Government of Canada COVID-19 Update for Indigenous Peoples and communities
March 5, 2021
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is closely monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases reported in First Nations communities across the country. Case counts continue to decline, with 1,300 active cases reported as of March 4, 2021. In First Nations communities, as of March 4, ISC is aware of: 21,836 confirmed positive COVID-19. 1,300 active cases. 20,291 recovered cases. 245 deaths
Ontario reports more than 1,600 new coronavirus cases, 10 more deaths
March 8, 2021
Ontario is reporting 1,631 new coronavirus cases on Monday, marking the largest single-day increase in over a month. The provincial total now stands at 309,927.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7683227/ontario-coronavirus-cases-march-8-covid19/
Chatham-Kent to begin COVID-19 immunizations for Indigenous residents
March 8, 2021
Chatham-Kent will start offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments to Indigenous adults starting this week. Registration will start on Wednesday for First Nation, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous people who are over 16, as well as their immediate household members.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/chatham-kent-covid19-indigenous-residents-vaccines-1.5940648
Ramped-up vaccine rollout brings hope to Thunder Bay
March 5, 2021
Frances Wesley said a sense of relief could be felt in the room at the first vaccine clinic held for off-reserve First Nations members living in Thunder Bay. The smell of sage burning from the smudge bowl used to bless the Pfizer COVID-19 doses and the nurses administering them also filled the room with reassurance as a lineup formed outside of people scheduled to get their first shot.
Ontario Ready to Rollout Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
March 5, 2021
The Ontario government is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk. This approach is designed to save lives, protect those at risk of serious illness and to stop the virus from spreading.
What you need to know as stay-at-home order lifts in Toronto, Peel and North Bay
March 8, 2021
A stay-at-home order in Toronto, Peel Region and North Bay has lifted Monday as the province loosens pandemic restrictions imposed nearly two months ago.
The three regions were the last ones still under the order, and are transitioning back to the government’s colour-coded pandemic response framework.
Walpole Island First Nation sends all elementary students home following COVID-19 case
March 5, 2021
All Walpole Island First Nation elementary students have been sent home after a student tested positive for COVID-19 Friday.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/walpole-island-first-nation-sends-205027556.html
Nipissing Chief concerned for members who need mental health and addiction services
March 5, 2021
The Chief of the Nipissing First Nation, west of North Bay, said he is concerned for his people who may be suffering with mental health, addiction, loneliness and isolation issues during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/nipissing-chief-concerned-members-mental-001738858.html
Vaccines won’t be the end of masks, physical distancing, Tam says
March 7, 2021
Dr. Theresa Tam says that a year into the pandemic, with COVID-19 vaccines helping Canada gain an upper hand, masks, physical distancing and travel restrictions won’t disappear immediately because vigilance is needed to beat the evolving virus.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/vaccines-won-t-end-masks-041438085.html
103-year-old Elder among those receiving COVID-19 vaccine on Wahta First Nation
March 5, 2021
A 103-year-old Elder was among those who received a COVID-19 vaccination on the Wahta First Nation in Muskoka in late February.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/103-old-elder-among-those-173045156.html
AG Says Canada Is Still Failing To Provide Clean Drinking Water To All First Nations
March 7, 2021
While the federal Liberal government vowed in its 2015 election campaign to end water advisories in Indigenous communities by the end of March 2021, a recent report from the auditor general says they haven’t taken action to make this happen.
Report on drinking water in Kanesatake
March 5, 2021
No chemical contaminants were found in Kanesatake’s drinking water, according to a recently released report from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake disclosed the final study on February 17 on their Facebook page. The report stated that between September and October 2020, 17 sites in and out of the community were selected to have their water tested.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/05/report-on-drinking-water-in-kanesatake.html
Elders make a difference for Indigenous inmates, but connections to culture behind bars ‘limited’
March 6, 2021
Gillis English’s eventful life is the subject of a podcast called Plain English: Crime to Life. In various episodes, he tells stories about his experiences, including what it was like being behind bars.
Canada vowed to protect its Indigenous women. But they are still being blamed for their own deaths
March 6, 2021
February marked the culmination of a nearly decade-long legal saga that raised national questions about how Canada treats Indigenous women. Cindy Gladue, a 36-year-old Canadian Cree-Métis mother of three, bled to death in a hotel bathtub almost a decade ago.
