Ministry of Health hails ‘milestone’ achievement of COVID-19 vaccine delivery in remote FN
March 8, 2021
Ontario’s Ministry of Health is calling it a “milestone.” First doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered to all 31 of northern Ontario’s remote fly-in First Nations communities, the ministry said in a press release Monday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ministry-health-remote-1.5941123
Ontario Completes All First Dose COVID-19 Vaccinations in Northern Remote Indigenous Communities
March 8, 2021
Ontario has reached a key milestone in protecting remote and isolated Indigenous communities against COVID-19, having visited all 31 fly-in northern communities and Moosonee to offer first doses of the vaccine as part of Operation Remote Immunity.
Ontario reports 1,185 new coronavirus cases, 6 more deaths
March 9, 2021
Ontario reported 1,185 cases of the novel coronavirus Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 311,112. According to Tuesday’s provincial report, 343 cases were recorded in Toronto, 235 in Peel Region, 105 in York Region, and 81 in Hamilton.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7684977/ontario-coronavirus-cases-march-9-covid-19/
Ontario staring down possible third wave of COVID-19, but severity remains unclear
March 9, 2021
Ontario appears to be standing on the edge of a third wave of COVID-19, some experts say — but because of virus variants, vaccinations and the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, it’s unclear how severe it could be.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid-19-third-wave-1.5941444
Six Nations opens community vaccine clinic
March 8, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine is starting to flow on Six Nations of the Grand River. A vaccination clinic set up at Emily C. General Elementary School welcomed 154 residents for their first shots of the Moderna vaccine last week, with another 200 shots to be administered this week.
Eagle Lake First Nation Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines
March 8, 2021
Some members of Eagle Lake First Nation now have added protection against COVID-19. Health Care workers and a few Elders over 80 years old have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/03/09/eagle-lake-first-nation-administers-first-covid-19-vaccines/
Region setting up two pop-up Indigenous vaccine clinics
March 8, 2021
In the coming weeks, COVID-19 vaccination sites will open in Waterloo Region for First Nation, Métis and Inuit residents who want to get the vaccine in a culturally appropriate setting. Many community members have come together to facilitate the opening of two pop-up Indigenous clinics.
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
Medical Officer of Health explains why North Bay-Parry Sound stayed in lockdown longer
March 8, 2021
The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit has moved from a stay-at-home, lockdown order to the red zone in the province’s COVID-19 framework.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/north-bay-vaccination-plans-1.5941276
Beausoleil activist says Indigenous issues must be recognized on International Women’s Day
March 8, 2021
An Indigenous activist from Beausoleil First Nation near Midland said that International Women’s Day on March 8 is a time to honour and celebrate all women, but also a time to recognize there is much work to be done, especially for First Nation females.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/beausoleil-activist-says-indigenous-issues-005827490.html
Systemic discrimination against Indigenous women magnified during COVID-19, Bennett says
March 8, 2021
COVID-19 has magnified the effects of systemic discrimination against Indigenous women in Canada, said Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett at a virtual summit the federal government organized to discuss a feminist response to the pandemic.
https://q107.com/news/7684634/covid-19-indigenous-women-racism/
Indigenous women tell their stories on International Women’s Day
March 8, 2021
It’s International Women’s Day, a day to recognize the strength of women and their ability to break down barriers, and some local Indigenous women are doing just that.
https://london.ctvnews.ca/indigenous-women-tell-their-stories-on-international-women-s-day-1.5338780
Indigenous women entrepreneurs on the rise
March 8, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on most businesses but Indigenous women entrepreneurs have been amassing some impressive stats, according to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Tabatha Bull is a member of the Nipissing First Nation in Ontario and the business council’s newest president.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/indigenous-women-entrepreneurs-on-the-rise/
New national consortium to tackle anti-Indigenous racism in medical education
March 8, 2021
Indigenous medical leaders across Canada have formed a national consortium on Indigenous medical education to collaborate on anti-racist reforms and culturally safe care.
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/10/E347
‘I paint for healing’: Indigenous art in the time of COVID-19
March 8, 2021
Michel Dumont, 53, remembers getting a new job when he was 29 and partying so hard in celebration that he missed his first day of work. Alcohol abuse was not new to him — he says it’s connected to intergenerational trauma. His mother had attended the Indian Residential Day School in Nipigon, where she received an education in colonial values.
https://www.tvo.org/article/i-paint-for-healing-indigenous-art-in-the-time-of-covid-19
Top Chef Canada contender Stéphane Levac finds himself while foraging
March 8, 2021
For chef Stéphane Levac, foraging in the Annapolis Valley near his home is as much about finding himself as it is about finding local ingredients. “I’m just at peace, you know, like connecting with the elements. Being Indigenous, there’s a spiritual feel to it that I’m kind of just discovering about myself,” he told CBC’s Mainstreet recently.
