Ontario sees 2,791 new COVID-19 cases, 25 more deaths
May 4, 2021
Ontario reported another 2,791 cases of COVID-19 and the deaths of 25 more people with the illness on Tuesday. The last time the daily case count was below 3,000 in the province was nearly a month ago on April 5. It’s also the fewest new infections reported on a single day since April 1.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-may-4-2021-schools-1.6012939
First Nations communities see drop in COVID-19 cases following successful vaccine rollout
May 4, 2021
While Canada often looks to places like the U.K. and Israel to monitor the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, experts say data here at home also offers similar insight.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/05/04/canada-first-nations-covid-vaccinations/
Lac Seul First Nation hit with growing COVID-19 outbreak
May 3, 2021
The Lac Seul First Nation is under a “code red lockdown” as it fights a growing COVID-19 outbreak. There are now 11 active cases in the First Nation, which is located about 40 kilometres northwest of Sioux Lookout and has an on-reserve population of around 860.
Nipissing First Nation man reflects on letting his guard down and catching COVID
May 4, 2021
A 64-year-old police officer who caught COVID-19 and spent two weeks in intensive care is warning people to keep their guards up against the virus. Nipissing First Nation’s Ken Dokis is among the roughly 3,400 people in northeastern Ontario who have contracted COVID-19 and is grateful to be one of the many who have recovered.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ken-dokis-covid-19-infection-1.6011720
After three months in a coma, COVID survivor recounts emotional toll of survival
May 4, 2021
Diana Doxtator’s eyes fill with tears when she remembers waking up from a coma, months after she went into the hospital with what at first was diagnosed as the flu but turned out to the COVID-19. Those who know the 69-year-old grandmother from Oneida Nation of the Thames say she embodies konolukhwahsla, a love of her people, and has compassion for anyone around her who needs it.
Teachers’ frustration boiling over as government delays vaccinations
May 4, 2021
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario says frustration is mounting after teachers were told by the Ontario government that vaccinations were being delayed, after they were promised for today.
Doctors call for cross-country circuit-breaker lockdown to stamp out COVID-19 spread
May 2, 2021
A number of doctors and researchers are calling for strict countrywide restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and more contagious coronavirus variants, saying that vaccines aren’t enough.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-covid-19-third-wave-more-restrictions-1.6011082
Ontario appeal of Stage 1 ruling of Robinson-Huron annuities case completed – First Nations urge the court to throw out Ontario’s appeal
May 4, 2021
On April 28, 2021, the Ontario Court of Appeal concluded its hearing of the Government of Ontario’s appeal of the Stage 1 decision in the Robinson Treaties annuities case. The case involves a clause in the Treaty, signed in September of 1850, that provides for the augmentation of the perpetual annuity payable to the Treaty’s beneficiaries if revenues generated in the territory allow the Crown to increase the annuity without incurring a loss.
Tip of the iceberg: The true state of drinking water advisories in First Nations
May 4, 2021
Indigenous Services Canada has announced it won’t end long-term advisories until 2023 at the earliest. In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to ending all long-term drinking water advisories by March 2021. When that deadline passed, the government recommitted to ending long-term advisories without a target date.
https://phys.org/news/2021-05-iceberg-true-state-advisories-nations.html
Opinion: Fixing First Nations water quality is about more than flashy new infrastructure
May 4, 2021
Up to now, the federal government’s attempts to bring clean drinking water to First Nations have been dominated by slick photo-ops to show off the expensive new infrastructure that has been put in place. But once the cameras are turned off and the politicians have gone home, many communities have been left in the lurch.
GCT #3: With respect to the 231 Calls to Action – MMIWG National Report
May 4, 2021
We call upon all governments to acknowledge, recognize, and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their cultures and languages as inherent rights, and constitutionally protected as such under section 35 of the Constitution.
http://gct3.ca/with-respect-to-the-231-calls-to-action-mmiwg-national-report/
Two First Nations ask neighbours : ‘trust us’ with assessment for a Ring of Fire road
May 4, 2021
Two First Nations in Northwestern Ontario say they are taking the lead on the environmental assessment for a controversial road link between the Ring of Fire and the provincial highway system. They are also asking other First Nations to respect their role in the process. Marten Falls and Webequie issued a joint statement in advance of the anticipated announcement Tuesday of the official Notice of Commencement of the development of the terms of reference for the Northern Road Link.
