19 as new cases of the virus top 1,200. The number of people who have died from the virus in the province now sits at 7,046.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/03/05/ontario-covid-19-cases-march-5/
First major vaccination clinic held for elders in Batchewana First Nation
March 4, 2021
Batchewana First Nation elders, registered to take the COVID-19 vaccine, gathered at the community’s Rankin Arena Thursday, the doses administered by Batchewana First Nation Health Centre nurses.
M’Chigeeng FN holding community COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week
March 5, 2021
M’Chigeeng First Nation is initiating its vaccine rollout plan for band members and community members who are age 55 and older this week.
https://www.manitoulin.com/mchigeeng-fn-holding-community-covid-19-vaccination-clinic-this-week/
Most vulnerable in Kahnawake receive COVID-19 vaccine as community campaign begins
March 4, 2021
Ninety-year-old Warisó:se Myrtle Bush was the first elder living at home in Kahnawake, Que., to receive a shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community began its mass vaccination campaign this week.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kahnawake-community-vaccinations-1.5937391
Outbreak at Kettle & Stony Point factor in sudden COVID surge
March 4, 2021
An outbreak at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation is a factor in a surge of new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours.
Canada losing vaccine race
March 4, 2021
Canada is falling even further behind as global COVID-19 vaccination efforts ramp up. Data compiled by Bloomberg News has the country in 43rd place globally, so far administering just 5.52 vaccine doses per 100 people. Right now, Canada is vaccinating about 62,000 people per day.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Greater Toronto Area — if you qualify
March 5, 2021
If you weren’t born in 1941 or before you probably shouldn’t be trying to book a spot for a COVID vaccine right now, but here’s a guide for those who qualify or are helping a loved one. First, a disclaimer: This is perhaps the most complex period of the vaccine rollout, with health officials scrambling to get limited quantities of vaccine into the arms of those deemed at highest risk of getting seriously ill.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/gta-vaccine-rollout-scannable-1.5937573
Opinion: Canada still failing to fix water crisis in First Nations communities, says AG
March 4, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had no problem finding $7 billion to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline — so where’s the money for water pipelines to First Nations?
Announcement expected today releasing area from lockdown
March 5, 2021
An announcement is expected from the Province today, taking the North Bay Parry Sound region out of lockdown and back into the colour-coded framework by Monday. It was confirmed yesterday afternoon by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams during a news conference.
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/announcement-expected-today-releasing-area-from-lockdown-3517500
Anishinabek Nation Elders recognized for exceptional justice champions
March 4, 2021
The Elders’ Council of 13 Indigenous Elders from across Ontario was recently recognized with the 2020 Guthrie Award by the Law Foundation of Ontario. The Guthrie Award is the Foundation’s signature award to recognize exceptional access to justice champions.
Canada and Ontario invest to improve recreational infrastructure in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
March 4, 2021
Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19; on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.
CAP Calls for Justice for Cileana Taylor
March 3, 2021
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) today calls for justice in the death of 22-year old Cileana Taylor of the Curve Lake First Nation. Ms. Taylor suffered a severe brain-injury in September when she was allegedly assaulted by Jordan Morin. On Friday, February 26th, Ms. Taylor was pronounced dead after she was taken off of life-support. This is particular shocking given that according to court documents, Jordan Morin was on bail for a separate assault in 2019.
http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/2021/03/cap-calls-for-justice-for-cileana-taylor/
‘They had no pity’: New documentary chronicles traumatizing life at residential schools
March 4, 2021
For filmmaker Sarain Fox, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new urgency in chronicling her great-aunt’s experience with residential schools.
Waubgeshig Rice, Jennifer David’s new podcast Storykeepers is an audio book club on Indigenous lit
March 4, 2021
Storykeepers, a new monthly podcast about Indigenous literature by co-hosts and authors Waubgeshig Rice and Jennifer David, aims to bring conversations about Indigenous books to a wider audience in an audio book-club format.
Indigenous woman from Bracebridge encourages youth to explore their heritage
March 4, 2021
A young Indigenous woman from Bracebridge said that she is trying to lead by example in showing Indigenous youth how critically important it is to learn about their culture and history.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-woman-bracebridge-encourages-youth-184146471.html
New Anishinabek Police Service constable looks forward to serving her community of Wasauksing
March 5, 2021
Anishinabek Police Service (APS) Constable Sheema Osipenko is looking forward to serving her community of Wasauksing and neighbouring communities Shawanaga and Magnetawan for many years to come after taking up her duties in February.
