Fewer than 2,200 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ontario for second straight day
May 17, 2021
Ontario is reporting fewer than 2,200 new cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row. Health officials logged 2,170 infections Monday, marking a slight decrease from Sunday’s report when 2,199 were added.
Indigenous people likely affected by COVID-19 at disproportionate rate in Thunder Bay, but no clear data
May 17, 2021
There may not be publicly available data on the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indigenous population in Thunder Bay, Ont., but a “high-level analysis,” suggests that is the case, said Cora McGuire-Cyrette.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/indigenous-covid-rates-tbay-1.6027643
Ontario expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those 18+ a week ahead of schedule
May 17, 2021
Starting tomorrow, all Ontario residents over the age of 18 will be able to book a COVID-19 vaccine, a week ahead of the province’s initial rollout schedule. The government said the decision to widen eligibility was based on an increase in vaccine supply.
Why Canada’s big bets on delaying, mixing doses of COVID-19 vaccines could pay off
May 17, 2021
While the typical approach for COVID-19 vaccinations is using the same brand for each dose, given at specific intervals, Canada has been exploring mixing doses on top of delaying second shots up to four months — two big bets that could pay off.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-covid-vaccines-moderna-pfizer-1.6027657
Saugeen First Nation debates fate of Canada’s nuclear waste
May 16, 2021
If a vote was held today on whether to bury Canada’s high level nuclear waste within the Saugeen Ojibway territory, north of Teeswater, Vernon Roote believes he knows the vote’s outcome.
https://london.ctvnews.ca/saugeen-first-nation-debates-fate-of-canada-s-nuclear-waste-1.5430208
Forum geared to building self-sufficient communities
May 15, 2021
A new economic forum between the Chiefs of Ontario and the provincial government aims to ensure that Indigenous communities move “away from dependency and towards self-sufficiency” in the post-pandemic world.
Canadian, Ontario governments sign education memorandum of understanding with Grand Council Treaty #3
May 17, 2021
A new agreement between the Canadian federal government, Ontario government, and Grand Council Treaty #3 is aimed at helping improve education for Indigenous youth. The three parties announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the matter on Friday, which will help preserve, support and revitalize the language, culture and identity of Treaty #3 First Nations by supporting First Nations control of education to improve student success for First Nations youth in Northwestern Ontario,” Indigenous Services Canada stated in a media release issued Friday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/education-mou-1.6028815
Indigenous patients face higher risk of death post-surgery, study suggests
May 17, 2021
Indigenous surgery patients are nearly a third more likely to die after their procedures than other populations in Canada and face higher risks of complications, new research suggests as doctors warn these inequities could worsen with the COVID-19 crisis.
‘Cash Back’: Report investigates what restitution for Indigenous land theft could look like
May 16, 2021
How much money does Canada owe Indigenous people for the theft of their land, and what could restitution look like? A new report posed these and other questions as it took a deep dive through the finances behind Canada’s historical and ongoing oppression of Indigenous people.
First Nations sue Ontario over changes to environmental laws
May 14, 2021
A court challenge launched by First Nations and environmental groups over changes to provincial environmental protection laws is slated to begin next week. The case centres on changes made to Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act by the government of Premier Doug Ford as part of its COVID-19 Recovery Act, a sweeping omnibus bill aimed at speeding up the economic recovery from the pandemic.
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/first-nations-sue-ontario-over-changes-to-environmental-laws
Lawyer for Robinson-Huron Treaty annuities case recognized for advocacy work
May 16, 2021
A lawyer at the forefront of the ongoing Robinson-Huron Treaty annuities case is being recognized for his advocacy work in representing causes that may be politically or socially unpopular or against the mainstream.
For First Nations under the thumb of the Indian Act, where does justice come from?
