COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know
May 12, 2021
Over 68 per cent of adults in First Nations communities have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. To date, a total of 416,106 vaccine doses, including 134,740 second doses, have been administered in 690 First Nations and Inuit communities. The percentage is based on Statistics Canada’s 2021 population projections.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.6023596
Ontario’s COVID-19 case count crosses 500,000 as province logs more than 2,700 new infections
May 13, 2021
Ontario health officials are reporting more than 2,700 new COVID-19 infections, pushing the province’s lab-confirmed case total past 500,000. The 2,759 new cases logged Thursday mark an increase over the previous day’s total when 2,320 were added. On Tuesday, the province reported another 2,073 cases marking the lowest single-day case count in more than a month.
Miller says Indigenous communities not impacted by AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine pause in some provinces
May 12, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said on Wednesday that the pausing of first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by some provinces, including Alberta and Ontario, has not had an impact on vaccination efforts in Indigenous communities, where Pfizer and Moderna have been the primary vaccines used.
Miller says COVID-19 ‘flare-ups’ have been reported in schools across Indigenous communities
May 12, 2021
Speaking on Wednesday, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said “flare-ups” have been seen in schools in the Northwest Territories and in Indigenous communities in provinces, even in areas with high levels of vaccination among adults.
Indigenous adults in Simcoe-Muskoka’s urban areas can now book second vaccine dose
May 12, 2021
Last week, the provincial government announced a change to the interval criteria between first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for all Indigenous individuals living in urban areas.
COVID Case In Frenchman’s Head
May 13, 2021
Lac Seul First Nation is announcing one new COVID positive case in Frenchman’s Head. Contact tracing is underway to identify anyone who may have come in contact with the positive case.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/13/covid-case-in-frenchmans-head/
Kejick Bay’s COVID-19 lockdown extended
May 12, 2021
The leadership of Lac Seul First Nation has extended their lockdown and state of emergency in Kejick Bay with a surge of COVID-19 cases in the community. Kejick Bay community members are asked to stay in their homes until May 28 at the earliest, as the Lac Seul community reports a total of 33 COVID-19 cases. A checkpoint will be set up at the Kejick Bay causeway to only allow one member of each household through.
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/kejick-bays-covid-19-lockdown-extended
Over 50 per cent of Ontario Adults Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
May 12, 2021
Ontario has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over 50 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over. Over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ontario since the start of May, and the province remains on track to have administered first doses to 65 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by the end of May.
Alvin Fiddler seeks the leadership of the Assembly of First Nations
May 13, 2021
The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation says the Assembly of First Nations needs transformative change, and he wants to lead the effort. Alvin Fiddler declared his candidacy Wednesday for the post of National Chief of the AFN.
New Prosperity Table 116 years late: grand chief
May 12, 2021
Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon says the new initiative between the province and the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) comes 116 years late. Over the next two years, the Ontario government will work with the Chiefs of Ontario on creating the First Nations Economic Growth and Prosperity Table.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/05/12/new-prosperity-table-116-years-late-grand-chief.html
Fire Damages Onagaming Administration Building
May 13, 2021
The administration office at Onagaming First Nation near Nestor Falls has been damaged by fire.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/13/226834/
Treaty #3 Interactive Territory Map
May 12, 2021
Grand Council Treaty 3 and the Territorial Planning Unit, in partnership with CE Strategies, have developed and launched an interactive map of the Treaty #3 Territory. The map is designed to show case all aspects of the environment, resource projects and management boundaries in the Treaty #3 Territory.
http://gct3.ca/treaty-3-interactive-territory-map/
GM dealers donate masks to Indigenous Friendship Centre
May 12, 20212
A pair of local General Motors dealerships are helping mask those in need in Thunder Bay. Representatives of Dominion Motors and Badanai Motors on Tuesday donated a combined 4,000 face masks to the Indigenous Friendship Centre.
Indigenous nurses day celebrated in province
May 13, 2021
First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses and care providers were celebrated on Wednesday for their hard work and dedication as it was Indigenous Nurses Day in the province.
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/indigenous-nurses-day-celebrated-in-province-574409692.html
A Conversation About Equity With Dr. Cindy Blackstock And Dr. Barbara Fallon (Video)
May 12, 2021
In this short video, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Dr. Barbara Fallon answer questions about equity.
