Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald Will Not Seek Re-election
May 18, 2021
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald has announced she will not be seeking a second term as Ontario Regional Chief. The ORC says that “A formal announcement around her future plans will be issued in the coming days”.
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know
May 19, 2021
As First Nations and Inuit across the country continue with vaccination efforts, the number of active cases in communities has remained relatively stable, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. There were 891 total active cases of the virus in First Nations as of May 17, an increase of 71 cases from a week prior.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.6031146
Ontario reports lowest daily COVID-19 case count since late March
May 19, 2021
Ontario’s daily COVID-19 case counts continue to trend downward with fewer than 1,600 new infections confirmed on Wednesday. Provincial health officials logged 1,588 new cases today, down from 1,616 on Tuesday and 2,170 on Monday.
Indigenous Services Canada news conference on COVID-19
May 19, 2021
Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health provide an update on coronavirus disease. Date: May 19, 2021, Time: 12:00 PM (ET).
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1898594371840
Team Rubicon In Lac Seul First Nation
May 18, 2021
Lac Seul First Nation becomes the fourth deployment of Team Rubicon in northwestern Ontario this year. The community asked for their assistance following an outbreak of COVID-19 this month.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/19/team-rubicon-in-lac-seul-first-nation/
Promising news in battle against COVID-19
May 18, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared some promising news on the vaccine front Tuesday. It was announced Canada will receive 9 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine in June, with 2 million per week until the end of July.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/promising-news-in-battle-against-covid-19/
PBO report details changes in federal funding for First Nations, Inuit health care
May 18, 2021
Parliament’s budget watchdog says federal funding for health care for First Nations and Inuit has shot up faster over the last few years than provincial spending on services for the general population.
Ottawa providing nearly $10 million in funding to support Indigenous law initiatives
May 18, 2021
The federal government has announced support for a number of projects across the country aimed at renewing and revitalizing legal relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Echaquan inquiry: Quebec nurse admits prejudice about Indigenous patients among staff
May 18, 2021
A nurse who works at the Quebec hospital where Joyce Echaquan died last year told a coroner’s inquest Tuesday there is a perception among her colleagues that Indigenous people are alcoholics or drug addicts.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/echaquan-inquiry-quebec-nurse-admits-172159047.html
High-speed fibre internet on the horizon for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
May 19, 2021
By the time next fall comes around, members of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (COTTFN) should be able to use high-speed fibre-connected internet for the first time.
Drones revolutionize Wiikwemkoong lands department
May 19, 2021
Wiikwemkoong, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Indigenous Forestry Initiative, has received a grant of $155,280 toward its forestry business program, enhancing its technology to take advantage of new and future opportunities and support several jobs in the community.
https://www.manitoulin.com/drones-revolutionize-wiikwemkoong-lands-department/
Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes Take the Lead in Post-Secondary Virtual Learning with eCampusOntario
May 18, 2021
Thanks to collaborative, innovative funding from the province and education non-profits, member institutes of the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) will be developing and improving virtual learning in Ontario for Indigenous learners.
Commonwealth Sport Canada announces two new Six Nations members
May 18, 2021
In April, the Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) has appointed two new members to its Board, with the aim of improving its governance through better representation.
How much does Canada owe Indigenous communities for stolen land?
May 18, 2021
How much money flowed through the Indian Trust Fund and where is it now? How can the myth of “free money” for First Nations be deconstructed? What do solutions for financial reparations look like?
Rumors of former MMIWG Inquiry commissioner running for AFN national chief
May 18, 2021
Perry Bellegarde’s tenure as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is coming to an end soon and with candidates like Alvin Fiddler already announcing a run at the job. There were rumours about whether former MMIWG National Inquiry Commissioner Michèle Audette would throw her hat into the ring as well.
Ontario Carrying Out More Inspections at Workplaces in Hot-Spot Regions
May 18, 2021
With more contagious variants of COVID-19 continuing to enter the country, the Ontario government is further supporting businesses and workers by expanding inspections of manufacturing and food processing workplaces, warehouses and distribution centres.
