Ontario reports fewer than 3,500 new COVID-19 cases
May 3, 2021
Ontario is reporting 3,436 new COVID-19 cases and 16 additional deaths on Monday. It marks the ninth straight day with a daily increase of fewer than 4,000 cases. The test positivity rate is 9.7 per cent, up from 8.5 per cent a day ago. The province reported a record test positivity rate of 10.9 on Monday last week.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/05/03/ontario-reports-fewer-than-3500-new-covid-19-cases/
Lac Seul First Nation In Code Red Lockdown
May 2, 2021
Lac Seul First Nation is now under a Code Red Lockdown order due to rising COVID-19 cases. The First Nation released a statement on Friday April 30 stating “Chief and Council, along with the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority are declaring an outbreak in the community”.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/05/02/lac-seul-first-nation-in-code-red-lockdown/
Moderna to deliver 1 million more doses in May as Canada braces for a ‘massive’ surge in vaccines
April 29, 2021
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, the military commander leading vaccine logistics at the Public Health Agency of Canada, said today that Moderna will deliver one million more vaccine doses during the week of May 10.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/moderna-deliveries-may-1.6007912
Feds formalizing request made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to suspend arrival of international students
April 30, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he is working to formalize a request made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to suspend the arrival of international students in the province.
Minister Miller highlights Indigenous economic development investments in Budget 2021
April 30, 2021
Budget 2021 is the Government of Canada’s plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians.
Federal Budget 2021: New funding can’t come soon enough to address First Nations opioid and methamphetamine crisis
April 30, 2021
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation says details from last week’s 2021 federal Budget can’t come soon enough for First Nations and treatment centres to address substance use, addictions, and mental health issues compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parliamentary Secretary Pam Damoff highlights investments for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Budget 2021
April 30, 2021
Budget 2021 is the Government of Canada’s plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians. Today, Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, met with a small roundtable of Indigenous women entrepreneurs and partner organizations to discuss the broad challenges women face in establishing and maintaining businesses and investments from Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience.
Federal budget lacked a plan to combat violence against Indigenous women, advocates say
April 30, 2021
Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) say the federal government sidestepped the national inquiry’s finding of genocide in its budget — and they wonder how Ottawa can commit money to ending the violence without a plan.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mmiwg-federal-budget-funding-genocide-finding-1.6002751
NAN Executive Council Election to be Held During 39th Keewaywin Conference
April 30, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Head Electoral Officer Jocelyn Formsma has announced official notice of the 2021 election for the NAN Executive Council.
https://www.nan.ca/news/nan-executive-council-election-to-be-held-during-39th-keewaywin-conference/
NAN marks success of Choose Life program; calls for further funding
April 30, 2021
A program that supports youth mental health in Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities is saving lives, the organization says, and should be funded permanently. On Friday Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations communities, held a virtual event and launched a video celebrating the success of the Choose Life initiative.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/nan-choose-life-1.6009171
Twinning of Highway 17 to begin this fall after historic ceremony
May 3, 2021
The twinning of Highway 17 from Kenora to the Manitoba border is expected to begin this fall, after a sacred ceremony confirmed commitments from local communities and the provincial government on Friday.
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/twinning-of-highway-17-to-begin-this-fall-after-historic-ceremony
Funding aims to help Indigenous communities manage energy costs
April 30, 2021
Indigenous communities are receiving funding for various energy support programs and energy-sufficiency measures. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has earmarked $7.1 million to 61 Indigenous communities and organizations across Ontario, according to a news release.
Anishinaabe language strategy in Ontario teaching language to everyone
May 2, 2021
An Ojibwe language strategy in Ontario, called Anishinaabemodaa, is working towards revitalizing Anishinaabe language throughout Ontario. The program works with youth in pre-schools all the way up to post-secondary education and anyone who just wants to learn.
Walpole Island gets $30,000 for warming shelter
April 30, 2021
Walpole Island First Nation has received $30,000 from the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton for its warming shelter. The money, described by the Sarnia-based agency as a “critical service grant”, also came as the United Way donated $20,000 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Sarnia for its food bank program.