Canada’s Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Announces 2021 Nominees and TD Bank Group as New Top Sponsor of The SSIMAs
May 12, 2021
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) today announced TD Bank Group as presenting sponsor of its inaugural SSIMAs (Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards) and released the list of nominees.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canadas-summer-solstice-indigenous-festival-160000462.html
Mississauga #8 actor featured in Santa Monica theater’s Solo Stories, Six Women, Six Lives, Six Stories series
May 13, 2021
Mississauga #8 actor Jennifer Bobiwash enjoyed presenting her There is no “I” in NDN solo show at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica, California, on Apr. 17. Her show is part of the theatre’s Solo Stories, Six Women, Six Lives, Six Stories series that features one show a month from February to July.
Fort Frances council narrowly approves renaming of Colonization Road
May 12, 2021
Colonization Road is no more in Fort Frances. Town council on Monday voted to change the name of Colonization Road East to Agamiing to honour Anishinaabe people in the areas and Colonization Road West to Sunset Road as a nod to both the region and the Sunset Country Métis community in the area.
Community hopes for answers from inquest into death of Atikamekw woman who filmed Quebec nurses mocking her
May 13, 2021
A Quebec coroner will begin hearing testimony and explanations as to why Joyce Echaquan died in hospital last September after being admitted with stomach pains, and why the Atikamekw woman had to endure racist remarks and insults during her final moments.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-coroner-inquest-death-joyce-echaquan-1.6023915
Joyce Echaquan’s death sparks demand for Indigenous cultural training, but obstacles remain
May 12, 2021
Sylvie Roy didn’t expect her career as a child psychologist to lead to where she is now — teaching health-care professionals in Quebec about Indigenous history and realities and explaining how decades of colonial biases may be harming their interactions with patients.
After human remains unearthed at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Mohawk ancestors find new resting place
May 12, 2021
When St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal announced it would be doing some renovation work to reconfigure its gardens and entrance, the team had an inkling that they might find more than dirt and rocks buried under the historic site.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/burial-site-st-joseph-oratory-indigenous-1.6022624
RCMP officer charged with murder of Clear Water Dene Nation man in Prince Albert
May 12, 2021
Police in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan are investigating the death of a 26-year-old Clear Water Dene Nation man and have charged a serving member of the Prince Albert RCMP with first degree murder in connection with his death.
First Nations oppose permanent Hydro river flow permit
May 13, 2021
Representatives for two northern First Nations are asking the provincial government to deny approval for a permanent Manitoba Hydro permit that allows the utility considerable flexibility in manipulating two rivers.
Legislature to consider Indigenous land acknowledgement
May 13, 2021
Most Winnipeg Jets and Bomber fans know it by heart, as do city councillors and most students. It’s an Indigenous land acknowledgement that’s said before most important gatherings in this province — except for daily proceedings at the Manitoba legislature.
‘A big voice’: Friends, family mourn death of Elder Ted Fontaine
May 12, 2021
Ted Fontaine, a pillar of Manitoba’s First Nations community and an author who detailed abuses he suffered at a government-run residential school, has died at 79. When Fontaine, originally from the community of Sagkeeng, was seven years old, his parents were forced to leave him at a residential school by order of the Roman Catholic Church and the federal government.
Manitoba First Nation enters month-long lockdown after reporting biggest jump in COVID-19 cases
May 12, 2021
A First Nation near Lake Winnipeg is going into lockdown for a month after recording its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sagkeeng-first-nation-manitoba-covid-19-lockdown-1.6024666
Keeseekoose First Nation declares state of emergency due to overdose deaths
May 12, 2021
On May 8, Keeseekoose First Nation declared a state of emergency as a result of several overdose deaths in the community. Addiction is an issue that the Keeseekoose community is familiar with. For decades, the reserve has been trying to help community members with addiction.
Mi’kma’ki storyteller hopes workshop encourages “beautiful increase” in Indigenous narrative artists
May 12, 2021
This is how Nova Scotia oral storyteller, playwright, and poet shalan joudry opened a teaching exercise as part of her recent virtual storytelling workshop hosted by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.