What Does the RCMP Spend on Investigating Missing Indigenous Women?
March 7, 2021
Canada’s national police service can’t — or won’t — reveal what it spends investigating cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, despite a national inquiry’s conclusion that violence against Indigenous women is “deliberate race, identity and gender-based genocide.”
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/03/08/What-RCMP-Spend-Investigating-Missing-Indigenous-Women/
CCAB president works year-round to raise profile of Indigenous women and their businesses
March 8, 2021
International Women’s Day is being celebrated today, March 8.
While this global day of recognition is staged annually, Tabatha Bull, a citizen of Nipissing First Nation, also spends the other 364 days of the year serving as a women’s advocate.
Ojibway author Bridget George has a lot to celebrate with her first book ‘It’s a Mitig’
March 7, 2021
Newly published author Bridget George has a lot to celebrate these days. Her first published children’s book called, It’s a MiTig, has been announced as a top pick by the TD Summer Reading Club.
How these 3 women are helping advanced Kanien’kéha learners become fluent speakers
March 8, 2021
The women behind a new grassroots group are taking on an enormous fight for language revitalization. They’re called Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ (we are becoming fluent) and are supporting advanced Kanien’kéha (Mohawk language) speakers from across Canada and the United States.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kanien-keha-mohawk-language-advanced-learning-1.5935258
CCI grad sending care to First Nations’ communities
March 7, 2021
A non-profit based in Wasaga Beach could use a hand with sending supplies to northern Indigenous communities. Emily Fudge started the Indigenous Kids Network of Canada (IKNC) in December 2019, and serves as executive director.
Bear Train proposal back on track
March 7, 2021
The Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban is getting back on track after its board received more than $50,000 from the federal government to fund a market survey and marketing plan for the proposed passenger rail project from Missanabie Cree First Nation.
https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/bear-train-proposal-back-on-track-3522488
Northern Winter Roads Update
March 5, 2021
The winter roads in Northern Ontario remain open. Warmer weather conditions as spring nears means that conditions and road status could change quickly.
http://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/03/05/march-5-2021-northern-winter-roads-update/
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services discusses funds received by government
March 5, 2021
The Ontario Aboriginal housing services spoke with SaultOnline to get more information on the $550,000 allocated to Sault Ste. Marie for affordable housing for Indigenous women and children.
A Year of Indigenous People Helping Indigenous People
March 8, 2021
In the middle of a pandemic, with multiple crises devastating their community, Nanook Gordon and Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat started a grassroots organization to bring compassion, aid, and culture to Indigenous people on Toronto’s streets.
https://thelocal.to/a-year-of-indigenous-people-helping-indigenous-people/
Manitoulin Island native to lead Young People’s Theatre
March 7, 2021
Herbie Barnes began his association with the Young People’s Theatre in Toronto as a child, sitting in the audience. He later became an actor, a playwright and a director at the theatre. Now, the Manitoulin Island native will become its next artistic director.
New website, guidebook provides information on development of Indigenous co-operative businesses
March 5, 2021
Early indications are that a guidebook that focuses on First Nations co-operative development across the country will be well received.
Opinion: Governments must respect Jordan’s Principle and other Indigenous rights
March 6, 2021
Last week the parliamentary budget office said it could cost the federal government up to $15 billion to compensate First Nations families and children who were denied services by the child welfare system. This would also include denials or delays of essential services.
https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/cuthand-jordans-principle-prioritizes-childrens-health
Manawan community looks to UN for justice after Joyce Echaquan’s death
March 5, 2021
The Atikamekw community of Manawan says it will call on the United Nations (UN) to examine the reality of Indigenous women in the wake of Joyce Echaquan’s death.
Quebec vows to improve judicial services to First Nations, Inuit communities
March 5, 2021
The Quebec government will spend $19.2 million to help First Nations and Inuit communities navigate the justice system and provide them with services in their own language.
