Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world on Monday
May 10, 2021
Ontario on Monday reported 2,716 new cases of COVID-19 and 19 additional deaths. According to the province, hospitalizations stood at 1,632, with 828 people in ICU as a result of COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-may10-2021-1.6020292
Urban Indigenous in Ontario are now eligible for quicker second jabs
May 7, 2021
Indigenous people living in cities are now eligible to receive their second COVID-19 vaccine dose within the originally recommended 21- to 28-day interval, rather than having to wait 16 weeks between shots, a member of Ontario’s vaccine task force announced Friday.
Ottawa responds to Ontario calls for more federal measures to limit travel amid pandemic
May 9, 2021
The federal government responded this weekend to three letters written by the Ontario government that call for stricter measures on international travellers crossing at land borders and on interprovincial travellers flying into the province.
Robinson Huron First Nation leadership calls on Canada to do better
May 7, 2021
After witnessing the House of Common’s emergency debate Thursday evening on Enbridge’s Line 5 crisis, members of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Political Working Group call on Canada to do better and include all their treaty partners when making infrastructure plans and decisions.
The Government of Canada met with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners to discuss progress on the implementation of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families
May 7, 2021
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, met with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners from across the country to discuss progress on the implementation of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families.
Minister Miller talks about mental wellness during the pandemic
May 7, 2021
The Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller, issued the following statement today: “Mental Health Week, and Child and Youth Mental Health Day are about celebrating, protecting and promoting mental health. More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the crucial importance of taking care of our mental wellness.
Canadian Indigenous group slams Ottawa’s efforts to protect Line 5 pipeline
May 7, 2021
A major Canadian Indigenous group is adding its voice in support of a campaign by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to shut down an oil pipeline that runs under the Great Lakes and supplies much of the fuel to Ontario and Quebec.
Feds announce major funding for Indigenous mental health support
May 8, 2021
The federal government has marked the beginning of Canada’s national mental health week with a funding announcement to help support Indigenous communities across the country. The federal government said in accordance with the budget, it will be investing $597 million over three years, beginning in 2021/2022 to continue to provide support for survivors of residential schools and their families, whilst stabilizing other community-based support.
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/05/08/feds-funding-indigenous-mental-health/
Suit filed against Caldwell First Nation council over election delay
May 10, 2021
The council of an Indigenous band from Windsor-Essex is being sued in federal court over a change in the band’s election date, which it said was needed due to COVID-19. In a memo sent to membership of Caldwell First Nation, the council confirmed that a suit had been filed in the Federal Court of Canada.
Meet the matriarch who raised one of Canada’s leading Indigenous water advocates
May 9, 2021
Stephanie Peltier lost her mother less than half a year ago, the woman who taught her unconditional love and gave her the strength to raise three daughters as a single mother. Peltier is from Wikwemikong First Nation and lives in Ottawa. Naomi, 23, is her oldest daughter and is attending university. Her youngest, Ciera, is 15 and her mother said she is positive and has a strong spirit.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/stephanie-peltier-motherhood-matriarch-1.6018362
Anishinaabe fashion writer says his mother inspired his love of culture, and couture
May 9, 2021
Although Christian Allaire is now based in New York City, thousands of kilometres away from his home base of Nipissing First Nation, he says he wouldn’t be where he is without the influence of his mother.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/christian-allaire-vogue-mom-1.6016940
Life returning to normal after ‘shelter in place’ order in M’Chigeeng
May 9, 2021
Things have quickly returned to normal at M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island after a brief scare Saturday. The Ontario Provincial Police in conjunction with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service had used the province’s emergency alert to issue a ‘shelter in place’ order for residents in M’Chigeeng, particularly those along Highway 551.
New vehicle decal for Treaty Three Police Service to honour MMIWG, foster discussions
May 8, 2021
A new decal design on Treaty Three Police Service vehicles was unveiled this week to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and hopefully start more discussions on the issue.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/new-decal-treaty-three-police-1.6018272
‘A Tribe Called Med’: Tight-knit group of Indigenous grads celebrate major milestone
May 8, 2021
Four medical school students from different parts of the country marked a major milestone on Friday with a special Indigenous graduation ceremony to wrap up their shared journey. Western University in London, Ont., celebrated more than 60 Indigenous students from all programs at the virtual ceremony.
Beyond Red Dress Day: Seven calls to action for Indigenous allies
May 9, 2021
Sage smoke rose softly across screens in the IndigiNews virtual meeting space on the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG+ — also known as Red Dress Day — as team members smudged and prayed in their respective homes. To mark this time of remembering and honouring the Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people who have been victims of gender-based and racialized violence, the IndigiNews team came up with seven calls to action for allies.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/beyond-red-dress-day-7-calls-to-action-for-indigenous-allies/
Instagram apology for MMIWG posts that disappeared is inadequate, advocate says
May 7, 2021
Instagram issued an apology Thursday night after posts about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) disappeared on a day meant to raise awareness of the issue, but advocates say it doesn’t go far enough to address the harm that was done.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/instagram-apology-missing-posts-mmiwg-1.6018767
Wood chopping and frozen trucks: Report shows successes, challenges in military’s First Nations COVID response
May 8, 2021
When a Hercules aircraft brought military personnel to Red Sucker Lake First Nation in December, following a plea for help to contain a COVID-19 outbreak, Chief Samuel Knott didn’t expect the soldiers would be tasked with chopping fire wood.