Planning for Northern Link Road environmental assessment begins in the Ring of Fire area
May 4, 2021
The environmental assessment (EA) process for the third and final proposed road project in northern Ontario that will connect remote Matawa First Nations to the provincial highway network and create a road to the proposed Ring of Fire mineral development is underway, as of May 4.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/northern-link-tor-begins-1.6012449
Missing and murdered Indigenous women, men and children honoured
May 4, 2021
May 5 is Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
https://www.westerlynews.ca/news/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-men-and-children-honoured/
Government of Canada Approves the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. 2023 North Corridor System Expansion Project
May 4, 2021
Today, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., announced that the Government of Canada has approved the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) 2023 North Corridor System Expansion Project with 37 conditions. This decision was based on facts, science, Indigenous knowledge, the public interest, and careful consideration of the concerns of potentially impacted Indigenous communities.
Garden River First Nation gets funding for solar-powered tiny homes
May 3, 2021
Garden River First Nation will receive up to $200,000 for solar-powered tiny homes as part of a $7.1-million funding package for Indigenous energy support programs from the agency responsible for Ontario’s power system.
NW Ontario First Nations receive grants for energy projects
May 3, 2021
Funding from the Independent Electricity System Operator may help lead to the development of a new industry on the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Northwestern Ontario. The IESO is giving WIN – northwest of Kenora – a grant for a paid employment skills and training program for at-risk youth.
Tanya Talaga explores racism in Thunder Bay and her own Indigenous roots in Spirit To Soar
May 3, 2021
Tanya Talaga has dropped all pretence of being a dispassionate, objective news reporter, unaffected by the stories she tells. The Anishinaabe/Polish journalist has spent the last 10 years covering the deaths of seven Indigenous youths in Thunder Bay, Ont., and the racism that has mired the investigations into those deaths. In doing so, she has reconnected with her own Indigenous identity and embraced the way it shapes her journalism.
Laurent Commission report: It is up to the First Nations to secure the future and wellness of their children
May 3, 2021
Following the awaited unveiling of the report from the Special Commission on the Rights of the Child and Youth Protection (Laurent Commission), the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) would like to thank the commissioners, particularly the President, Régine Laurent, and her Vice-Presidents, André Lebon and Michel Rivard, for their openness to including a chapter dedicated to First Nations and Inuit and recommending changes to Quebec legislation based on the needs expressed during the hearings.
Burnt Indigenous healing garden cleaned up, but hard work of replanting lies ahead
May 4, 2021
City of London staff and community leaders were on-site at London’s Indigenous Medicine and Teaching Garden in South Branch Park Monday morning to begin restoration efforts after it was set on fire last week.
Mattagami school supporting students learning from home
May 3, 2021
With virtual learning, cancelled school events and gathering restrictions in place, a Mattagami First Nation school is supporting its students by delivering food boxes purchased from a Timmins farm.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mattagami-school-supporting-students-learning-200007258.html
“Waking Up Ojibwe”- Ontario Language Revitalization
May 4, 2021
The Ojibwe language strategy in Ontario, called Anishinaabemodaa is revitalizing Anishinaabe language throughout Ontario. This program works with all ages, from pre-school to post secondary, and beyond.
https://saultonline.com/2021/05/waking-up-ojibwe-ontario-language-revitalization/
History: 100th anniversary of letter to Indian Agents regarding dancing
May 4, 2021
History has a way of repeating itself. We’ve seen this time and time again as the years roll on. Even pandemics, as treacherous and unpredictable as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been this past year, have played an important part in the world’s history. In efforts to limit spread and transmissions, the current pandemic has had an isolating effect that has pushed Anishinabek to adapt once again.
Indigenous art mural coming to downtown Niagara Falls
May 3, 2021
A mural by renowned Niagara artist Leona Skye-Grandmond will soon be on full display in Niagara Falls’ downtown area. Skye-Grandmond was the winning artist of an Indigenous art mural installation competition, funded through the Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund (NFCDF) in association with the Queen Street Artist Group, The HUB Art Gallery and Third Space Café.
Whether or not you support Bill C-15, Canada passing it would be an important time in our history
May 4, 2021
It is an exciting but controversial time for Indian country. Many are split on whether they support Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, or whether they believe it is just another tool to colonize and assimilate their peoples under Canadian law.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/opinion-andre-bear-bill-c-15-1.6009060
Opinion: Our colonial history, the colonial agenda and Bill C-15
May 4, 2021
The stated purpose of Bill C-15 is to begin aligning Canadian law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/opinion-wendy-lynn-lerat-bill-c-15-1.6009178
There is No Climate Justice without Racial Justice
May 3, 2021
This past year has put a spotlight on the climate emergency and racial injustice. Concern for the state of the environment has never been greater. Thanks to Black Lives Matter and related justice movements, voices that have been tragically sidelined for too long are finally breaking through. But still, some of the most fervent activists treat these as separate struggles.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/no-climate-justice-without-racial-131113524.html
Ottawa steps in to evaluate Ontario’s Highway 413 plan, delaying or perhaps killing mega-project
May 3, 2021
Ontario’s proposed new mega-project to build a highway looping around the northwest of Toronto has been designated by the federal government for special environmental scrutiny. The federal government says the provincial project, already facing opposition, needs additional environmental oversight, a designation that will slow the massive construction project or, opponents say, kill it altogether.