May 14, 2021
Governance on First Nations in Canada is complicated. For more than 140 years, the Indian Act has determined how First Nation communities are governed. But that colonial-era legislation replaced or suppressed governing structures that go back centuries.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/investigates/aptn-investigates-for-trust-or-profit-indian-act/
‘60s Scoop compensation claims back on track after early pandemic shut down
May 14, 2021
Deadlines are back and applications are being processed again for compensation for survivors of forced adoption known as the ‘60s Scoop. “We reinstated deadlines in March and April,” said Doug Lennox, a senior class action lawyer at Klein Lawyers.
Indigenous art bus to roll along Thunder Bay’s streets this fall
May 14, 2021
One of Thunder Bay Transit’s 40-foot buses will have a new paint job this fall — which will catch the eye and promote unity within the city. A new art bus will get rolled out with the theme Mamawe – All Together.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-indigneous-art-bus-1.6026543
‘The most therapeutic thing I’ve ever done’: Mohawk Lacrosse star pens novel about mental health
May 15, 2021
Former Lacrosse star Delby Powless is opening up about his own mental health struggles in his novel “Medicine Game.” The Six Nations Lacrosse champion wrote the fictional book as a way to express his own real life experiences with sexual abuse he suffered as a child.
Tickets on sale for world’s first Indigenous Fringe Festival in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong
May 15, 2021
Live performance is returning to Peterborough-Nogojiwanong this summer at the world’s first Indigenous Fringe Festival, taking place in June at Trent University, and tickets are now available online at tickets.showplace.org.
International Indigenous Music Summit moves to new online model, adds new element
May 16, 2021
The International Indigenous Music Summit is getting ready to kick off, but this time with a virtual twist. The summit is an event to create awareness about Indigenous artists, as well as opportunities and sharing resources.
‘A pow wow to remember’ series: Amber Manitowabi-Huebner
May 17, 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 by Amber Manitowabi-Huebner, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/05/17/a-pow-wow-to-remember-series-amber-manitowabi-huebner/
Bluewater Health enhancing support for Indigenous patients
May 17, 2021
Bluewater Health wants to ensure Indigenous people feel safe and supported at Sarnia-Lambton’s hospitals. An Indigenous Transition Facilitator is to be hired to support the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program.
Business run out of national chief’s home puts him ‘clearly in a conflict of interest,’ say Chiefs of Ontario
May 14, 2021
The Chiefs of Ontario is accusing the head of the Assembly of First Nations of being “clearly in a conflict of interest” over contracts issued to an Ottawa-based consulting company owned by his spouse, according to a memo obtained by APTN News.
Opinion: Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Guardians are truly essential services
May 16, 2021
Indigenous peoples have always known the importance of taking care of the land and the waters. Archaeologists and scientists are discovering more and more evidence of what Indigenous peoples have always emphasized through their oral history: that they treated the lands and waters as a garden.
Inquests, Indigenous deaths and racism, why the Joyce Echaquan inquiry must produce results: Opinion
May 15, 2021
The inquest into the death of Joyce Echaquan began May 13, 2021 in Trois-Rivieres, Que. Echaquan, a member of the Manawan First Nation and mother of seven, was only 37 years old when she died at Joliette Hospital on Sept. 30, 2020 in a racist, hostile and unsafe environment.
Joyce Echaquan’s family describes seeing her ‘tied up like an animal’ in Joliette hospital bed
May 14, 2021
Michele Audette heard her share of testimony as a commissioner during the MMIWG national inquiry – but she came to Trois-Rivieres, Que., to lend support as more revelations about Joyce Echaquan’s death were made public during the first days of the coroner’s inquest.
Is ‘Grande Alliance’ deal in Quebec worth it? Some Cree hunters aren’t so sure
May 16, 2021
It’s been a little more than a year since the Grande Alliance deal was reached between the Cree Nation and Quebec government. The agreement promises to bring job opportunities to a large part of the James Bay Cree population.
Montreal’s 1st Indigenous arts centre opens with exhibition by Wendat artist
May 15, 2021
After a slew of postponements as a result of the pandemic, the first Indigenous-run arts centre in Montreal opened its doors for its first exhibition last weekend.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/montreals-1st-indigenous-arts-centre-080000033.html
Two found dead after standoff in Indigenous community in eastern Quebec
May 16, 2021
Quebec’s police watchdog is investigating the deaths of two people found inside a home following a standoff on the Listuguj First Nation. The Bureau of Independent Investigations issued a statement saying officers from the Listuguj Police Department were dispatched to the residence near the New Brunswick border at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday to investigate reports of gunfire.