‘Archaic’ government rules restricting Indigenous communities’ control over elections: study
May 2, 2021
A new study highlights how the federal government’s “archaic” policies are hurting Indigenous communities’ democracy. The eight-year project by McMaster University and Brock University shows Indian Band Election Regulations, Indian Referendum Regulations and First Nations Elections Act Regulations don’t let some communities decide how they want to run their own elections and referendums.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/indigeouns-online-voting-1.6006987
Calls for increased investment for homeless Indigenous people
May 3, 2021
Following a fire at the Indigenous Medicine and Teaching Garden (Mushkeeki Gitigan) in east London’s South Branch park on April 29, 2021, Atlohsa Family Healing Services is calling for an immediate investment into Indigenous-led spaces for people experiencing homelessness.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/04/30/calls-for-increased-investment-for-homeless-indigenous-people/
A sacred fire burns in the heart of Ontario Treaty 3 Territory for survivors of sexual violence
May 3, 2021
Watching the flames dance into the nighttime sky with beating hand drums to fill the silence, Cheynna Gardner says she finds healing. She’s spent every night around the sacred fire for the last several weeks.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/sacred-fire-eagle-lake-1.6008755
Police to enforce alcohol controls in Grassy Narrows
May 3, 2021
Leadership of Grassy Narrows First Nation has introduced a new law to control the amount of alcohol coming into the community, with enforcement from the Treaty Three Police Service.
https://www.drydennow.com/articles/police-to-enforce-alcohol-controls-in-grassy-narrows
‘Keep families together’: Moving beyond racist notions of neglect in child welfare
May 2, 2021
Raymond Shingoose — whose spirit name is Tipiskoh kee see koowihnin (man standing between heaven and earth) — has spent decades working to assert Indigenous children’s rights. When he was 12, he was taken from his grandparents’ care as part of the Sixties Scoop.
Indigenous lay bencher aims to address inclusivity, diversity and racism in new role
April 30, 2021
Catherine Banning knows what it means to step up and fill a leadership role.She was raised by parents who taught her the importance of values like hard work.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/indigenous-lay-bencher-aims-address-124004117.html
Drew Hayden Taylor’s new television series premieres this weekend
May 3, 2021
Curve Lake writer Drew Hayden Taylor enjoyed capturing stories of Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island for the first season of his Going Native television series, which premieres on APTN May 8.
Ojibway host of Wild North Adventures shares hunting and culture on TV
May 1, 2021
A young Ojibway woman from Matachewan First Nation in northern Ontario has taken her outdoor skills to a new level. Shawna-Lee Erickson has her own television series called Wild North Adventures. She has signed a deal with Wild TV for a second season with four national networks.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/wild-north-adventures-tv-show-ojibway-host/
This is the truth.’ Colonial oppression of Indigenous communities focus of former Star reporter Tanya Talaga’s debut film
April 30, 2021
In “Spirit to Soar” — which premieres at the Hot Docs Film Festival, showing until May 9 — former Toronto Star reporter Tanya Talaga embraces her own Indigenous heritage as well as larger issues around racism and Indigenous communities’ place within Canada.
Indigenous engineering students ready for launch in NASA rocket competition
May 3, 2021
A group of Indigenous engineering students from Queen’s University are the only team from Canada in a U.S. NASA-sponsored rocket launch competition for Indigenous students. “It’s been an extremely great opportunity because all of us have been stuck inside our houses during the pandemic and we’ve been isolated,” said Maranda Cherry, who is Métis from Vancouver.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/queen-s-engineering-rocket-contest-1.6008210
Greater food sovereignty aim of new garden project in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation
May 1, 2021
As the pandemic set in last spring, John Cutfeet watched as life begin to change in his remote northern Ontario community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI). Amid lockdown measures, travel restrictions and fears of how the First Nation would fare if the virus got in, he was reminded of the words of his late grandmother.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/kitchenuhmaykoosib-inninuwug-garden-1.6007827
‘A pow wow to remember’ series: Rebecca Loucks
May 3, 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.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/05/03/a-pow-wow-to-remember-series-rebecca-loucks/
Anishnaabe youth crafts his own woodworking business to save for university
April 30, 2021
Anishinaabe youth Josh Cameron has become his own boss by creating a business crafting and selling cedar feathers and plant boxes in Kenora, Ont. The 18-year-old came up with the idea as a way to earn money during pandemic times because student job opportunities were few and far between. He said by creating his own business, he also gets to decide his own hours.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kenora-youth-woodworking-business-1.6009271
Missanabie Cree to study invasive species with new grant
May 2, 2021
The Missanabie Cree First Nation will be studying its reserve lands for evidence of invasive species with the help of a new grant. The First Nation is one of 24 to receive a $1000 grant from the Invasive Species Centre, in celebration of the centre’s tenth anniversary.