APTN News source threatened with banishment from community in northwestern Ontario
March 4, 2021
Autumn Windego knows this story could lead to her being exiled from Rainy River First Nation (RRFN) in northwestern Ontario. But the 25-year-old Anishinaabe mother of two wants the world to know she believes the RRFN band council is trying to bully her into being quiet on the current crisis in child welfare.
How to support Indigenous entrepreneurs on the road to success
March 5, 2021
Jeff and William approached me in the fall of 2019 about helping with their ecotourism business. They started the business in 2014 and wanted help growing it and getting more clients. They felt if they could share their traditions and culture with the world, they could provide meaningful jobs for the youth of their community.
Igalaaq host says goodbye, and pleads for better representation at CBC
March 5, 2021
A lot has changed at CBC in 24 years — but still not quite enough.
That was one sentiment expressed by Madeleine Allakariallak, the outgoing host of the Inuktitut-language news program Igalaaq, as she left the public broadcaster — and her prominent position as one of Inuit Nunangat’s most visible storytellers — for a job in the private sector.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/madeleine-allakariallak-leaves-cbc-1.5937468
‘I wanted to do something to make a difference,’ says Canadian Medical Association’s 1st Indigenous president
March 3, 2021
The first Indigenous president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) says he wants to help change the culture of medicine so all Canadians feel safe accessing health care.
In moose negotiations, Anishinabeg want moratorium on logging in La Verendrye
March 4, 2021
The representatives of the Anishinabeg (Algonquins) in the issue of moose management in La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve have sent a new proposal to the Quebec government, in an attempt to resolve the impasse of last fall.
Ottawa’s Akausivik centre has vaccinated more than 700 Ontario Inuit
March 4, 2021
An Ottawa-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Inuit that started last month had vaccinated more than 700 people as of March 4, a clinic spokesperson told Nunatsiaq News.
Nations take different approaches to asserting jurisdiction on child and family services
March 4, 2021
As Cowessess First Nation sits on the cusp of asserting its rights under C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, Mi’kmaw Nations in Nova Scotia are leaning toward asserting their rights for their children and families through their existing Treaty and Aboriginal rights.
Indigenous architect designing Saskatoon’s new library named one of Maclean’s top 50 powerful people
March 4, 2021
The Indigenous architect who is leading the design of the new central library in Saskatoon has been named among Maclean’s top 50 powerful Canadians.
Manitoba May Face Court Challenge in Attempt to Stamp Out Smoking on First Nations
March 5, 2021
The Manitoba government is planning to extend its ban on smoking and vaping in indoor public places to First Nations communities, but it could face a court battle.
https://www.chrisd.ca/2021/03/05/manitoba-first-nations-smoking-bill/
P.E.I. Mi’kmaw chiefs denounce DFO’s ‘moderate livelihood’ fishery plan
March 4, 2021
Prince Edward Island’s two Mi’kmaw chiefs are denouncing a move by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to regulate their “moderate livelihood” fishery, especially a provision that would allow fishing only during existing commercial seasons.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/p-e-mikmaw-chiefs-denounce-000311964.html
Federal plan for Mi’kmaq fishery headed in ‘wrong direction’ says senator
March 4, 2021
Independent Sen. Dan Christmas called out Canada’s federal minister responsible for fisheries and oceans saying Bernadette Jordan’s plan for the Mi’kmaw fishery is “headed completely in the wrong direction.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/sen-dan-christmas-dfo-moderate-livelihood-fishery/
National Chief Bellegarde urges Ottawa to rethink Mi’kmaq fisheries decision
March 5, 2021
The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is demanding the federal government restart talks on the Mi’kmaq fishery in Nova Scotia after the Department of Fisheries (DFO) announced it will not issue fishing licences to First Nations in Atlantic Canada outside of the commercial season.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-chief-moderate-livelihood-renegotiate-1.5937538
Fisheries minister backs livelihood fisheries plan as some First Nations oppose it
March 4, 2021
Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan is standing behind the government’s consultation process after several First Nations rejected her latest proposal for moderate livelihood fisheries in Nova Scotia. As Elizabeth McSheffrey reports, some chiefs say they weren’t consulted on the plan’s seasonal restrictions.
Advocates say better release system from jail needed after mother found frozen to death
March 4, 2021
Kimberly Squirrel was released from the Pine Grove provincial jail for women in Prince Albert Sask. on Jan. 20. Three days later her frozen body was found near a street corner in Saskatoon.