Hamilton development plan directing stormwater into Red Hill Creek surprises Indigenous advocates who say they weren’t consulted
March 9, 2021
A development institute that looks out for the rights of the Haudenosaunee says the city has breached a stewardship pact by approving an east-end redevelopment that directs stormwater into the Red Hill Creek without their consent.
10 youth justice centres closing in northern Ontario
March 9, 2021
There are now fewer places in northern Ontario where youth in conflict with the law can serve their time. The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has closed 10 of 18 youth justice centres – facilities where 12-17-year-olds serve sentences for various crimes.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/youth-justice-system-1.5941572
Queen’s University reconciliation conference focuses on commerce and law
March 8, 2021
This year’s version of the Queen’s Conference on Indigenous Reconciliation highlighted the efforts of conciliation being undertaken in the Canadian economic and legal fields.
Opinion: Whitewashing White Supremacy
March 9, 2021
It is not an over-statement to suggest that now, more than ever, we have become aware of the racism that has and continues to infect our society.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/03/09/opinion-whitewashing-white-supremacy/
Coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women and girls: This is what genocide looks like in Canada
March 9, 2021
On February 22, Canada unanimously passed a motion declaring that “the People’s Republic of China has engaged in actions consistent with the United Nation’s ‘Genocide Convention,’ which includes detention camps and measures intended to prevent births as it pertains to Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.”
Lecture – Ellen Gabriel: Resistance in the Time of a Pandemic
March 9, 2021
While much of public life and industry has paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, construction and land dispossession of Indigenous peoples has continued across Canada. In her 2021 Mallory Lecture, Ellen Gabriel will discuss the efforts of Indigenous communities to stop the theft and dispossession of their land, both historically and today.
http://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/03/09/lecture-ellen-gabriel-resistance-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic/
Now with $7.2M in funding, Resilience Montreal seeks to buy, renovate building near Cabot Square
March 8, 2021
Ottawa announced Monday it is pitching in $3.6 million in funding for the Resilience Montreal day centre, helping it buy and renovate a building near Cabot Square to support Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Benefit concert honouring Joyce Echaquan raises $100,000
March 8, 2021
The Waskapitan benefit show, organized in honour of Joyce Echaquan, has raised $100,000. Organizers reported Monday that more than 30,000 people attended the online concert, which could be viewed from Dec. 3 to Jan 3. Admission was free, but spectators were invited to make a donation.
https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/benefit-concert-honouring-joyce-echaquan-raises-100-000-1.5338329
Kimberly Squirrel tragedy prompts calls to prevent over-representation of incarcerated Indigenous women
March 8, 2021
It’s been nearly two weeks since 34-year-old Kimberly Squirrel was found frozen to death in Saskatoon after being released from the Pine Grove Correctional Centre near Prince Albert, about 160 kilometres northeast of the city.
Winnipeg police looking to speak with anyone who knew Jana Williams
March 8, 2021
Winnipeg Police say they have more questions than answers when it comes to the death of Jana Williams and investigators are pleading for more information surrounding her whereabouts prior to her death.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/jana-williams-winnipeg-police-manitoba-mmiwg/
Community mourns loss of woman whose remains were found near river last week
March 8, 2021
With candles and red roses in hand, dozens of people gathered near the Red River on Sunday night to honour Jana Williams, whose family says her remains were the ones found on Alfred Avenue last week.
Women helping lead change in Treaty 2 territory in Manitoba
March 8, 2021
Women in Treaty 2 in Manitoba are playing a key role in developing services and laws within their territory. Part of the Treaty 2 governance structure includes what they call circles.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/women-helping-lead-change-in-treaty-2-territory-in-manitoba/
Wolastoqey Chiefs oppose Ottawa’s bid to regulate ‘moderate livelihood fishery’
March 8, 2021
The Six Chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick say they are opposed to a federal bid to regulate the region’s emerging moderate livelihood fishery.
Indigenous input needed in Wascana Park bylaw review: NDP
March 8, 2021
The Opposition NDP wants the government and Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) to immediately consult Indigenous leaders on the bylaw review for Regina’s Wascana Centre. The PCC was forced to review its bylaws after they were ruled unconstitutional by the Court of Queen’s Bench last year.