Indigenous Action Artist Mentorship Program
May 1, 2021
A ground-breaking initiative is giving Indigenous athletes in Canada the chance to become action artists in major films and TV shows. Professional stunt performer, Lauro Chartrand-DelValle, shares the details.
https://globalnews.ca/video/7826551/indigenous-action-artist-mentorship-program
Ontario Extends Freeze on College and University Tuitions
April 30, 2021
The Ontario government is extending the current one-year tuition freeze for colleges and universities by an additional year, providing more financial relief and predictability for families and students seeking access to affordable postsecondary education.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000048/ontario-extends-freeze-on-college-and-university-tuitions
Reclaiming land and language
May 2, 2021
For Jaclyn Hall, being out on the land provides a deeper connection to her language and culture. It’s why the mother of five from Akwesasne, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community on the Ontario, Quebec and New York State borders, has spent the last eight months building a camp to foster using Kanien’kéha (Mohawk language) and culture-based learning.
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/reclaiming-land-language
Mi’kmaw research group learns more about salmon life cycle using tracking devices
May 1, 2021
A Mi’kmaq-led aquatic research organization is fitting Atlantic salmon with acoustic and satellite tracking devices to learn more about their behaviour and survival in waters beyond the traditional Mi’kmaw territory in the Atlantic region.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/listuguj-mi-gmaq-atlantic-salmon-tracking-tags-1.6009358
P.E.I. First Nations continuing talks, consultation on Mi’kmaw fishery
April 30, 2021
The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils say they are continuing to consult with their community members and consider all information before launching what the First Nations call their “treaty protected,” or moderate livelihood, fisheries.
First Nations mom separated from her newborn because of COVID-19 says virus is ‘unbearable’
April 30, 2021
A First Nations woman in Winnipeg is urging others to take the COVID-19 pandemic more seriously after both her and her newborn son contracted the virus. It’s been 16 days since Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais gave birth to her third son, and she has spent about half that in hospital and away from him.
Dutch-born P.E.I. man on a mission to find photos of First Nations soldiers killed overseas in WWII
May 2, 2021
Pieter Valkenburg is on a mission to find photos of First Nations soldiers who were killed during the Second World War and buried overseas in Dutch cemeteries.
Art, activism and residential schools part of new exhibits at Canadian Museum for Human Rights
May 2, 2021
Two new exhibits exploring the impact of residential schools are opening at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights this week, including the first public display since 2017 of the large scale project the Witness Blanket.
Child battling cancer fulfils dream of meeting Sidney Crosby, gives him beaded medallion
May 1, 2021
An 11-year-old Winnipeg boy battling cancer recently fulfilled his dream of meeting his hero, NHL player Sidney Crosby, and gave the superstar a beaded medallion to match his own. “Just to see my son’s hockey idol wearing a medallion that matches my son’s medallion that I beaded, it’s something to be very proud of,” said Rachel Green, Dian Green’s mother.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/sidney-crosby-beaded-medallion-penguins-logo-1.6009958
Sask. engineers receive provincial award for First Nation housing project
April 30, 2021
A local engineering firm received a province-wide award for their work on a housing project on Star Blanket Cree Nation.
Project aims to conserve vital Mi’kmaw food sources
April 30, 2021
Skyler Jeddore learned everything he knows about the land from his family, friends and community. He grew up in Eskasoni First Nation, on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton. Now he’s helping conserve the species that make their home in the waters his community depends on.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mi-kmaq-eels-lobster-project-nova-scotia-1.6009856
Animated videos bring stories of Enoch Cree Nation elders to life
May 2, 2021
The stories of Enoch Cree Nation elders have come to life on a small screen in an animated way. Enoch Animated is a YouTube channel that features Enoch Cree elders Bob Cardinal, Beatrice Morin and Garry Morin telling stories brought to life through animation.
Binesiwag Center for Wellness to celebrate SLGBTTQQIAAP+ community members through song, dance, and gender-based expression
May 1, 2021
June 2021 marks the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal time in 2SLGBTTQQIAAP+ history that marked the birth of both the Gay Liberation Movement in North America and the annual festivals we now know around the world as Pride.
Being houseless isn’t always a choice, but helping is says Michael Ochoa
April 30, 2021
Michael Ochoa was sitting in the Vernon Towne Theatre when he realized he had nowhere to go. “I didn’t have a home, didn’t have any money for a motel, and I was in shock,” he says. “I don’t even remember what the movies were.”
Meet the people putting Indigenous culture at the heart of addictions treatment
May 2, 2021
Indigenous advocates and front-line workers are pushing to include more traditional ways of healing — conversing with elders, smudging, sweat lodges and drum circles — into substance abuse treatment.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/reconnecting-saves-lives-1.6010361
Meet 6 Indigenous youth on Vancouver Island honoured for excellence in sports
May 1, 2021
Outstanding young Indigenous athletes on Vancouver Island are being honoured this week for their outstanding achievements in sports.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/indigenous-youth-sports-vancouver-island-british-columbia/
‘Unstoppable’ Squamish Nation Elder recipient of B.C. Reconciliation Award
May 1, 2021
“Incredible” and “unstoppable.” These are just two words that have been used to describe Xele’milh, Doris Paul, an inspirational Squamish Nation Elder and leader who has worked tirelessly for more than a decade for the betterment of her community and to further reconciliation in British Columbia.
Court decision on rights on the west coast may affect Indigenous people in the east
May 2, 2021
A recent Supreme Court decision about Indigenous hunting rights on the west coast may have implications for First Nations groups who straddle the Maine – New Brunswick border on the opposite side of the country.
Squamish First Nation member creates ‘how-to’ videos on pronouncing Indigenous names
May 2, 2021
Anyone who’s driven the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler in the last decade will likely have noticed that many of the signs along the route feature names in both English and the Squamish language.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7825465/squamish-language-signs/
B.C. First Nation joins calls for Ottawa to step in on review of Alberta coal project
April 30, 2021
A British Columbia First Nation wants the federal government to join in the environmental review of a proposed coal-mining project in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The Ktunaxa First Nation says Montem Resources’ Tent Mountain project would have effects beyond the provincial boundary.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/coal-bc-alberta-first-nation-mining-review-ottawa-1.6009443
Tom Berger fought for Indigenous rights his whole life
April 30, 2021
Sometime well after midnight during the summer of 1975, Judge Tom Berger hit a double. The B.C. judge was heading the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry. He held hearings in every Northwest Territories community which could be affected by the proposed projects (there were two competing proposals), no matter how small or remote.
https://rabble.ca/news/2021/04/tom-berger-fought-indigenous-rights-his-whole-life
Peters First Nation is a family divided with no end in sight
April 29, 2021
Carol Raymond was born a member of Peters First Nation, a small piece of land nestled between the mountains and the Fraser River along Highway 1, near Hope, B.C. It’s where her father is buried – and her grandparents.
Communities across the N.W.T. are taking the housing crisis into their own hands
April 30, 2021
While the N.W.T. Housing Corporation says they’re going to need $500-$600 million to improve housing conditions in the N.W.T., almost double the cost predicted in 2017, some community leaders across the territory have taken it upon themselves to find a solution for their people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/community-solutions-nwt-housing-crisis-series-1.6008122
COVID-19 cases discovered in Iqaluit jails, medical boarding home
April 30, 2021
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Iqaluit, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, says that community transmission is now occurring in the capital city. “Right now, we have a number of incidents of community transmission where we don’t yet know the exact link,” Patterson said during a news conference on Friday morning.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/new-cases-in-iqaluit-push-nunavuts-covid-19-caseload-to-67/
‘We lost our why.’ Chiefs debate future of Dene Nation
May 2, 2021
Speaking with reporters last Thursday, Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya said: “This where we’re calling all chiefs to come to Yellowknife … to determine the survival of the Dene Nation and why we exist. What’s our cause and our purpose?
https://cabinradio.ca/61468/news/politics/we-lost-our-why-chiefs-debate-future-of-dene-nation/
Former foster child in U.S. class action comes out from the shadows to talk about allegations against Peter Nygard
April 30, 2021
A former foster child who is a part of the 2020 U.S class action lawsuit against former fashion mogul Peter Nygard is coming forward publicly for the first time. Identified in the court document up to this point only as “Jane Doe No. 44,” Nadine Moostoos tells APTN Investigates that despite a traumatic childhood, she is beginning her healing journey after coming to terms with her past.
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.
