Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order Until June 2
May 13, 2021
With the new, more contagious variants continuing to pose significant risks, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended the Stay-at-Home Order (O. Reg. 265/21) until at least June 2, 2021. All public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake will also remain in effect.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000124/ontario-extending-stay-at-home-order-until-june-2
Ontario reports 2,362 new COVID-19 cases, 26 more deaths
May 14, 2021
Ontario reported more than 2,300 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and 26 additional deaths, as the seven-day rolling average of infections continues to drop. Provincial health officials logged 2,362 new coronavirus infections today, down from 2,759 on Thursday.
https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-reports-2-362-new-covid-19-cases-26-more-deaths-1.5427872
First COVID-19 Cases Found At Neskantaga
May 14, 2021
A State of Emergency has been declared in Neskantaga First Nation over cases of COVID-19. For the first time since the pandemic started, the community confirms a positive case was determined Wednesday by Sioux Lookout health authorities, and two subsequent Thursday.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/14/first-covid-19-cases-found-at-neskantaga/
Residents aged 40+ now eligible in accelerated vaccine roll-out
May 13, 2021
Ontario residents aged 40 and older are now able to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments through Ontario’s online booking system.
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/residents-aged-40-now-eligible-in-accelerated-vaccine-roll-out
Coronavirus is airborne so stop disinfecting everything: expert
May 14, 2021
Stop cleaning and start ventilating — that’s the message from Michael Brauer, a professor in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC. Given the scientific consensus that the coronavirus is airborne, Brauer is calling for a shift in COVID prevention strategies.
First Nations urge court to throw out Ontario’s appeal of Stage 1 Robinson-Huron Treaty annuities case ruling
May 14, 2021
The Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations, which includes all First Nations on Manitoulin Island among its total of 21, urged the Court of Appeal to throw out Ontario’s appeal.
Ontario First Nations court challenge against Ford Government’s gutting of Environmental Assessment Laws begins
May 13, 2021
An historic court hearing challenging the Ford Government’s gutting of Ontario environmental assessment laws, begins Monday, May 17 and lasts at least until Thursday, May 20. Several Ontario First Nations are challenging Ontario’s new EAA adopted through Bill 197, an omnibus bill entitled “Covid 19 Economic Recovery Act”.
‘Tremendous imbalance’: Some Indigenous people are waiting years for their status cards
May 13, 2021
Some Indigenous people are waiting for up to two years to get their Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card, which is supposed to take just eight to 12 weeks to be processed.
Government of Canada taking steps with partners in Ontario to improve education for First Nations students
May 14, 2021
Please note that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Grand Chief Francis Kavanaughand of the Grand Council Treaty #3, will hold a media availability following a signing ceremony with the Grand Council Treaty #3 and the Province of Ontario. Date: May 14, 2021 Time: 4:00 pm EDT. Where: Media will be able to view the media availability via Zoom. Meeting ID: 845 2744 6869 Passcode: 155426.
Opinion: It’s time to make safe affordable housing a priority in Nipissing
May 13, 2021
I recently volunteered to work with community members to check in with people living unhoused in North Bay. Over one day and one evening, we walked well over 20 kilometres, crisscrossing various neighbourhoods, and into the nooks and crannies that I’d previously passed without notice. Some people had decent setups and were dry, others were sitting in a soggy mess of clothing and blankets.
Greens get behind Great Lakes Anishinaabeg in fights against controversial herbicide, Enbridge Line 5
May 13, 2021
Pressure is mounting on federal, provincial and municipal governments to ban a controversial chemical herbicide known as glyphosate, which is widely used in agriculture and forestry industries. Anishinaabe chiefs of the upper Great Lakes are asserting their inherent rights and calling for a ban on aerial spraying of the herbicide across the Robinson Huron Treaty area in northern Ontario.
Alvin Fiddler could bring inspired change to the Assembly of First Nations
May 14, 2021
In many respects, the job of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is thankless. That person heads up a 10-armed octopus that governs no territory of its own, but exists to protect treaty rights and advance First Nations interests in a country that fights you, tooth and nail, on everything.
Indigenous scholarship program for studies in electricity, energy industries expanded through OPG, Indspire
May 13, 2021
Thanks to a new partnership, a total of $200,000 will now be available during the next three years for Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing careers in the electricity and energy industries.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-scholarship-program-studies-electricity-190302115.html
Indigenous students at Queen’s University involved in a NASA-sponsored rocket launch
May 13, 2021
A group of indigenous engineering students from Queen’s University are the only Canadian team to compete in a NASA-sponsored rocket launch. GNM speaks with some of the members of the team about the build and launch.
Tikinagan recognizes the importance of Children and Youth in Care Day
May 14, 2021
Children and Youth in Care Day is an annual event to raise awareness about children and youth in the care across the province of Ontario. This year, Tikinagan Child and Family Services wants to remind the public that the day will be taking place on May 14th.