Celebrating First Nations women in Quebec who are running small businesses
March 8, 2021
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day to shine a light on efforts to advance gender equality in communities across the country. Meet seven First Nations women in Quebec who took the leap to be their own bosses, and hear their best advice to First Nations women wanting to start their own businesses.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/celebrating-first-nations-women-quebec-090000507.html
Local Indigenous educator Lori Campbell accepts new role at University of Regina
March 7, 2021
Indigenous leader Lori Campbell will be leaving Waterloo region for a new position at the University of Regina.
Connie Walker talks about her new podcast and why continuing to cover MMIWG is important to her
March 6, 2021
Connie Walker, an award-winning Cree journalist from Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan, continues to investigate the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in a new U.S.-based podcast.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/connie-walker-us-mmiwg-podcast-1.5936953
University of Manitoba study finds Indigenous people twice more likely to struggle due to COVID crisis
March 7, 2021
Research led by University of Manitoba (U of M) professors found that Indigenous people are twice more likely than others to have difficulty meeting their financial obligations during the COVID-19 crisis.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/university-manitoba-study-finds-indigenous-230446185.html
‘If this land is gone, then it’s gone’: band member calls for vote on $127M land settlement
March 6, 2021
Cecile Joan Moosomin walks across the land her ancestors have walked across for centuries. For Moosomin and her family the land is precious — it’s life.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/mgbhlm-landclaims-referendum-call-1.5939079
Police gather evidence in Eskasoni shooting investigation
March 5, 2021
Police are staying tight-lipped about an ongoing search for the shooter of Eskasoni First Nation resident Leonard Denny. The 53-year-old chief executive officer of Crane Cove Seafoods was shot through the window of his home late Sunday night and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He continues to recover in hospital.
Manitoba health official lays out vaccination plan for First Nations communities
March 5, 2021
Dr. Marcia Anderson, the public health lead for Manitoba’s First Nations pandemic response coordination team, on Friday provided an outline for the province’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan.
Winnipeg organization helps people who have no place to go find homes
March 6, 2021
A grassroots community group called Accountable on Atlantic (AOA) is helping take people off the streets of Winnipeg and into homes.
Order forcing Mounties to give officer’s notes to police watchdog should be revoked: RCMP lawyer
March 5, 2021
The question of whether an officer’s electronic notes should be given to Manitoba’s police watchdog is being argued in a court hearing Friday between the RCMP and the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rcmp-court-iiu-halcrow-1.5937397
Not acceptable’: Indigenous council-hopeful calls ‘Wasted Native’ coffee a traumatic stereotype
March 7, 2021
An Indigenous woman who is running for city council in Calgary says a new coffee brand called “Wasted Native” is hurtful and negatively stereotypes First Nation populations.
Sixth COVID-19 death reported by Cowichan Tribes; shelter in place order extended
March 7, 2021
Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island confirmed its sixth COVID-19 related death this week. The First Nation band says a total of 255 people have been infected with the virus since Dec. 31, and the vast majority (89 per cent) have recovered.
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/03/07/cowichan-tribes-covid-19/
Globe Column on Wet’suwet’en Accord Only Serves to Further Divide
March 7, 2021
In an article published Friday in the Globe and Mail, national affairs columnist Gary Mason accused Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs of holding “proprietary ownership” over an agreement signed last year between the traditional leadership and federal and provincial governments.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2021/03/08/Globe-Column-Wetsuweten-Accord-Further-Divides/
Songhees Nation secures funding for marine trail tours that will highlight culture, history
March 7, 2021
By the time B.C. can accept visitors again with open arms, the Songhees Nation plans to be running a new tourism venture on southern Vancouver Island that will give people the opportunity to explore the history and culture of its people by boat.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/songhees-nation-secures-funding-marine-190000302.html
B.C. stunt performer teaching tricks of the trade to Indigenous students to meet increasing demand
March 7, 2021
Bruce Crawford has been hurling himself off cliffs and bouncing back from fights on film for more than a decade and now he is hoping to get more people into his action-packed line of work, in particular, Indigenous people.
COVID-19 claims life of Haida elder and storyteller, but his teachings live on
March 8, 2021
Woodrow Morrison Jr. spent the bulk of his life making friends, cracking jokes and telling stories — even when he was a patient inside the COVID-19 unit of Vancouver General Hospital.
“At one point, one of the nurses was rushing around, just a little overwhelmed, and he stopped her and he said, ‘Don’t take it all so seriously. Relax,'” Morrison’s daughter Erika Swanson recalled.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/covid-claims-life-haida-elder-1.5936690
‘Like going back in time’: W̱SÁNEĆ people to regain rightful ownership of abundant remote island
March 7, 2021
Abundant with meadows of colourful flowers and other pristine wildlife, a remote Salish Sea island is being returned to its rightful owners — the W̱SÁNEĆ people.
Small Island off B.C. coast returned to local First Nation
March 6, 2021
The Land Conservancy of British Columbia and the W̱SÁNEĆ leadership council have partnered to transfer a small parcel of land near Vancouver Island back to its original inhabitants.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/small-island-off-b-c-000426412.html
Squamish Nation says rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for elders a welcome ‘relief’
March 5, 2021
Squamish Nation says the rollout of vaccines for its communities on the North Shore and in the Squamish Valley next week is a welcome “relief” for many of its residents.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/squamish-nation-says-rollout-covid-200105334.html
Blockade to save old growth forests in B.C. allowed to continue for another three weeks
March 6, 2021
A blockade put up by activists who say they are fighting to save old growth forests on Vancouver Island will be allowed to continue for another three weeks. The B.C. Supreme Court granted a three-week adjournment for the protesters’ legal team to build their defense.
Chief furious with MLA
March 5, 2021
The chief of the Tsartlip First Nation says he’s outraged that a Tsartlip member, Green MLA Adam Olsen, alerted the public to a COVID-19 outbreak in the community — news the First Nation had kept private for fear of racial attacks.
Day passes, more Indigenous collaboration proposed in Joffre Lakes management plan
March 5, 2021
The British Columbia government is looking for public feedback on a new strategy to manage one of its busiest provincial parks.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7680109/joffre-lakes-plan-consultation-feedback/
Let’s break the silence on family violence and abuse in Nunavut, together
March 8, 2021
One year ago, the Nunavut Legislature supported Family Services Minister Elisapee Sheutiapik’s motion toward a violence-free Nunavut.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/opinion-lets-break-silence-family-110000279.html
Inuvik adopts United Nations declaration for Indigenous rights
March 6, 2021
The Town of Inuvik, N.W.T., recently adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, also referred to as UNDRIP.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/inuvik-adopts-united-nations-declaration-140000987.html
N.W.T. committee to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into species at risk assessments
March 6, 2021
A Northwest Territories committee is changing its process for determining species at risk with the goal of better reflecting Indigenous and community knowledge.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/n-w-t-committee-incorporate-120000679.html
We Matter founders awarded Governor General’s medal
March 6, 2021
Hay River, N.W.T. siblings Kelvin and T’áncháy Redvers are being recognized for their work over the past five years supporting and empowering Indigenous youth with a Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.
N.W.T. government needs to identify racism in its policies, MLAs say
March 5, 2021
The Northwest Territories government must do more to eliminate systemic racism, its politicians declared during a session dedicated to the subject at the territorial legislature this week.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/n-w-t-government-needs-212111113.html
Looking back at a year of Nunavut’s pandemic response
March 6, 2021
It has been just about a year since Canada started to really feel the effects of COVID-19. While Nunavut managed to keep the virus out for longer than the rest of the country, that did not last. APTN’s Kent Driscoll takes a look back at the past year in Nunavut.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/looking-back-at-a-year-of-nunavuts-pandemic-response/
After a year, dental services still to resume in many northern communities
March 5, 2021
Some Northwest Territories residents have gone nearly a year without easy access to dental services since visits were suspended when the pandemic started.
Yukon research on geothermic energy gets $2M federal boost
March 5, 2021
Three Yukon First Nations are set to further explore their lands’ potential for geothermal power, with help from a new $2 million federal initiative announced Thursday.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/yukon-research-geothermic-energy-gets-130000090.html
Canadian military’s Operation Nanook wraps up this weekend in Yellowknife
March 6, 2021
It’s an annual affair that brings members of the Canadian military to northern communities. For the past week, Yellowknife has been home to military exercises that train soldiers to work in extreme conditions. Charlotte tagged along with one unit to see what they’re up to and how they train to keep the north safe.
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.