‘A pow wow to remember’ series: Krista Knott
May 10, 2021
In a continued effort to lift everyone’s spirit during this time where we are all staying home, the Anishinabek News did a call out to the Anishinabek Nation to submit their fondest pow wow memory. The spring series is called: A pow wow to remember.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/05/10/a-pow-wow-to-remember-series-krista-knott/
Opinion: A seeming intent to continue Indigenous Studies: Genuine or just more PR spin?
May 7, 2021
In a fresh communique, 11:56 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021, Laurentian University states: “Through engagement with the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC), discussions are ongoing with respect to additional Indigenous Studies courses that may be developed and offered by Laurentian in future, in addition to the existing programs and courses that currently exist.”
Time for Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
May 8, 2021
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is making its second trip through the Parliament of Canada and hopefully this time it will receive the support of the Senate.
Mishkeegogamang Assault Victim Dies
May 8, 2021
A 17-year-old girl has died after an assault in Mishkeegogamang. Ontario Provincial Police and Nishnawbe-Aski Police have identified her as Lynnora Mikenak, also known as Lynorra Lawson. Mishkeegogamang, formerly known as Osnaburgh First Nation, is around 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay and about 30 kilometres south of Pickle Lake.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/08/mishkeegogamang-assault-victim-dies/
P.E.I. students relive ‘grand tragedy’ of Indigenous history through blanket exercise
May 10, 2021
A group of students at Summerside Intermediate brought Canada’s Indigenous history to life recently by participating in a symbolic blanket exercise, with help from P.E.I.’s first Mi’kmaw poet laureate.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-summerside-blanket-exercise-1.6016648
New Indigenous-produced play explores digital mourning during pandemic
May 8, 2021
A new Indigenous-produced play commissioned by the Stratford Festival and produced using teleconferencing technology is exploring how people mourn the loss of loved ones from afar.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/stratford-festival-indigenous-online-play-mourning-1.6018566
Why Canada so urgently needs to update its citizenship materials
May 9, 2021
The current guide, created in 2009 and lightly updated in 2012, is provided to newcomers to learn about the nation’s history, culture and ethics in advance of the citizenship test they must pass to become Canadians. The entries for Indigenous and First Nations populations appear dismissive. Treaties, for example, “were not always respected.” Residential schools “inflicted hardship on the students.” The Inuit and Métis are together afforded just paragraphs.
https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/why-canada-so-badly-needs-to-update-its-citizenship-materials
Proposed federal justice reforms could reduce number of Indigenous, Black people in system, say advocates
May 10, 2021
Advocates for justice system reform are welcoming new proposals from the federal government to address the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous individuals and other racialized groups in the criminal justice system.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/legal-advocates-welcome-ottawa-budget-bipoc-justice-1.6018034
U.N. committee to consider racism complaint of N.S. Mi’kmaq fishers against Ottawa
May 10, 2021
A United Nations committee on racial discrimination is asking the federal government to respond to allegations it committed racist actions in its treatment of Mi’kmaq lobster fishers in Nova Scotia.
First Nations chiefs encourage vaccinations, staying home to combat spike in COVID-19 cases
May 9, 2021
First Nations communities in Cape Breton are taking measures to combat the rising COVID-19 cases in the province, while at least two of the communities have confirmed positive cases.
Crime prevention collaboration comes to Sask. Cree Nations
May 8, 2021
A crime prevention collaboration is helping kids reconnect with their roots on Saskatchewan First Nations. Emily Olsen explains.
https://globalnews.ca/video/7844477/crime-prevention-collaboration-comes-to-sask-cree-nations/
Speakers from across Sask. to take virtual stage at youth conference
May 9, 2021
Two speakers at an upcoming Saskatchewan youth conference have a lot in common, though they may not know each other. The INSPIRE conference for youth from Passion to Action is coming up virtually on May 20. CBC Saskatchewan is a sponsor of the event. Both Alicia Morrow and Kam Bahia are speakers this year.
U of M celebrates biggest Indigenous graduating class with virtual powwow
May 8, 2021
The University of Manitoba had a momentous day on Saturday, celebrating the graduation of more than 500 Indigenous students — the largest cohort the university has ever had. For the second year in a row, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university held a virtual powwow to celebrate its self-declared Indigenous graduates. This year, there are 510.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/university-of-manitoba-indigenous-graduates-1.6019546
All that we know grows from the words of our ancestors says guiding principle of language program of First People’s Cultural Council in B.C.
May 8, 2021
All that we know and all of our relationships grows from the words of our ancestors — that is the guiding principle at First People’s Cultural Council’s (FPCC) Indigenous language programs.Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker is one of the many language learners dedicated to breathing life into her language, and passing it on to future generations.