First Nations Health Managers Association offers weekly COVID-19 virtual town halls
May 14, 2021
The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) is excited about the rollout of its weekly virtual town halls featuring information about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on APTN. The virtual town halls, which are held on Wednesdays at the FNHMA Facebook page and other sites, have been rebroadcast on Saturdays at 5 p.m. since April 17 on APTN.
Constitutional challenge falls apart as North Bay court hears no evidence of Amikwa nation
May 14, 2021
Several dozen Indigenous people from the Lake Nipissing area will be paying fines for hunting and fishing violations after their constitutional challenge failed in court this week.
The 54 defendants claimed they were members of the Amikwa Nation, which has never signed a treaty with the Canadian government.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/nipissing-indigenous-hunting-fishing-rights-amikwa-1.6025342
Mishkeegogamang First Nation man charged with second-degree murder
May 13, 2021
A man arrested in connection to the death of a 17-year-old woman in Mishkeegogamang First Nation has now been charged with second-degree murder. Jerry Fox, 32, of Mishkeegogamang First Nation was arrested following a serious assault that took place in the community on May 1 and he has now been charged with second-degree murder.
U of S, Trent U professors to teach remaining Indigenous courses at Laurentian
May 14, 2021
Laurentian is offering six Indigenous Studies courses this spring, but they’re not being taught by Laurentian faculty. The courses were among those offered at the University of Sudbury, one of the federated universities with which Laurentian cut ties during insolvency proceedings. As part of a deal negotiated between Laurentian and University of Sudbury, Laurentian would make a one-time offering of the six courses in Indigenous Studies.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/laurentian-indigenous-classes-1.6025643
‘She didn’t ask to end her life like that’: Public inquiry into Joyce Echaquan’s death begins in Quebec
May 13, 2021
On the first day of the Quebec coroner’s public inquiry into the death of Joyce Echaquan, her partner of 23 years told reporters he was feeling “nervous, but confident. “Like you, I don’t know what awaits us,” Carol Dubé said during a media scrum outside the Trois-Rivieres courthouse on Thursday morning.
‘I told her often I loved her,’ Joyce Echaquan’s husband tells inquest into her death at Quebec hospital
May 13, 2021
Even as she lay dying, Joyce Echaquan was kept tied to her hospital bed by her ankles and wrists, her eldest daughter testified at a Quebec coroner’s inquest Thursday. “She was still restrained,” Wasianna Echaquan Dubé told the inquest. “Even as she was dead, she was still restrained — in a small room — she was still restrained.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-coroner-inquest-death-joyce-echaquan-1.6023915
Dudley George relatives lay claim to ancestral Ipperwash homelands
May 13, 2021
Relatives of the late Dudley George moved onto the former Ipperwash Provincial Park lands Friday, laying claim to their ancestral homestead.
Why this First Nations police service is giving $10 to youth for following COVID-19 measures
May 13, 2021
It’s not an everyday occurrence to be stopped by police and be given money. But that’s what’s happening in Kahnawake, south of Montreal, as a part of a new education initiative by the Kahnawake Peacekeepers and the community’s COVID-19 task force.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kahnawake-10-youth-incentive-public-health-1.6025622
Montreal police force trying to attract young people from cultural and Indigenous minorities
May 13, 2021
The Montreal police force (SPVM) launched a recruitment campaign Thursday aimed at getting young people interested in a career in policing, particularly those from ethnocultural and Indigenous communities.
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.
Province issues permanent licence for Manitoba Hydro’s Churchill River Diversion
May 13, 2021
The provincial government has issued licences with new operational terms to Manitoba Hydro for two programs that critics say have devastated the environment and economy in parts of the north.
First Nation vaccine rollout has been impressive, but some communities remain skeptical
May 14, 2021
As the provincial vaccine rollout continues to ramp up, the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Co-ordination Team has reported that over 60,000 First Nation people have received at least one shot of a COVID vaccine.
Urban vaccine clinics providing much needed services for Indigenous Peoples in Winnipeg
May 13, 2021
Each day at the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata centre’s vaccine clinic begins in a good way with the smudging of the day’s vaccine supply and a morning prayer with the dozens of employees who work there.
Sipekne’katik to receive $2.7M for 20 affordable housing units
May 13, 2021
Ottawa has announced $2.73 million to build affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness in one of the largest Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. The 20-unit project in the Sipekne’katik First Nation will be constructed through the federal rapid housing initiative, with half of the units targeted to women and children.
Balancing conservation and fairness in paths toward a ‘moderate livelihood’ for Indigenous fishermen
May 14, 2021
This week the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on the implementation of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, the culmination of six months work and the testimony of 45 witnesses, academics and experts. At the heart of this study is a question of law — one of the most unique cases in Canadian history, requiring not one, but two decisions at the Supreme Court — and a question of fairness.
