Topic: Today’s News

Le Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake (CMK) souhaite faire la déclaration suivante afin de clarifier notre position sur les points de contrôle prévus au parc d’Oka et sur d’autres sites, situés autour de notre établissement immédiat, dans les territoires non-cédé. 

En tant que Grand Chef, ainsi qu’avec les chefs du Conseil, nous avons pris les mesures nécessaires pour déclarer l’État d’Urgence le 23 mars 2020. À ce moment-là, nous avons créé l’Unité d’Intervention d’Urgence (I.U.I.) afin de gérer la pandémie avec toutes les ressources disponibles à Kanesatake, tandis que le Conseil soutiendrait l’I.U.I. de façon politique et financière au mieux de nos capacités. 

L’I.U.I. a depuis fait des progrès incroyables, et ce en très peu de temps, et continue de le faire dans des conditions difficiles, tout en aidant à la distribution de nourriture à nos plus vulnérables ainsi qu’à d’autres problèmes de sécurité. 

L’une des questions les plus difficiles à faire face pour l’I.U.I, est de rester à l’écart de toute perception politique et c’est pourquoi, en tant que Grand Chef, je reste d’office à la table de l’I.U.I afin de remplir mon rôle de liaison entre l’I.U.I et le CMK. 

En tant que Grand Chef, et avec le soutien des Chefs du Conseil, j’ai fait des demandes de ressources auprès de la Santé Publique, au nom de l’I.U.I. afin que nous puissions mettre sur pieds une clinique mobile communautaire de dépistage, ainsi que pour opérer d’éventuels points de contrôle dans le but ultime de garder les non-résidents hors de Kanesatake pendant cette pandémie. 

Tous les commerçants ont accepté les exigences du CMK de fermer leurs entreprises, car ces dernières attiraient un grand nombre de clients en provenance de zones fortement infectées, posant ainsi une menace sanitaire directe et indirecte pour les habitants de notre territoire et celui de nos voisins. 

L’I.U.I. était en train de décréter les points de contrôle en embauchant notre population locale pour l’aider dans cette tâche, lorsque le maire d’Oka m’a appelé pour voir si une coopération était possible dans le but de protéger 

nos deux peuples. Je lui ai expliqué que l’I.U.I. était l’autorité pendant cette pandémie et qu’il devrait parler avec eux de sa demande. 

M. Quevillon a ensuite contacté l’I.U.I., et une discussion a eu lieu où ils ont invité le maire à leur table pour élaborer un plan commun. Le maire a dit qu’il devrait parler à son conseil avant de s’engager dans une réunion. 

Au cours de notre discussion, j’ai déclaré à plusieurs reprises que la politique devait être mise de côté et que notre objectif commun devait être la préservation de la santé dans la région. Ces propos n’ont malheureusement pas été reflétés lorsque le maire a publié sur les médias sociaux que «les Mohawks mettraient un point de contrôle sur notre (Oka) territoire » avec le soutien de la municipalité. 

L’I.U.I. n’a jamais eu l’intention d’utiliser le prétexte de la sécurité et la santé de nos membres pour affirmer de notre territoire. Notre motivation est de protéger notre population dans les limites d’Oka, et par extension tous les citoyens de la région. 

Nous pensons que le commentaire à l’appui des points de contrôle du maire aurait pu être écrit sans mentionner l’affirmation du territoire et qu’un message de coopération mutuelle aurait été plus utile à tous. 

En tant que Grand Chef, il est de mon devoir de répéter que l’I.U.I. poursuivra son plan de mise en place des points de contrôle sans prendre de positions, ni tenter de faire de déclarations politiques, et ce, tout en restant ferme dans son mandat de protéger la santé de notre région. 

Je dois également ajouter pour plus de clarté que nous n’avons pas demandé et ne demanderons pas la permission d’atteindre notre objectif commun de préserver des vies humaines et de les mettre à l’abri de ce virus, ainsi que de rappeler que c’est la politique mondiale qui a amené cela ici et que seul nos experts, non impliqués politiquement, nous aideront à nous en sortir. 