Court fight begins for officer’s notes after Mountie charged with 2019 assault of man in Thompson
March 5, 2021
The RCMP and Manitoba’s police watchdog head to court Friday in a battle for notes written by an officer on the night he allegedly assaulted a First Nations man.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rcmp-court-iiu-halcrow-1.5937397
Language concerns prompt Labrador candidates to provide translations into Indigenous langauges
March 4, 2021
A pair of provincial candidates running in Labrador have taken it upon themselves to get some voting information translated into the Innu and Inuit languages.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/language-concerns-prompt-labrador-candidates-200420360.html
Indigenous students complete pipeline training
March 4, 2021
Training was hosted by Mastec Canada, which provided funding and expert instructors, alongside Enbridge. Students worked to qualify as pipeliners, receiving all required certifications.
‘It is concerning’: Racist coffee ad sparks outrage in Calgary
March 4, 2021
A Blackfoot woman who is running for a seat around the council table in Calgary says a racist line of coffee released by a man who says he’s running for mayor is an example of why different voices are needed at city hall.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/it-is-concerning-racist-coffee-ad-sparks-outrage-in-calgary/
Edmonton company receives boost from Indigenous investment fund
March 4, 2021
An Edmonton tech startup aimed at tracking the social impact of a company’s operations has been given a boost from an investment fund aimed at furthering the work of Indigenous entrepenuers and communities.
Indigenous Community Business Fund supports Alberta First Nations
March 4, 2021
The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis is and will remain a top priority for the Government of Canada. Indigenous Services Canada continues to support First Nations while they work tirelessly to not only keep their communities safe, but to mitigate the financial distress this pandemic has caused Indigenous businesses.
Chief and council celebrate multi-million-dollar gas bar opening at Tl’etinqox First Nation
March 4, 2021
Tl’etinqox First Nation burst with excitement following the grand opening Wednesday, March 3, of its newly built, $4.5-million gas bar — Chilcotin River Trading.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/gas-bar-opens-chilcotin-tl-192619384.html
Fairy Creek blockade to save old-growth watershed gets three-week reprieve
March 4, 2021
Fairy Creek blockade activists trying to protect some of the last stands of old-growth forest on southern Vancouver Island have won a three-week reprieve after a judge adjourned an injunction hearing on Thursday.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fairy-creek-blockade-save-old-031418781.html
Vaccination a ‘big relief’ for Tseshaht and Hupacasath
March 4, 2021
As B.C. moved to Phase 2 of its immunization plan on Monday, the Nuu-chah-nulth nations of Tseshaht and Hupacasath remained unsure when COVID-19 vaccines would reach their communities.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/vaccination-big-relief-tseshaht-hupacasath-222539653.html
Nunavut health minister speaks up about Inuit midwives who quit citing racism
March 4, 2021
Nunavut’s health minister, Lorne Kusugak, says he has spoken with two Inuit midwives who say they quit their jobs because they experienced racism at the Rankin Inlet birthing centre. He told the legislature about the conversation on Tuesday.
Giant Mine contamination apology discussions underway, says Yellowknives Dene First Nation
March 4, 2021
A First Nation in the Northwest Territories is expecting to receive an apology from the federal government for the contamination of its land.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknives-dene-first-nation-apology-giant-mine-1.5936659
NWT’s MMIWG response can’t be just ‘minor tweaks,’ MLA says
March 4, 2021
The territory promised to examine the 231 calls to justice and incorporate them into its governance. However, one MLA is questioning whether the NWT has the courage to see through more substantial changes.
https://cabinradio.ca/57412/news/politics/nwts-mmiwg-response-cant-be-just-minor-tweaks-mla-says/
N.W.T. MLAs want government policies reviewed for racism
March 4, 2021
All regular N.W.T. MLAs have directed the territorial government to review its policies and practices for racial and cultural bias.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/n-w-t-mlas-want-143741061.html
Beaded sled dog blanket earns Chihuahua a big win at Yukon Rendezvous
March 4, 2021
A Chihuahua sporting a First Nations dog blanket captured hearts across Canada for his small stature and enormous sense of pride. Now, seven-year-old Rikki can savour the glory of Internet stardom with treats and toys as one of five furry winners at this year’s Yukon Rendezvous festival.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/chihuahua-dog-blanket-yukon-rendezvous-winner-1.5936790
Yukon government implementing First Nations procurement policy
March 5, 2021
The Yukon government is implementing a new policy that aims to give First Nations’ businesses a leg up when it comes to bidding on government contracts.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/yukon-government-implementing-first-nations-120000159.html
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.
