Ontario reports more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths
May 10, 2021
Ontario is reporting 2,073 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The provincial total now stands at 497,092. Tuesday’s case count is a significant drop from Monday’s which saw 2,716 new infections. It is also the lowest single-day increase since March 24 but testing was also quite low for Tuesday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7850817/covid-19-cases-may-11-coronavirus/
Early 2nd vaccine dose coming for Indigenous residents, certain workers
May 10, 2021
Healthcare workers at-risk of contracting COVID-19, emergency responders and Ontario’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis residents will soon be able to book their second dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, ahead of the expected four-month interval.
‘We want to survive’: Indigenous children in Toronto receive COVID-19 vaccines at school clinic
May 10, 2021
Indigenous children in Toronto are celebrating after becoming some of the first kids in Ontario to receive one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Last week, Health Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 15. Most provinces intend to have children receive first doses by the end of the school year.
Mix and match: Canadian officials watching the data on alternating COVID-19 vaccines
May 11, 2021
As some experts continue to warn of very rare side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, Canadian health officials are now reviewing the research on mixing various COVID-19 shots.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/vaccines-mix-and-match-1.6020986
4th wave of COVID-19 likely, seasonal return may be inevitable if Canada reopens too fast
May 10, 2021
As Canada beats back its third coronavirus wave, experts warn a fourth one could strike at any time if restrictions are lifted too quickly — but there’s hope that could be prevented with more vaccinations and careful reopening.
Neskantaga First Nation demands a halt to assessment of Ring of Fire road
May 10, 2021
Leaders with Neskantaga First Nation are calling for a halt to an environmental assessment for a proposed road to the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario, saying the community is already facing numerous emergencies and the communities voices are only being marginalized further.
First Nations burdened with too much paperwork: Report
May 10, 2021
A new report from a regional think tank argues First Nations face many challenges in obtaining and maintaining funding. One of the biggest issues, according to Chasing Paper: Forms over Function in First Nation Administration, is the paperwork required after funds are received from government.
https://www.nugget.ca/news/first-nations-burdened-with-too-much-paperwork-report-3
Canadians who rely on Line 5 on edge as Michigan’s deadline looms to shut Enbridge pipeline
May 10, 2021
While backed by Indigenous groups, decommissioning the pipeline would cut off a major source of fuel for Ontario and Quebec. For its part, Enbridge insisted to CBC News on Wednesday that it won’t halt operations unless forced by a court to do so.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/line-5-pipeline-deadline-1.6020665
Indigenous Services Canada announces 2021 recipients of the Awards of Excellence in Nursing
May 10, 2021
In a year filled with unknowns, nurses have been one of the few consistencies across the country; stepping up and showing up to support an often-overwhelmed health care system. In many First Nations and Inuit communities, nurses are the primary point of contact for accessing health care and providing essential services and critical care to community members in need.
Anishinabek Nation Youth Wellness Boxes bring smiles
May 11, 2021
This past year has not been easy for many members of the Anishinabek Nation, and the youth population is no exception. It is the youth population that we must take care of equally as important as caring for our Elders, especially during times of uncertainty and stress.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/05/11/anishinabek-nation-youth-wellness-boxes-bring-smiles/
Hiawatha First Nation’s royal gifts coming home
May 10, 2021
A group of quilled birch bark items loaned by Hiawatha First Nation to the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward in 1860 are going to be brought back home in a couple years.
More support announced for Indigenous hospital patients
May 10, 2021
Efforts to make Sarnia’s hospital more welcoming for Indigenous people appear to be making a difference, Bluewater Health’s chief nursing executive says. “Anecdotally, we’re seeing an increase in satisfaction,” said Shannon Landry, noting more than 2,500 patients have self-registered as Indigenous since the option was rolled out at Bluewater Health in 2019 – to help make sure they’re not neglected in the system or caught up in bureaucratic delays.
https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/more-support-announced-for-indigenous-hospital-patients
Indigenous knowledge was passed on in construction of bluebird nesting boxes (4 Photos)
May 10, 2021
A collaboration involving Lakehead Public Schools, the KZ Lodge Alternative Education Program and the Ministry of Natural Resources will support a local conservation program. Details of the project were released Monday by the school board.
‘You’re a gift to this world’: How to support Indigenous kids’ mental health
May 7, 2021
In the summer of 2017, Nibinamik First Nation endured the loss of several youth to suicide. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the only community in northern Ontario facing this crisis. In July 2017, Maclean’s reported that there had been 18 suicides in Nishnawbe Aski Territory between January and July.
https://www.tvo.org/article/youre-a-gift-to-this-world-how-to-support-indigenous-kids-mental-health
Solar-powered tiny-home program coming to Wabaseemoong
May 10, 2021
The Ontario government is working with Indigenous organizations and communities to create cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy options, including a new solar-powered tiny-home construction and skills development project locally.
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/solar-powered-tiny-home-program-coming-to-wabaseemoong
Indigenous knowledge met with damning silence in Thunder Bay
May 10, 2021
When we were kids, we would be at the Black Sturgeon River all the time. We would swim among the pickerel, sturgeon and speckled trout. We would trap the bass, whitefish and rainbow trout to feed our families. The river flowed abundant and our communities thrived.
Kids suffering from ‘social malnutrition’ during pandemic, pediatricians warn
May 10, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic is starving our children of the activities and social interaction they need to develop into healthy adults, and some experts worry that could have a lasting impact. There’s even a name for it: ‘”Social malnutrition,” a term recently coined by Vaughan, Ont., pediatrician Saba Merchant, refers to the long-term damage that lack of normal socialization is having on our kids’ physical and mental health.
Montreal launches a toll-free, confidential MMIWG hotline
May 10, 2021
Montreal has a new tip line for cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls – and as of Monday, the toll-free number will be visible all over the city of Montreal. “You will see this [number] on buses, street columns, in metros, and on billboards on highways,” Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, explained.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/montreal-launches-a-toll-free-confidential-mmiwg-hotline/
Should they stay or should they go: Two petitions launched in Montreal have very different goals
May 9, 2021
A group of homeless people in Montreal, many of whom are Indigenous, have become the subject of dueling petitions – both with very different messages. One of the petitions, launched after the winter when a group began congregating around the Mont-Royal subway station, is suggesting that they’re making a mess of the area and action needs to be taken.
Revised settlement sees Sask. First Nation close chapter on lengthy land claim
May 10, 2021
Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation is closing the chapter on the loss of its land over a century ago. The First Nation near the Battlefords is set to receive $141 million plus interest for about 14,670 acres it lost to the federal government in 1905, a news release said.
Saskatchewan First Nations respond to Ottawa delay for water advisory deadline
May 10, 2021
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is frustrated after hearing the federal government is delaying its plan to remove all long-term water advisories in First Nations communities.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7850272/saskatchewan-first-nations-delays-water-advisory-deadline/
U.N. committee demands Canada respond to allegations it failed to protect Mi’kmaw fishers from racism, violence
May 10, 2021
A United Nations committee on racial discrimination is asking the federal government to respond to allegations it failed to respond to threats of violence and racism against Mi’kmaw fishers during the fall lobster harvest and to report on the progress made of the investigations looking into what happened.
New shopping centre in the works for Tsuut’ina Nation
May 10, 2021
A new shopping centre is in the works on the Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary. Local and national businesses like Dollarama, Tim Hortons and the Bank of Montreal will be opening next year. Bryce Starlight with Taza, the corporation behind the development, says like Costco, the strip mall is expected to bring more opportunities to Tsuut’ina Nation members.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/new-shopping-centre-in-the-works-for-tsuutina-nation/
First Nation in Alberta begins construction on three solar farms
May 10, 2021
After having partnered to build a two megawatt solar farm in their community, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has begun construction on three solar farms south of Calgary.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/first-nation-in-alberta-begins-construction-on-three-solar-farms/
Abegweit First Nation gets land, money for corridor to connect to Hillsborough River
May 10, 2021
The federal government, province of P.E.I. and Abegweit First Nation are partnering to reconnect the Scotchfort community to the Hillsborough River. The river was an essential transportation route and food source for previous generations of the Abegweit First Nation, but the Scotchfort community is now separated from the river by Route 2, a major highway that runs through the centre of the province.
Sir John A. statue in Charlottetown will stay, but he’ll have some company
May 10, 2021
The controversial statue of Sir John A. Macdonald in downtown Charlottetown will remain, but with some modifications. Monday evening, Charlottetown city council voted 8-1 in favour of adopting five recommendations presented by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, a joint forum that includes the councils of both Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation.
With a sexual assault rate 4 times national average, Labrador advocates seek help
May 10, 2021
Deirdre Connolly has seen enough. She opened the Labrador office of the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in March 2020, where she works with survivors. She said the level of resources provided to a region with such a high prevalence of sexual violence is unacceptable. “The lack of response becomes such overt systemic racism,” Connolly said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/labrador-sexual-assault-rate-1.6020327
Campground near Sidney renamed to recognize First Nations
May 10, 2021
The new name of the McDonald Campground in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve just north of Sidney — will continue to serve as a seasonal Parks Canada campground in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Yellowknives Dene say federal petition response on contracts for Giant Mine cleanup ‘falls short’
May 11, 2021
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation says the federal government’s response to the Giant Mine petition “reflects some progress,” but when it comes to remediation contracts, the response “falls short.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknives-dene-giant-mine-contracts-1.6021328
Organization that uses Inuit knowledge to map shipping routes honoured with award
May 10, 2021
Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices was recognized last week with a Governor General’s Innovation Award. The organization combines science and Inuit knowledge to map shipping routes in the Arctic.
‘My entire community was under water’: Most homes in Jean Marie River damaged during flood
May 9, 2021
Twenty-two homes in Jean Marie River have been damaged by water and contaminated with fuel after the Mackenzie River flooded the N.W.T. community on both Friday and Saturday nights, according to the community’s chief.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/jean-marie-river-flood-1.6019948
Ways to support the N.W.T.’s flooded communities
May 10, 2021
Communities in the N.W.T.’s Dehcho region are experiencing severe flooding. If you’re wondering how you can help, we’ve collected some of the options.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ways-support-n-w-t-222557116.html
COVID-19 cases grow in Iqaluit’s vulnerable populations
May 10, 2021
Case counts in Iqaluit’s city’s jails and shelters are rising, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, said at a press conference on Monday. However, most of the COVID-19 transmission in the city is still a result of parties and people visiting each other indoors, Patterson said. Last week three parties had been identified as causing virus transmission in Iqaluit; he said another party happened this weekend.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-covid-update-may-10-1.6020429
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.