Enfin, je ne parle pas au nom de l’I.U.I., mais je suis convaincu qu’en dépit des manèges politiques, l’I.U.I. tend toujours la main à la coopération mutuelle avec le maire d’Oka ainsi qu’avec toute autre entité poursuivant les mêmes objectifs mentionnés préalablement.

The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake wishes to issue the following statement so as to clarify our position on the planned check-points at Oka park and other sites, situated around our immediate settlement, within the unceded territory. 

As Grand Chief, and with Council Chiefs, we took the necessary steps in order to declare a State of Emergency on March 23^rd. At that time, we enacted the Emergency Response Unit (E.R.U.) to manage the pandemic with all resources available to Kanesatake, while Council would support the E.R.U. politically and financially to the best of our abilities. 

The E.R.U. has since made incredible progress in a very short amount of time, and continues to do so under difficult conditions, while at the same time helping with food distribution to our most vulnerable as well as other security issues. 

One of the most difficult issues the E.R.U. has had to deal with, was staying out of any political perceptions and this is why, as Grand Chief, I remain as ex-officio at the E.R.U. table and fulfill my role as liaison between the E.R.U. and MCK. 

As Grand Chief, and with the support of the council Chiefs, I’ve made requests for resources for the E.R.U. in the form of community testing by Public Health as well as eventual check-points in order to keep non- residents out of Kanesatake during this pandemic. 

All merchants have agreed to the requirements of MCK that they had to close, as their businesses were attracting large numbers of clients from highly infected areas, therefore posing a direct as well as indirect health threat to the people of our territory and that of our neighbors. 

The E.R.U. was in the process of enacting the check-points by hiring our local people to assist in this task, when the Mayor of Oka called me to see if there was something that we could do in cooperation together to protect both our people. I explained to him that the E.R.U. is the authority during this pandemic and that he should speak to them about his request. 

He did contact the E.R.U., and a discussion was held where they invited the Mayor at their table to work-out a common plan, but the Mayor said he would need to speak to his council before committing to a meeting. 

During our discussion, I’ve stated many times that the politics should be set aside and that our common focus should be the preservation of health in the region. This, unfortunately, was not the case when the Mayor posted on social media that “the Mohawks would be putting up check-points in our (Oka) territory” with the support of the municipality. 

The affirmation of territory was not the E.R.U.’s impetus. Our motivation is to protect our people within the boundaries of Oka, and by extension all citizens of the area. 

It is our belief that the Mayor’s post in support of the check-points could have been written without the mention of assertion of territory and that a joint statement of mutual cooperation would have been more helpful for all. 

As Grand Chief I must reiterate that the E.R.U. will proceed with its plans to implement the check-points without political position or statement, but remain firmly within its mandate to safeguard the health of our region. 

I must also add for further clarity that we did not, nor shall we, ask permission to achieve our common goal to keep all human life safe from this virus, as well as remember that it was world politics that brought this here and that only our non-political experts will help get us out of it. 

Finally, I do not speak for the E.R.U., but I am confident that despite the political diversions, the E.R.U. still extends its hand for mutual cooperation with the Mayor of Oka as well as any other entities that have the same goals. 

Earlier today, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) President and CEO appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to share with MPs how Canada’s forest sector and workers are managing through the current COVID-19 crisis. He also presented to the Committee ideas on how the industry and government can work together to get through the difficult months ahead, and quickly turn to recovery and growth again in 2021.
 
During his testimony, Derek Nighbor noted how the sector has embraced its role as an essential provider of health, household, and industrial products and thanked all workers along the value chain. “Our workers and partners along the supply chain have been incredible. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to our mill workers, further manufacturers, truck drivers, railroaders, and retailers – I could go on,” he said.
 
Nighbor went on to speak to the power of our shared natural resource – Canada’s forests. “Given the moments of protectionism we have seen in recent weeks, I am proud that we have this sustainable and valuable natural resource right here at home so we can provide for Canadians,” he added.
 