Senate investigating how personal documents were dumped ‘in the streets’ of downtown Ottawa
May 4, 2021
A program aimed at “forging a new relationship” between Canada’s Senate and Indigenous youth has suffered an embarrassing privacy breach. Sen. Dan Christmas revealed in an email to an undisclosed number of people that personal information of some candidates for the Youth Indigenize the Senate program in 2017 was located “in the streets” of downtown Ottawa just a few weeks ago.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/senate-privacy-breach/
‘It’s time to act’: Report into youth protection system says Quebec government knows the solution to problems
May 3, 2021
First Nations and Inuit in Quebec waited two years for the Laurent Commission’s final report to drop – and when it did, a scant two pages were dedicated to addressing their specific issues.
Did I buy a condo on stolen land? How purchasing my first home made me question property rights
May 3, 2021
Last fall, I bought a condo in Montreal’s Mile End with my partner. It felt like a real accomplishment: I had a bright, two-bedroom apartment in a neighbourhood I love. However, one thought lingered. In land acknowledgments, it’s usually said Montreal is on unceded land because Indigenous people in the region never surrendered the land to the French during colonization.
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
All Indigenous adults in Manitoba can get COVID-19 vaccine: government
May 3, 2021
The Manitoba government has expanded its general COVID-19 vaccination program to include all Indigenous adults. The age requirement had been a minimum of 30 for First Nations persons.
Treaty fishery begins in Cape Breton for Mi’kmaw community during commercial season, yet traps still seized by feds
May 3, 2021
Non-Indigenous fishers hit the waters for the start of the commercial lobster season in Cape Breton at the same time as Mi’kmaw harvesters dropped traps for their moderate livelihood fishery this week. But hours after the Mi’kmaw traps went in the water, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans seized them.
Saskatoon friendship centre’s new mental health program aims to heal intergenerational trauma
May 3, 2021
The Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre has offered a healing hand up to Indigenous people in need for years. But now, it’s formalizing it with a new mental health program called Sītoskawātowin — a Plains Cree word that means supporting each other.
For almost 40 years, a woman from Samson Cree Nation tried to find her aunt. Now she has answers
May 4, 2021
Violet Soosay never gave up the search for her aunt from Samson Cree Nation. For almost 40 years, she travelled from Alberta to Vancouver and Seattle, the last known places her aunt had been.
Nunavut capital declares local state of emergency as COVID 19 cases rise
May 3, 2021
Iqaluit’s city council has declared a local state of emergency over rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.
The capital city of about 8,000 people has 81 of the territory’s 85 active cases.
Elders in Líídlįį Kúę reflect on spring break up, then and now
May 4, 2021
Líídlįį Kúę — Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories — rests at the foot of two vast rivers. The Dehcho and the Liard River connect the community to extensive travel routes, used by the Dene for millenia.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/elders-reflect-on-spring-break-up-nwt-1.6010232
‘It’s in my DNA.’ A personal language journey in Łútsël K’é
May 3, 2021
Shawna Yamkovy is conducting her Masters of Arts Global Leadership capstone project on the language spoken in the 314-resident settlement on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. While pandemic-related delays had her in research mode for over a year, Yamkovy will now – with the guidance of ethics committees – begin connecting with the community.
https://cabinradio.ca/61546/news/arts/its-in-my-dna-a-personal-language-journey-in-lutsel-ke/
Nunavik landslide 2nd largest recorded in Quebec history
May 3, 2021
Last week’s major landslide in Nunavik has been confirmed as the second largest ever seen in Quebec, according to the Kativik Regional Government. The landslide happened on April 22 along the shores of the Great Whale River, roughly eight kilometres upstream from the community of Kuujjuaraapik, which sits adjacent to Whapmagoostui Cree First Nation.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavik-landslide-2nd-largest-recorded-in-quebec-history/
Corps: Dakota Access oil pipeline to stay open during review
May 3, 2021
The Biden administration on Monday reiterated that the Dakota Access oil pipeline should continue to operate while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts an extensive environmental review, although the Corps said again that it could change its mind.
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.