MPs issue conflicting reports on contentious First Nations fishery
May 13, 2021
Canadian parliamentarians issued dissenting reports Thursday on implementing First Nations moderate livelihood fisheries in the Maritimes and Quebec. The fisheries and oceans committee report released by the Liberals makes 40 recommendations and supports positions taken by various sides in the contentious dispute: upholding the fisheries minister’s ultimate authority to regulate the fishery while urging Ottawa to consider sharing management and decision-making with First Nations.
Sheila North will make bid to lead Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
May 14, 2021
Manitoba’s first female grand chief is looking to hold the title again. Sheila North, the former Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak grand chief, says she plans to enter the race to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) once an election is called.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sheila-north-assembly-manitoba-chiefs-election-run-1.6025941
Case of Saskatchewan Mountie charged with killing Clear Water Dene First Nation man put over
May 13, 2021
Brett Herman made it a point Thursday to get himself down to the Prince Albert courthouse so he could face the man who is accused of killing his half brother. “He didn’t want to look me in the face so that says a lot about his character,” Brett Herman said.
Sarah Jerome appointed to Historic Sites and Monuments Board
May 14, 2021
Gwich’in Elder Sarah Jerome has been appointed to the national Historic Sites and Monuments Board until 2026. The board, which advises the federal government on “national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada,” is made up of representatives from each of the provinces and territories.
https://cabinradio.ca/62716/news/sarah-jerome-appointed-to-historic-sites-and-monuments-board/
Vaccine uptake high in many Sask. First Nations
May 14, 2021
Chief Frances Iron thought long and hard about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The chief of Canoe Lake Cree Nation said he was hesitant about the shot because of his traditional beliefs, including teachings about medicine he initially worried were incompatible with receiving the vaccine. In the end, he decided rolling up his sleeve was the best way to protect him, his family, and his community, he said.
https://thestarphoenix.com/news/saskatchewan/vaccine-uptake-high-in-many-sask-first-nations
This new arena will be named in honour of Squamish Nation lacrosse history
May 13, 2021
The new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre arena is set to be named in honour of the North Shore’s rich and proud Squamish Nation lacrosse history.
Vancouver schools mull proposals to introduce, expand Indigenous, other language programs
May 13, 2021
The push to launch Indigenous-language education in Vancouver schools has taken another step forward. At the final Vancouver School Board Finance Committee meeting for the 2020-21 year on Wednesday, speakers were able to voice their thoughts on allocating money towards a pilot program.
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/05/13/vancouver-school-indigenous-language-programs/
‘We have these experiences, but we don’t talk about them’: Nisga’a author Jordan Abel on his deeply personal book ‘Nishga’
May 14, 2021
Jordan Abel is a Nisga’a writer from British Columbia. That seems a straightforward enough statement. But it’s complicated. What does that mean to be a Nisga’a writer? In fact, what does it mean to be Indigenous?
Food shaped by traditions
May 13, 2021
Indigenous food is “so much more than bannock tacos” says Siobhan Detkavich, the youngest-ever competitor on Top Chef Canada. “I come from Cowichan,” says the 21-year-old, adding that she’s also been shaped by connections to the Osoyoos Indian Band.
New series examines the meaning of hunting to Indigenous people
May 13, 2021
“I have two boys – one’s 11 and one’s 17,” he said when reached at his Vancouver Island home. “There’s so many distractions for both of them. How can I compete with screens and games and Netflix? As a father, I’m always trying to get them outside.”
People along Jean Marie River in N.W.T. dealing with loss after flood
May 13, 2021
Carla Norwegian burst into tears when she returned home to Jean Marie River, Northwest Territories. “I was shocked and overwhelmed. I went to my house and I found it totaled, it was trashed, everything flipped over. Even my deepfreeze, my fridge and the crawlspace still had water in it,” Norwegian said of the Jean Marie River flooding.
Iqaluit city council distributes $500K for COVID-19 relief
May 13, 2021
Four Iqaluit organizations will receive a share of a half million dollars for pandemic relief, city council decided Tuesday evening. Uquutaq Society will receive $155,000 for its transitional housing and shelters, Tukisigiarvik will receive $65,000 for its hygiene and food programs, Qajuqturvik Food Centre will receive $65,000 for its food service, and YWCA Agvvik will receive $55,000.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/iqaluit-city-council-distributes-500k-for-covid-19-relief/
Archive Projects In Yukon, N.W.T., and Nunavut Receive $185K In Federal Funding
May 14, 2021
Four northern heritage projects have been chosen to receive a boost of funding. These heritage projects will receive a boost of funding from a $1.5 million fund created by Library and Archives Canada.
No indication from Yukon Party that MLAs who sent vulgar text messages will be removed from caucus
May 13, 2021
Despite growing public pressure from Yukon First Nations groups for two Yukon Party MLAs to resign after sending inappropriate text messages in a group chat, their political party says they’ll receive sensitivity training – and has made no indication that the MLAs will lose their positions.