The interconnectedness of Canada’s forest sector was central to Nighbor’s remarks to MPs. While lumber markets have struggled, experiencing a near 40% price drop in recent weeks, many sawmills have made the tough decision to temporarily shut down. Those closures have not only put thousands out of work, but the impacts are now being felt downstream by pulp mill workers and their communities. “We are a highly integrated sector. Our sawmills are our industry’s heartbeat. We need to find a way now to keep our sawmills operating so chips can continue to feed our pulp and paper mills. If we don’t have chips flowing, our industry’s biggest artery is cut off – and thousands more will be out of work,” Nighbor said.
 
The forest sector’s inability to tap into the federal government’s wage subsidy program in a significant way has been a source of frustration for FPAC and its members. The program’s construct simply does not fit with forest sector business models.
 
Nighbor recommended adjustments like government considering individual mills or segments, which would allow more operations to qualify for support, and keep more Canadian forestry workers working.   He also suggested that government consider a sliding scale, so that if revenues are down by 10 or 15 percent, a company could qualify for wage supports at perhaps 50 percent, instead of 75 percent.
  
He also stressed the need for easily accessible supports for the months ahead to help companies manage cash flow challenges. The industry is confident about the future, but needs an immediate boost to get through the next few months.
 
“On the lumber side, our markets took a massive hit in late 2018. We have been in recovery mode since and just as we were starting to turn the corner, COVID-19 hit. We need liquidity supports now,” said Nighbor. “Measures that move with speed and ease in the face of markets that are falling for the short-term. Measures that are not going to force companies to provide more security as many of our companies just do not have the flexibility to do that right now. Measures that are responsive to the realities of this crisis – and have lenders who are prepared to be more risk tolerant than our main street banks,” Nighbor added.
 
While the main discussion with MPs was about the here and now, Nighbor was clear about his optimism for the future. “Our industry is not looking for a bailout, but rather bolstered cash flow supports to keep our businesses operating through these difficult next two to three quarters. As we look to 2021 and beyond, Canada’s forest products sector has the opportunity to be one of the bright lights in the Canadian recovery – especially for northern and rural communities,” he concluded.

The Nunatsiavut Government is once again asking people to refrain from all non-essential travel to, from and within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area. 

“We have received numerous reports of people traveling by snowmobile to and from other communities within Nunatsiavut, as well as to and from Upper Lake Melville and Natuashish,” notes Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “I want to remind people that we all must remain vigilant to ensure we prevent exposure and potential spread of COVID-19.” 

The President is encouraging all Beneficiaries to remain at home as much as possible and to continue practicing social distancing if they have to go to other areas of their communities. 

On a day that should be marked with celebration, off-reserve and non-status Indigenous peoples continue to express frustration at inaction by the Government of Canada. Today marks 4 years since the CAP-Daniels Supreme Court decision, which established that non-status and Métis Indigenous peoples are “Indians” under the Constitution of Canada. This decision was a result of a 17-year legal battle, which began in 1999 launched by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Harry Daniels.

Despite the victory, many rights-holding Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to wait to see their rights recognized by the Federal government.This case was one of the final victories in the long life of Harry Daniels, who fought tirelessly for Indigenous rights. Beginning in 1999, the case did not reach trial until May of 2011 and did not conclude for another 5 years afterwards.

In 2004, Harry Daniels passed away, not seeing the conclusion of the case which bears his name.The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, in conjunction with Harry Daniels and three additional plaintiffs fought the case to victory at the Federal Court level, and later the Supreme Court of Canada. On April 14^th 2016, the Supreme Court issued a rare unanimous ruling, conclusively declaring that non-status and Métis people were “Indians” under section 91(24) of the Canadian Constitution, and that as a result the Federal government owed those groups the same fiduciary duty as all other Indigenous peoples in Canada. 

“In the 4 years since CAP-Daniels, the Government of Canada has made little progress to include off-reserve, non-status and Métis peoples in programs and services,” said CAP National Chief Robert Bertrand. “Our communities continue to face discrimination, in recognition of their rights.  Sadly, we are still the forgotten people”The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples continues to pursue recognition of the rights, interests, and needs of off-reserve Indigenous peoples through advocacy at all levels of government.