Student-led project to ship PPE to remote indigenous communities hits ‘major bump in the road’
May 15, 2021
A student-led initiative to send desperately needed protective equipment to remote northern Indigenous communities has hit a roadblock. Daniel Bersyniow and his Grade 12 friends from Sir Robert Borden high school have already gathered more than 10,000 masks through their Star of Life project, which started collecting masks in January, along with boxes of hand sanitizer and other safety equipment destined for a good cause.
Peskotomuhkati chief unhappy about nuclear reactor testing on his traditional territory
May 16, 2021
It’s a new kind of nuclear reactor that the federal government is putting up $50.5 million in development money for, but some Indigenous leaders are already speaking out against it. Moltex Energy Canada is getting the tax-dollar investment to develop what the nuclear industry calls a “small modular reactor” or SMR – which is generally considered to be a reactor with a power output of 300 megawatts or less.
Three Indigenous-owned corporations show support for small modular reactors
May 16, 2021
Three Indigenous-owned companies in Saskatchewan have announced they’re exploring small modular reactors (SMR). Kitsaki Management, Athabasca Basin Development and Des Nedhe Group have all signed a memorandum of understanding concerning their support for nuclear power in Saskatchewan.
Treatment of Innu teen in Labrador health system cause for concern, former MP says
May 16, 2021
Members of the Innu Nation are voicing their concerns over equality in the Labrador-Grenfell Health system after a teenager with a collapsed lung was driven to hospital in his mother’s vehicle instead of an ambulance.
Postville, Labrador Inuit artist Raeann Brown answers 20 Questions
May 17, 2021
Growing up in Postville on the north coast of Labrador, Raeann Brown couldn’t wait to leave the Inuit community. It seemed so small and unexciting, she said, and she wanted to see the world. Now, as an adult living in Wabush in western Labrador, she realizes she didn’t know what she had as a child.
Saskatoon MLA recounts granddaughters’ racist encounter
May 16, 2021
An MLA from Saskatoon is sharing a racist encounter her young grandchildren had with a stranger earlier this week. Betty Nippi-Albright, MLA for the Saskatoon Centre constituency, is an Indigenous woman from Kinistin Saulteaux Nation.
Mi’kmaq filmmaker Jeff Barnaby on pushing boundaries, pursuing his vision
May 14, 2021
Jeff Barnaby is a visionary in the filmmaking world — so much so that it seems the industry is still trying to figure out where he fits, he says. His Indigenous zombie horror “Blood Quantum” is the leading film contender for next week’s Canadian Screen Awards with 10 nominations, including best editing and screenplay for Barnaby. And yet he says he’s struggling to land his next project.
Mi’kmaw student creates lab at Acadia to share traditional knowledge with future scientists
May 15, 2021
All first-year biology students at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., now learn about Mi’kmaw traditional knowledge thanks to the efforts of one student who was tired of seeing Indigenous perspectives ignored in science.
New Mi’kmaw-led land trust aims to protect culturally significant lands
May 14, 2021
First Nations in Nova Scotia have a new way to protect and conserve lands.The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs recently announced a new land trust to protect lands for ecological and cultural reasons. The Mi’kmaw-led initiative is called Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/first-nations-conserve-land-1.6027074
Lobster fishing season begins for commercial and moderate livelihood fisheries in Cape Breton
May 16, 2021
Donna Marshall left her home in Membertou First Nation at 3 a.m. and was standing on her fishing boat, counting down the minutes, when the commercial lobster fishing season started on Saturday. “I’m crazy excited every year,” she said.
Listuguj fishers catch lucky blue lobster
May 14, 2021
Feeling blue? Not the crew of Desert Storm 1. The lobster fishers from Listuguj, in the Gaspésie region of Quebec, found a rare blue lobster in their traps in the Chaleur Bay Thursday morning.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/blue-lobster-listuguj-fishers-1.6027267
Non-Indigenous Manitobans should not go to urban Indigenous vaccine clinics: province
May 14, 2021
Manitoba health officials are asking non-Indigenous Manitobans to not attend urban Indigenous clinics to get their COVID-19 vaccine. On Friday, Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force, said these clinics were specifically created to increase accessibility and provide culturally safe spaces for First Nations (both status and non-status), Metis, and Inuit people.
First Nations-led vaccination campaign encouraging younger people to get the shot
May 14, 2021
A new vaccination campaign launched this week, called Protect Our People MB, is encouraging vaccine uptake and confidence among younger First Nation people throughout the province.
Winnipegger’s book drawing from Cree sky lore nominated for Governor General’s Award
May 16, 2021
A Winnipeg author has been nominated for a Governor General literary award for his latest book, which he describes as Narnia meets Cree sky stories. David A. Robertson’s The Barren Grounds was nominated in the category of Young People’s Literature – Text earlier this month.
Pandemic help available for two-spirit, Indigenous LGBTQQAI+ in Eastern Canada
May 17, 2021
Pandemic relief is available for those who self-identify as two-spirited and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ in Eastern Canada through the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance. The funding is open to members of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Innu and Inuit living within New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé region of Quebec.
Edmonton Police Service offering ‘Know Your Rights’ card to the public
May 15, 2021
Following in the footsteps of the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA), the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is also offering pocket brochures and wallet sized cards with QR codes that direct you to the EPS Know Your Rights webpage.
Death of Ellie Herman a reminder MMIWG2S an issue ‘people can’t ignore’
May 15, 2021
Daniel Herman started getting worried in late September 2019 when he stopped hearing from his daughter, Ellie Herman. It wasn’t like her to disappear, and Herman was reported missing a few weeks later on Oct. 17.
Housing development eases Fort McKay First Nation’s dependence on oil and gas
May 14, 2021
Economic diversification for the Fort McKay First Nation is taking the form of East Pine, a housing development partnership that will see affordable housing units as part of a multi-family residential complex built just south of Edmonton.
Drive-in movies on Tsuut’ina Nation will resume despite restrictions while High River drive-in must close
May 16, 2021
There is now a sequel to the drive-in disruption at the Grey Eagle Drive-In in Alberta after a surprise announcement from event organizers on the weekend.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7866915/drive-in-movies-tsuutina-nation-high-river/
A Legacy of Mistrust: Can Indigenous Health Care in BC’s North Turn a Corner?
May 16, 2021
When the pain and desperation reached unbearable levels, Anne Ketlo dialed 911. The dispatcher asked her location and was startled to hear the answer. Ketlo was calling from her hospital bed.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/05/17/Legacy-Mistrust-Indigenous-Health-Care-BC-North/
Canada Supports Rapid Housing Projects for First Nations in British Columbia
May 14, 2021
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada’s recovery for communities across the country, including those in British Columbia.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-supports-rapid-housing-projects-203000912.html
‘A Garage Sale for the Last Old Growth’
May 14, 2021
Two summers ago, Brenda Sayers knelt atop what was left of British Columbia’s likely ninth widest Douglas fir tree. Sayers, a member of the Hupačasath First Nation, has long fought to protect old growth in her territory on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/05/14/Old-Growth-Garage-Sale/
‘It’s a painful time for people:’ Advocate in B.C. asks AFN to hold off on July election
May 14, 2021
Some First Nations leaders are asking for the upcoming Assembly of First Nations elections for national chief to be postponed because they feel it would be unfair to do so during a pandemic.
Cross-Canada walk to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women
May 14, 2021
The disappearance of a family friend has inspired an Indigenous woman to walk across Canada to fundraise and raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Scout Island pedestrian bridge to be named ‘Nekw7usem Bridge’ for unity
May 14, 2021
The City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation will be holding a naming ceremony for the Nekw7usem Bridge connecting the RC Cotton Trail to Scout Island.
National Nursing Week: Two brothers bring family teachings to education
May 15, 2021
Although today their paths are aligned, the Van de Mosselaer brothers found their passion for nursing in different ways. Adrian and Quinn Van de Mosselaer both recently completed their first year at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO)’s School of Nursing, in Kelowna, B.C.
Nurse Leanne Poitras-Kelly’s work honours community connections
May 16, 2021
Before starting her day as a nurse educator, Leanne Poitras-Kelly centres herself with morning exercise and — of course — coffee. If she goes for a walk, she’ll be listening to her favourite podcast about Métis culture, Paykiiwikay, she tells IndigiNews.
First Nations in B.C. partner with feds to build Chinook salmon stocks in Fraser River
May 15, 2021
First Nation partners and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be releasing more than 101,000 Chinook fry into 12 different watersheds in the Upper Fraser as part of what is called the Big Bar Emergency Conservation Enhancement Program.
Unceded: Why we acknowledge, or don’t, that B.C. First Nations never signed away land
May 14, 2021
Who, ultimately, possesses the land? That is a question at the root of the territorial acknowledgments that have become pervasive across Canada, a sombre public rite.
Pacheedaht tells CRD to stay out of its business
May 14, 2021
The Pacheedaht First Nation says the Capital Regional District should mind its own business when it comes to forest resources on their traditional territory.
https://www.timescolonist.com/pacheedaht-tells-crd-to-stay-out-of-its-business-1.24319139
Learning Syilx teachings through EPIC program at Southern Okanagan Secondary School
May 16, 2021
The Experiential, Project-based, Indigenous and Community (EPIC) program designed to strengthen connections with Indigenous students and boost attendance at a high school in Oliver, B.C. seems to be working.
Time Traveller: The story of Maisie Hurley and The Native Voice
May 17, 2021
This image shows Maisie Hurley (1887-1964) and the cover of an edition of The Native Voice, the country’s first First Nations newspaper that Hurley founded and published starting in 1946. It became the official publication of the Native Brotherhood of B.C.
Cree-Métis baritone becomes 1st artist-in-residence at Early Music Vancouver
May 16, 2021
Jonathon Adams grew up surrounded by classical music and now the Cree-Métis baritone will be joining Early Music Vancouver as its first-ever summer artist-in-residence. “I sort of learned a lot of classical music at the expense, in some ways, of learning in my own traditional music,” said Adams.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/jonathon-adams-baritone-early-music-vancouver-1.6027333
Nunavut MP calls federal housing funding ‘laughable’
May 14, 2021
Nunavut’s MP stood in the House of Commons on Thursday to demand more housing money, calling the federal government’s recent $25 million pledge “laughable to say the least.” “While families in Ottawa and Toronto are told to stay home, wash their hands and stay physically distanced, Nunavummiut are packed inside overcrowded and mouldy homes that are falling apart,” Mumilaaq Qaqqaq said, referencing public health measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavut-mp-calls-federal-housing-funding-laughable/
Gwich’in Elder Sarah Jerome named NWT representative for Historical Monument board
May 16, 2021
In joining the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Sarah Jerome has come full circle. Having already sat on the council once in the 1980s, the Gwich’in Elder has a long history of building up traditional knowledge in the NWT. Now, she will represent the NWT as the council selects natural for preservation as national treasures.
N.W.T. elder Paul Andrew appointed to law society
May 17, 2021
Paul Andrew, an elder, former broadcaster and the former chief of Tulita, has been appointed as the new lay member of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/paul-andrew-nwt-law-society-1.6028572
Why this woman is working on revitalizing her N.W.T. mother’s Chipewyan language
May 15, 2021
A graduate student at Royal Roads University with roots in the Northwest Territories is focusing on language revitalization. Shawna Yamkovy’s mother, Emmy Yamkovy, was born in in Łutsël K’é (then known as Snowdrift) and she spoke the traditional language of the nation, Dëne Sųłiné Yati.