Gathering Stories of Forced Sterilization of Inuit Women in Quebec
May 18, 2021
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is launching a research project into the coerced sterilization of First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec, according to Nunatsiaq News. The organization is inviting women who think they may have been sterilized without their consent to come forward with their experiences, or a loved one’s story, with their permission.
https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/gathering-stories-forced-sterilization-inuit-women-quebec
Thomas King’s ‘Sufferance’ a political Indigenous thriller leavened with wit and humour
May 18, 2021
Jeremiah Camp, the protagonist of Thomas King’s dazzling new novel “Sufferance,” leads a simple, quiet life. He has a highly regimented routine, checking in with the locals in the town of Gleaming — stopping at the bakery and cafe, catching up on the day’s news — before connecting with friends and family on the adjoining Cradle River First Nations.
Cree journalist Connie Walker immerses herself in the stories of women she’ll never meet
May 18, 2021
A great deal of Connie Walker’s career in journalism and her life has been spent immersed in the lives of women she will never meet, women stolen from their families and communities, many who are still in need of justice.
Announcing Infinithéâtre’s 21/22 Season
May 18, 2021
The Infinithéâtre team is thrilled to get back to sharing provocative and inspiring stories… LIVE! Zach Fraser, in his first season as Infini’s Artistic Director, is honoured to announce the company’s 24th year of producing relevant theatre that explores and reflects the issues, challenges and possibilities of contemporary Québec.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/05/18/announcing-infinitheatres-21-22-season/
Relation between Indigenous and RCMP founded on oppression, as strained as ever: activist
May 19, 2021
A leading Indigenous activist says one year after protesters took to the streets demanding justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the relation between Canada’s Indigenous population and its national police force is as strained as ever. Pam Palmater, an attorney and Mi’kmaq woman from Eel River Bar First Nation, in New Brunswick, says those relations were historically founded on oppression.
‘Crisis in our community,’ Shamattawa First Nation chief says after 7-year-old attempts suicide
May 18, 2021
The chief of a remote northern Manitoba First Nation is calling for help after his sister died by suicide and a young child was left in critical condition following a suicide attempt. Shamattawa First Nation Chief Eric Redhead announced a local state of emergency on Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/shamattawa-first-nation-suicide-crisis-1.6031504
‘Our people are political prisoners’: CAP calls on Trudeau to help with immediate release of sisters
May 18, 2021
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is appealing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti to help in the release of two Saskatchewan sisters who have served more than 25 years each in prison for a murder they say they didn’t commit.
Grass fire destroys 2 houses, forces out 80 households in central Manitoba First Nation
May 18, 2021
Two homes were destroyed and about 80 households had to flee after a brush fire burned out of control into a north Interlake First Nation on Tuesday afternoon, the chief says.
Canada Supports Rapid Housing Projects for First Nations in Manitoba
May 18, 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 Manitoba.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-supports-rapid-housing-projects-183000017.html
Tkaronto Music Festival will help keep the music alive
May 18, 2021
The second iteration of the virtual Tkaronto Music Festival will spotlight Indigenous artists over a three-day period and help keep their musical careers alive during pandemic restrictions.
Mi’kmaw lessons created by UPEI students to preserve language
May 19, 2021
Two students in UPEI’s indigenous education program have created some new lessons in Mi’kmaw for the Native Council of Prince Edward Island to share with its members. Chantal Peppin and James Omowumi spent 10 weeks with the Native Council as part of their teacher training.
Sir John A’s beer rebrand a ‘great show of respect,’ says Mi’kmaw chief
May 18, 2021
The P.E.I. Brewing Company is rebranding its Gahan Sir John A’s Honey Wheat Ale in response to the ongoing issue of Canada’s first prime minister and his legacy’s effect on P.E.I.’s Indigenous community.
Prince Albert declares a state of emergency due to fires
May 18, 2021
The city of Prince Albert declared a state of emergency last night because of fires on the northeast outskirts of the city. Power has been out for over 8 thousand people in the north central area due to several transmission lines being damaged by the fire.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/prince-albert-declares-a-state-of-emergency-due-to-fires/
Fred Sasakamoose Day offers chance to honour Indigenous hockey icon’s life, legacy
May 18, 2021
May 18 has been proclaimed Fred Sasakamoose Day across Saskatchewan and a special ceremony took place in Saskatoon to mark the occasion.
Collector seeks cards featuring Indigenous hockey players to forward to youth
May 19, 2021
Naim Cardinal is once again finding out just how generous fellow hockey card collectors can be. Cardinal, a member of Tallcree First Nation in Alberta, has earned notice in the sports card collecting industry in recent years.