L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador (APNQL) tient à souligner les décisions des dirigeants de Premières Nations qui ont contribué, jusqu’à maintenant, à limiter la propagation de la COVID-19 au sein de leurs communautés. Force est de constater que les consignes limitant l’accès à celles-ci donnent des résultats encourageants avec un taux de cas positifs relativement stable. « Nous tenons particulièrement à saluer l’effort collectif des personnes qui sont au front, en première ligne, qui assurent le maintien des services essentiels. Ces personnes contribuent à ralentir la propagation du coronavirus parmi nos populations », a déclaré Ghislain Picard, Chef de l’APNQL. 

Par ailleurs, l’APNQL questionne la décision du gouvernement du Québec d’autoriser, à partir d’aujourd’hui, la reprise des chantiers miniers sachant que ceux-ci sont généralement situés sur les territoires traditionnels de plusieurs Premières Nations. « Nous jugeons que la décision du Québec de permettre la reprise précipitée de l’exploitation minière risque de compromettre dangereusement les efforts déployés par nos communautés pour freiner la propagation en région. À ce chapitre, la circulation et le va- et-vient (fly-in/fly-out) des travailleurs miniers pose de grandes préoccupations. Je tiens aussi à rappeler que la pandémie ne soustrait pas les gouvernements de leurs obligations en matière de consultation », a ajouté le Chef de l’APNQL. 

L’APNQL n’insistera jamais assez sur la vulnérabilité des communautés. Les experts des Premières Nations sont unanimes sur le fait que le déconfinement devra s’étirer sur une plus longue période, et ce, pour plusieurs raisons, dont le manque de lieux d’isolement. Tous se disent également très inquiets de la façon dont le message est perçu par la population : une reprise des activités ne doit pas signifier un relâchement des mesures préventives. 

« Devant la COVID-19, le mot d’ordre de nos dirigeants est de prioriser la santé et la sécurité de nos membres, par-dessus tout, même l’économie », a conclu le Chef de l’APNQL. 

À propos de l’APNQL L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador est l’organisme régional politique qui regroupe 43 chefs des Premières Nations au Québec et au Labrador. Suivez l’APNQL sur Twitter @APNQL. 

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) wants to highlight the decisions of First Nations leaders who have contributed, to date, to limiting the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. It must be noted that the instructions limiting access to these communities are producing encouraging results with a relatively stable positive case rate. “We would particularly like to acknowledge the collective effort of those on the front lines who ensure the maintenance of essential services. These people contribute to slowing down the spread of coronavirus among our populations,” declared AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard. 

Furthermore, the AFNQL questions the Quebec Government’s decision to authorize, as of today, the hasty resumption of mining activities, knowing that these are generally located on the traditional territories of several First Nations. “We judge that Quebec’s decision to allow the resumption of mining operations in a hurry is dangerously compromising the efforts made by our communities to slow the spread of the disease in the regions. In this regard, the movement and comings and goings (fly-in/fly-out) of mining workers is of great concern. I would also like to reiterate that the pandemic does not exempt governments from their duty to consult”, added the Chief of the AFNQL. 

The AFNQL cannot stress enough the vulnerability of the communities. First Nations experts are unanimous on the fact that deconfinement will have to be extended over a longer period, for several reasons, including the lack of confinement sites. All also express great concern about how the message could be perceived by the population: resuming activities must not mean a loosening of preventive measures. 

“In the face of COVID-19, our leaders prioritize the health and safety of our members above everything else, even the economy “, concluded the Chief of the AFNQL. 

About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the regional political organization that brings together 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrador. Follow the AFNQL on Twitter @APNQL. 

This is the very first episode of the Ahkameyimok Podcast with Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Akhameyimok is Cree for “you all persevere” and on this podcast, we will discuss the leading issues facing First Nations peoples, by talking with top experrts, elders and community leaders.

The first topic on the Ahkameyimok Podcast is an important one, the COVID-19 pandemic and what can and is being done to minimize its impact on First Nations people and in First Nations.

Our guest is Marion Crowe. She is a proud member of Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan and is the Chief Executive officer of the First Nations Health Managers Association. She also sits on the board of directors of the Ottawa Hospital.

Thanks to the Red Dog Singers of Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan for providing the theme music for this podcast.