Indigenous sovereign cannabis dispensaries band together to create a ‘Red Market’
May 7, 2021
Thomas Tyler Bob is working with other Indigenous dispensary owners across different territories to establish a “Red Market” — an economically-viable industry by and for Indigenous Peoples. “This is modern-day First Nations business, understanding the complexities in laws and opportunities within nations,” he tells IndigiNews in an interview on April 15.
How Canadian Filmmaker Lisa Jackson Plans to Weave Wilfred Buck’s Wild Ride ‘From the Gutter to the Stars’ With Indigenous Astronomy Lore
May 10, 2021
Lisa Jackson’s hybrid documentary feature project “Wilfred Buck,” which centers on the eponymous science facilitator, an expert in Indigenous lore about astronomy, won the Canadian Forum Pitch Prize at Hot Docs last week. Jackson tells Variety how she came to the project.
https://variety.com/2021/film/global/lisa-jackson-wilfred-buck-hot-docs-1234969675/
‘Go back to your teepees’: First Nations people protecting old growth forest on Vancouver Island say they were attacked by forestry workers
May 7, 2021
Tensions have been high for the last year after blockades were put up to protect old growth trees in Fairy Creek. On May 4, a group of forestry workers were caught on video yelling at protesters near the Walbran Valley to get off Western Forest Products Land. They were expressing frustration that their jobs have been affected by blockades since August of last year.
Siblings create large artworks in secret locations in northern B.C
May 9, 2021
From the ground, the work of Gitxsan artists Alex and Michelle Stoney might look like little more than a collection of driftwood and rocks scattered along the shore. But from the air, in photos taken with a drone, lines and forms emerge to reveal large-scale Indigenous artworks.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/earth-art-indigenous-formlines-1.6016790
Restricting access to forest
May 8, 2021
Huu-ay-aht First Nations will start restricting access to active logging areas in Tree Farm Licence 44 starting on Monday, saying logging activists and protests in its territory are putting forestry workers at risk.
Unexpected Goose Break holiday a joy for Cree elder and her family
May 9, 2021
Mary Couchees Iserhoff thinks she might be 96-years-old, two years older than what’s on her official identification. Whether she’s 94 or 96, being fit enough to spend Goose Break at the family bush camp, hold her semi-automatic rifle “just in case” and pluck and clean the harvested geese, is a gift.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cree-goose-break-elder-mistissini-1.6016061
The N.W.T. child welfare system funds family separation
May 10, 2021
When I was a child, I was a ward of the government. I remember sitting in a waiting area at the end of a long hallway outside a cold, uninviting office. “I want to go home,” I said angrily to the social worker who explained, in a calculated manner, that I wasn’t allowed to because I now belonged to the government.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/opinion-nwt-child-welfare-family-separation-1.6008193
Residents in Beaufort Delta hopeful travel relaxation with the Yukon will soon be a reality
May 7, 2021
Lawrence Neyando owns and operates a motorcycle adventure tourism company, Arctic Motorcycle Adventures, which is based in Inuvik, a small community of 3,200 in the Mackenzie Delta region of the Northwest Territories. The company’s first year of operation in summer of 2019 was a success.
As money comes into the N.W.T. for infrastructure, Acho Dene Koe residents get ready to build
May 7, 2021
The sounds and smells are unmistakable. Dust and woodchips fill the air. Phillip Betthale, Jeff Bertrand and a dozen other students in Fort Liard in the Northwest Territories are learning their level three chainsaw operator certification.
Youth recreation coordinator in Acho Dene Koe First Nation says goodbye to job he loved
May 7, 2021
Robert Loe rests his hand on the front door of the gathering place, youth centre before locking up. “I always do this when I go, it reminds me to leave my work at work,” Loe said as he steals one last glance back at space he holds near and dear to his heart. In a little over three years, Loe, the youth recreation coordinator for Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard, Northwest Territories, has accomplished what he set out to do.
First Nations leaders call for stricter punishment of Yukon Party MLAs
May 7, 2021
A number of organizations, including White River First Nation, Assembly of First Nations Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations are calling for the resignation or penalization of Yukon Party MLAs Wade Istchenko and Stacey Hassard after obscene texts referencing the genitalia of elected officials came to light.
Yukon artist goes back to his comic roots
May 8, 2021
Cole Pauls was just starting his career when he came up with the idea for his Pizza Punks comic strip. He was in his second year of art school, studying at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, when a friend asked him to submit something to a local alternative paper. His strip about some punks who really, really love pizza caught on, and Pauls drew the strip for five years before taking a break to work on other projects.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/yukon-artist-goes-back-comic-140013698.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
Call for Proposals: Capacity-building funding for An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families for fiscal year 2021-2022
A call for proposals is now open to support capacity-building in relation to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families for fiscal year 2021-2022. Funding is available to Indigenous Peoples, communities, and groups as they begin work to develop their own legislation and explore Indigenous-led models for child and family services.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/31P9GUe
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.