Sir John A. sculptor says adding Indigenous figure would make ‘pretty neat piece’
May 12, 2021
The sculptor who created the bronze Sir John A. Macdonald bench statue in Charlottetown says he would be glad to work on a project that would add an Indigenous figure to the artwork. Mike Halterman, a 63-year-old sculptor based in Colorado, said it would probably take about a year to complete, but would be “a pretty good project.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-sir-john-a-sculptor-mike-halterman-1.6023831
After more than a century, Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man gets something back for stolen land
May 12, 2021
A First Nation in Saskatchewan with the longest name in the country has closed the chapter on its 25-year-old legal battle over land that was stolen in 1905. In March, the federal government and Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man (MGBHLM), agreed to a settlement worth $141 million – plus interest—a deal that was finalized in May.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/featured/first-nation-in-saskatchewan-specific-claims-tribunal-compensation/
Potlotek First Nation launches legal action to get federal government ‘off our backs’
May 12, 2021
As the Department of Fisheries and Oceans seizes lobster traps, the Potlotek First Nation is turning to the courts in an effort to stop the federal government from hindering its moderate livelihood fishery.
Cross Lake First Nation latest community dealing with COVID-19 outbreak
May 12, 2021
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba is the latest community to get hit by an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. “Over the last week I’ve had the chance to speak to many leaders who are fighting COVID on the front lines, including Chief David Monias of Cross Lake,” said Miller.
Indigenous legal service offers statement card to lessen anxiety
May 12, 2021
The Native Counselling Services of Alberta have recently re-released a downloadable “Statement to Police” card, designed to help reduce civilian anxiety in police encounters.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-legal-offers-statement-card-192216253.html
Why the Native Council of P.E.I. wants its own Indigenous-led homeless shelter
May 12, 2021
The Native Council of P.E.I. says it needs funding for its own homeless shelter after it says Bedford MacDonald House discriminated against some Indigenous clients. Lynn Bradley, the council’s mental health and addictions co-ordinator, said she is telling clients not to use the shelter because the council worries they’ll face discrimination or be turned away.
Indigenous woman shot by police was holding a replica gun, says Ucluelet First Nation
May 12, 2021
Ucluelet First Nation president Charles McCarthy says the woman shot by police in Hitacu on Saturday was holding a replica gun and was not allowed to be in the community. Ucluelet RCMP say they arrived at the Hitacu residence responding to a report of a disturbance and a male in need of medical assistance on May 8 around 5:12 p.m.
Indigenous leaders call for clarity, investigation into RCMP after B.C. shooting
May 12, 2021
Indigenous leaders are calling for an investigation into the conduct of Mounties on Vancouver Island after two members of a small First Nation were shot by police in the last three months.
First Nation tells CRD board to stay out of Fairy Creek logging issue
May 12, 2021
A Vancouver Island First Nation is telling the Capital Regional District board to stay out of the debate over logging in the contested Fairy Creek area near Port Renfrew.
On Indigenous Nurses Day in B.C., healthcare workers celebrated for ‘answering the call to justice’
May 12, 2021
On Indigenous Nurses Day, Indigenous nurses are recognized for “answering the call to justice” in their leadership transforming and navigating colonial healthcare systems. Indigenous Nurses Day in B.C. falls on May 10, and organizers say it specifically acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous nurses who have fought for justice and cultural safety in the healthcare system.
Leaders overseeing thousands of B.C. health-care professionals apologize for systemic anti-Indigenous racism
May 12, 2021
The leaders of regulatory colleges overseeing more than 90,000 health-care workers in B.C. have issued a joint apology to Indigenous people who have experienced racism, discrimination and abuse in the province’s health-care system.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/health-care-leaders-oversee-90-171129988.html
On the Skeena, regenerative farming feeds food security – National Observer
May 12, 2021
Years ago, the grandparents of Ando’ohl lax̱ ha (Nathan Combs) fed friends and family from potato fields and smokehouses on a plot of land they tended by the Skeena River about 150 kilometres northeast of Terrace. Ando’ohl lax̱ ha, who is Gitxan, wanted the land, which had been dormant for years, to again bolster his community’s food security.
https://nationtalk.ca/story/on-the-skeena-regenerative-farming-feeds-food-security-national-observer
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.