Fort McMurray non-profit hoping to keep bands on the up and up
May 18, 2021
Rob Louis says he’s seen too many band members across the country not get their rightful share – sometimes, he says, because chiefs or councillors misuse band funds. Louis, from the Ktunaxa (Kootenay) First Nation in BC, now calls Fort McMuray, Alta., home, has a law degree and is working on his masters.
Feds invest $245K to grow Homalco First Nation’s forestry business
May 18, 2021
The federal government is investing $245,000 in Homalco First Nation to help grow Homalco Forestry Initiatives, a business that provides forest management and timber harvesting in the community’s traditional territory in Campbell River, B.C.
https://www.woodbusiness.ca/feds-invest-245k-to-grow-homalco-first-nations-forestry-business/
No One Says, ‘I Want to Go Hitchhike Today to Get Groceries’
May 18, 2021
Lucy Sager once bought a plane ticket for a woman in northern British Columbia who was trying to get into treatment for substance use and then get her children back.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/05/19/Indigenous-People-Barriers-Drivers-Licensing/
B.C. First Nation opposes jade mining, wants reality TV show ‘Jade Fever’ taken off the air
May 18, 2021
A B.C. First Nation is calling for a halt to placer mining in its territory and for a reality TV show to be pulled off the air. The Tahltan Nation says “Jade Fever,” which airs on Discovery Canada, glamorizes the potential riches of finding jade and it’s making long-standing environmental issues in the region even worse.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7874572/bc-first-nation-jade-fever-tv-show/
Indigenous Tourism Association welcomes B.C.’s attraction grants despite indirect benefits
May 18, 2021
The Indigenous Tourism Association of BC is welcoming the provinces offer to provide up to $1-million grants to help “anchor” attractions and tour bus operators surviving the pandemic — even if the program won’t directly impact the association.
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/05/18/indigenous-tourism-association-welcomes-bc-attraction-grant/
Plan moves ahead to wipe out non-native deer population on B.C. island
May 18, 2021
The days of fallow deer running amok on Sidney Island could be numbered. The animals have devastated native plant populations and wreaked havoc on the local ecosystem during their decades on the island. Now local First Nations, the federal government, and an association representing the island’s approximately 50 residents have a plan to get rid of every last deer.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fallow-deer-cull-sidney-island-bc-1.6030887
Indigenous resurgence in a province like no other
May 18, 2021
After 30 years of treaty talks, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission findings, and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, First Nations still face racism on a systemic basis. Can Indigenous People ever find justice in this province?
https://www.policynote.ca/indigenous-resurgence/
CBC Vancouver’s Angela Sterritt named best local reporter at Canadian Screen Awards
May 18, 2021
The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television is handing out hardware this week to the country’s top talent in the film, television and digital industries and CBC Vancouver News at 6 journalist Angela Sterritt has been named among them.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sterritt-screen-award-1.6031556
Kwanlin Dün First Nation plans hundreds of new housing units
May 19, 2021
A part of Whitehorse used mainly for nature walks is set to be developed into housing, and it could create hundreds of new residential lots in a city where demand has been much higher than supply. On May 17, the Yukon government and Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) announced plans for a new residential development in Range Point.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/kwanlin-housing-development-1.6031842
Education Directorate aims to turn things around for Yukon Indigenous students
May 18, 2021
High schools across Yukon will be holding graduation ceremonies early next month. But not all students taking part will actually receive a diploma.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-first-nation-education-directorate-graduation-1.6031890
Hundreds of grateful Canadians flock to border after Blackfeet Tribe in Montana offers COVID vaccines to all
May 18, 2021
Linda Neilson had waited a long time to get her second COVID-19 vaccination — and thanks to the generosity of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana, the Alberta woman’s wait ended at the Canada-United States border on Tuesday.
Navajo Nation surpasses Cherokee to become largest US tribe
May 19, 2021
The Navajo Nation has by far the largest land mass of any Native American tribe in the country. Now, it’s boasting the largest enrolled population, too. Navajos clamored to enroll or fix their records as the tribe offered hardship assistance payments from last year’s federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. That boosted the tribe’s rolls from about 306,000 to nearly 400,000 citizens.