91-year-old among first in line as Tobique First Nation welcomes vaccine clinic
March 8, 2021
The relief was palpable Monday as members of Tobique First Nation converged on a community centre to get their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Henrietta Black, at 91 the oldest woman on the reserve, rolled up her sleeve to let licensed practical nurse Trena Hafke inject the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine into her right arm.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/tobique-first-nation-covid-19-vaccine-1.5941287
Try, try and try again, says young entrepreneur award winner
March 8, 2021
It was third time lucky for Erica Daniels. A member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, Daniels is this year’s recipient of the Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award, presented annually by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).
Mikisew Cree First Nation bringing housing units up the winter road
March 8, 2021
Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) is bringing to Fort Chipewyan 17 homes and two trailers for quaranting now that the winter road can handle heavier loads.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mikisew-cree-first-nation-bringing-025422545.html
Edmonton advocate to finish 300km walk for Indigenous mental health, homelessness
March 8, 2021
An Edmonton-based homeless advocate is set to arrive at the Alberta legislature Tuesday afternoon with a shopping cart and a message about Indigenous homelessness. Vee Duncan set out from Calgary last Tuesday carrying the clothes on their back and some food and essentials in their shopping cart.
More Indigenous food options becoming available in Edmonton
March 8, 2021
From bannock to smoked bison treats, more Indigenous restaurants and food options are becoming available in Edmonton. Sarah Komadina has more on the push to make Canadian cuisine more well-known among the public.
https://globalnews.ca/video/7684270/more-indigenous-food-options-becoming-available-in-edmonton
Hitmen of the WHL hit the ice in Tsuut’ina Nation
March 8, 2021
The Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL) kicked off the season in its new temporary home of the 7 Chiefs Sports complex in the Tsuut’ina Nation. With COVID-19 restrictions, the team had to relocate from the Scotiabank Saddledome to avoid contact with NHL team playing in Calgary.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/hitmen-of-the-whl-hit-the-ice-in-tsuutina-nation/
Lafarge Canada and Sumas First Nation Ink Economic Benefits Deal
March 9, 2021
Lafarge Canada has reached an economic benefits and services agreement with the Sumas First Nation and Semá:th Economic Development Corporation.
Tough on crime approach won’t improve outcomes among prolific offenders in Williams Lake: Chief
March 8, 2021
The tribal chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government is speaking out against Williams Lake city council for its most recent push to have prolific and repeat offenders face tougher jail sentences.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/tough-crime-approach-won-t-210026241.html
B.C. ‘open’ to apologizing for birth alerts, says First Nations Summit
March 8, 2021
The First Nations Summit (FNS) says the B.C. government discussed apologizing to families impacted by birth alerts in a meeting with Indigenous leaders on Mar. 1.
Tsilhqot’in National Government appeals Gibraltar Mines’ discharge into Fraser River
March 8, 2021
A permit authorizing the use of the Fraser River for dilution of mine effluent is being challenged by the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG).
‘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.
‘Not a very nice place to put someone you love’: Gjoa Haven using shed as morgue
March 8, 2021
An old storage shed with no heat or electricity is where the bodies are kept in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. “It is not a very nice place to put someone you love,” said the community’s MLA, Tony Akoak to CBC.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/gjoa-haven-morgue-government-1.5939254
Northwest Territories studying alternatives to Alberta school curriculum
March 9, 2021
The Northwest Territories is studying whether it should continue using Alberta’s curriculum in its schools, the territorial government says.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-curriculum-1.5941738
Fort Good Hope to unveil massive drum on winter road
March 8, 2021
The Northwest Territories will soon be home to a sculpture that the K’asho Got’ine government is calling the world’s largest drum. Drivers coming into the community off the winter road will be greeted by a massive steel drum that is nearly 5.8 metres (19 feet) high and wide.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fort-good-hope-drum-1.5938623
Meet the NWT’s Wise Women of 2020
March 8, 2021
The Status of Women Council has chosen its winners for the 2020 Wise Women Awards, which celebrate the contributions of women to their communities across the territory. Presented each year to a woman from each of the territory’s six regions – the Beaufort Delta, Sahtu, Tłı̨chǫ, North Slave, Dehcho, and South Slave – the awards are meant to celebrate women who are making a difference in the NWT and setting an example for others.
https://cabinradio.ca/57693/news/meet-the-nwts-wise-women-of-2020/
‘Nobody likes having a toothache’: Still no dental in some N.W.T. communities
March 9, 2021
It’s been one year since residents in Ulukhaktok, Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk, N.W.T., saw a dentist visit their communities, and Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson is urging the health authority to fast track the resumption of services.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/nobody-likes-having-toothache-still-100000488.html
Qikiqtani Inuit Association rejects Mary River expansion
March 8, 2021
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association says it won’t support an expansion at Nunavut’s Mary River iron ore mine on North Baffin Island, because communities impacted by the mine aren’t comfortable with it.
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.