The Ahkameyimok Podcast is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. davidrcmcguffin@gmail.com

Click here to listen

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to make sure that all Canadians have access to the quality food and essential health care they need. That is why the Government of Canada is working with partners, including territorial governments, to address the unique needs of Northerners.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced additional support to address immediate health, economic, and transportation needs in the North. These measures will:

• transfer $72.6 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support their COVID-19 health and social services preparations and response. This funding will help territories address the critical priorities they identified to minimize the spread of the virus.
• Provide up to $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support northern air carriers. This funding, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, will ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.
• make available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help address the impacts of COVID-19. This support will assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures.
• provide an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed nutritious food and personal hygiene products.

Northerners are also receiving help through the Harvesters Support Grant, which was developed in direct collaboration with Indigenous partners. The grant helps to improve food security by increasing access to traditional foods and alleviating the high costs associated with traditional hunting and harvesting activities.

The funding announced today builds on both the $500 million provided to provinces and territories, and the $305 million provided to Indigenous communities, as part of the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19. The government will continue to work with all of our partners to keep Northerners and all Canadians safe and healthy. Together, we will provide all communities with the support they need to respond effectively to this crisis.

Quotes

“No Canadian should ever have to worry about where to get their food or how to receive essential health care services. That is why we are working with the territories and Indigenous partners to address the unique needs of northern communities as they respond to COVID-19. Together, we will make sure that Northerners can access the food, supplies, health care, and services they need during this challenging time.”The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Our government has been working with northern and Indigenous partners to address the unique and critical needs of Northerners. These supports will ensure that northern residents have the supports they need to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. From access to health services, to the continuation of the supply chain through air supports, and greater subsidies on essential items, we are taking actions to help Northerners when they need it most.”The Hon. Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

“We must all work together to take care of Canadians during this challenging time. Our northern and remote communities rely on air service to bring them food, medical supplies, mail, and other essential goods and services. Our government remains committed to maintaining a focused, safe, and reliable air transport network for these communities.”The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

“Northern communities, in particular those in remote and fly-in only parts of the country, are uniquely vulnerable during this crisis. Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas, and I want to recognize their strength. These measures are the product of vital discussions with northern and Indigenous partners and will ensure access to food and to essential supplies. They will also ensure vital economic support during this pandemic. This is only the beginning. We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to identify and deliver on their specific needs and to make sure no one is left behind.”The Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services

“In recognition of the unique challenges of the northern business community, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will immediately make available $15 million in funding, including direct support for ongoing costs incurred by northern small- and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them continue to play their vital role in northern communities. CanNor’s strong relationships with territorial governments best position the Agency to ensure relief efforts are complementary and that funding gets to the businesses that need it the most.”The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will provide funding to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut as follows:
  • $18.4 million for Yukon and up to $3.6 million for air services
  • $23.4 million for the Northwest Territories and up to $8.7 million for air services
  • $30.8 million for Nunavut and up to $5 million for air services
• To support critical air services to northern and remote communities, the territorial governments will manage contracts with air carriers so they can maintain a basic network of routes and services to provide access to critical goods to fly-in communities in the North.
• The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will make available $15 million in funding to support northern businesses. CanNor works with Northerners and Indigenous peoples, communities, businesses, organizations, federal departments, and other orders of government to help build diversified and dynamic economies that foster long-term sustainability and economic prosperity across the territories.
• Nutrition North Canada is a Government of Canada subsidy program that makes safe and nutritious food more affordable and accessible to isolated communities eligible for the program. It subsidizes a list of foods, as well as essential items such as cleaning and personal hygiene products, sold by registered retailers, suppliers, and food processors.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to ensuring ongoing support to improve food security in the North, including through the Harvesters Support Grant. This grant will increase access to traditional foods by alleviating the high costs associated with traditional hunting and harvesting activities.
• The Harvesters Support Grant is delivered through Nutrition North Canada. The grant provides $40 million over five years beginning in 2019-2020, and $8 million per year in ongoing funding. Funding for the first year of the grant program has been allocated to Indigenous partners, and the Government of Canada is working to deliver the next wave of money quickly.
• On March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada announced that it would provide $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund, to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. This complements the previously announced $82 billion in support that is available to all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples.