After consulting with and receiving consensus from members of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, First Minister Tyler Edmunds announced today that the election for President of Nunatsiavut, scheduled for May 5, 2020, has been postponed until October 6, 2020.
“It is important that the election for President be held and that it is properly conducted in accordance with the spirit, intent and requirements of the Labrador Inuit Constitution and the Nunatsiavut Elections Act,” notes the First Minister. “In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the inability to access appropriate polling areas, uncertainties respecting timely mail delivery for mail-in ballots, and also the imposition of requirements on public gatherings and physical distancing have resulted in the reality that it is not possible to hold the election in the immediate future. Therefore, there is no choice but to postpone the election to a time when it is hoped the public health situation has improved.”
The Presidential Election Order, 2020, registered with the Clerk of the Nunatsiavut Assembly on March 20, announcing the May 5 election, has been rescinded, and any nomination papers that may have been filed with the Nunatsiavut Electoral Officer are deemed void and of no effect.
Nominations for the October 6 election will close at 12 noon (Atlantic Standard Time) on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. The opening of the nomination period will be announced in due course.
Any inquiries regarding the election should be directed to Nunatsiavut Elections Officer, Nannette Blake. She can be reached at (709) 896-5683, or by email at nannette.blake@nunatsiavut.com.
Mega-projects across the country say they’re scaling back work to reduce COVID-19 risk to their own employees and protect residents of nearby communities.
But outside workers still on the job have a potential to spread the potentially deadly virus, said Freda Huson, spokesperson and founder of the Unist’ot’en healing centre in the path of the Coastal GasLink pipeline south of Houston, B.C.
“Our local people work with these imported workers and go home to their families,” Huson told APTN News.
“The out of town workers still are housed in Houston Motor Inn and Pleasant Valley motel. The restaurants there feed these people. So communities are being put at risk.”
The Unist’ot’en healing centre is part of a protest movement to stop construction of the $6.6-billion natural gas pipeline in Wet’suwet’en traditional territory in northern B.C.
(More work trucks outside a hotel/restaurant in northern B.C. Unist’ot’en photo)
“BC has shut down large gatherings and declared a state of emergency, but Coastal Gaslink keeps bringing in large numbers of workers onto our territory. Our Wet’suwet’en homesites and healing center are on lock down. Our clan meetings, to discuss our rights and title with our communities, have all been postponed,” it said on Facebook.
“Meanwhile, we face a steady stream of transient workers and RCMP who put our people and communities – and especially our elders – at risk. Our elders are keepers of cultural knowledge and language.”
The Unist’ot’en campaign repeats what many health experts have said about the medical vulnerability of northern and isolated peoples.
“Indigenous communities are already at increased risk from this pandemic, due to a lack of adequate health care and housing infrastructure,” it continued.
“CGL and RCMP’s actions are compromising our health and safety. They are carrying on with business as usual, acting as though they are above the law and above common decency.”
(A homemade barricade blocks access to Unist’ot’en healing centre. APTN file)
Health officials confirm the pipeline and other heavy construction sites across Canada are exempt from small-gathering rules imposed on the rest of society since the novel coronavirus pandemic hit Canada earlier this month.
That’s because the industry has said its workers can practice social distancing – staying two metres away to prevent passing on the virus via coughing or sneezing – on the job.
So work continues at CGL and the Site C dam in B.C., the Keeyask project and Vale nickel mine in Manitoba, the Ring of Fire chromite development in northern Ontario, and several mining operations in Nunavut, to name a few.
Even road and real estate construction is going on across Canada for the same reason.
But it’s not ‘business as usual,’ said Suzanne Wilton of CGL, noting the workforce has been significantly reduced and no one has tested positive for the infections virus at a CGL work camp.
Wilton said COVID-19 is top of mind and would be taken into consideration before construction resumed to “ensure the safety and health of our workforce, our local Indigenous partners, and local communities.
(A map showing part of the 670-km CGL pipeline route in northern B.C. APTN)
“We are not aware of any presumptive or confirmed cases among the Coastal GasLink workforce, which is already significantly reduced today as a result of spring breakup and previously planned ramp down of activities,” she told APTN News.
Staffing was downsized to 400 from 1,200 in February, Wilton added, noting employees still on the job are “residents and local contractors” who “perform critical activities, including environmental monitoring, pipe delivery and stockpile.
“Local contractors will undertake some off right-of-way site preparation and maintenance as the spring thaw does not impact it.”
Huson alleged two of those local contractors – Kyah Resources and Domcor Security – were employing outside workers that had the potential to spread the virus.
She supplied photos of their company trucks she said were parked outside Houston motels.
(RCMP officers near the Unist’ot’en healing centre. APTN file)
Troy Young of Kyah, a company owned by Witset First Nation, one of six first nations in Wet’suwet’en territory, said he had a small crew on the job right now.
“Our workforce is comprised largely of people from Witset and Smithers, other Wet’suwet’en community members, Gitxsan members, Tahltan and we have minimal crews at work right now as our winter construction is mostly finished,” he said in an email.
“We take the health and well-being of our people very seriously and are taking all measures necessary to keep our people and communities safe.”
Domcor didn’t return a request for comment by the time this story was published.
At Site C, B.C. Hydro said 12 workers had come down with flu-like symptoms.
(Heavy trucks hauling pipe in B.C. APTN file)
This has nearby Fort St. John city councillors, First Nation chiefs and local community members calling for an immediate halt to work there.
At the Keeyask site, Manitoba Hydro said about 700 workers “volunteered” to remain at the major hydro-electric project in the province’s far north.
Spokesperson Bruce Owen said tight entry and exit controls were put in place.
“…Any individual returning to site must be screened — following the guidelines established by Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living — prior to being allowed back onto site,” he said in an email.
“If workers need to leave site during the suspension for family emergencies or any other exceptional reason, their situation will be subject to review on a case-by-case basis.”
(Construction continues on the Keeyask dam in northern Manitoba. APTN file)
Owen said all travel was suspended except for “key employees” who would also be subject to health screening.
“Anyone arriving at site without prior authorization is being turned away at the gate and not permitted to enter,” he said, adding intramural activities, the gym, on-site theatre and dining room seating were closed.
“In addition to our manned gate stations, we have implemented strict control measures on delivery vehicles that are designed to minimize contact between drivers and on-site staff. For example, we are preventing drivers from leaving their vehicles, and on-site staff will load and unload the delivery vehicles instead. For smaller items like mail and other envelopes, pre-arrangements are made to leave items at the gate station, where on-site staff can then retrieve the items and return them to camp, again eliminating person-to-person contact.”
Owen said there were no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 at the site.
Still area MP Nicki Ashton said First Nations leaders whose communities surround Keeyask remain concerned.
(Unist’ot’en healing centre in northern B.C. APTN file)
“First Nations and Northern leaders, people across our region are reaching out to me expressing their deep concerns about the continued operations of the Keeyask construction site at a time when we are dealing with the worldwide COVID-19 virus pandemic,” Ashton said in a letter to Manitoba Hydro, a copy of which was obtained by APTN.
“The Keeyask site poses a special risk given that it is a work site for hundreds of people from Northern Manitoba, across Canada and even the US – in an enclosed living camp in one of the regions most vulnerable to the virus in the country. These multiple factors and the serious risks they pose must continue to be taken seriously.”
Ashton (NDP-Churchill-Keewatinook Aski) did not respond to requests for an interview.
Back in B.C., Huson said people at her camp and in Houston were also at risk of being exposed to the virus from RCMP officers rotating in to patrol the contested pipeline route as part of the Community Industry Response Group (CIRG).
“The CIRG have never been local,” Huson explained in an email.
“The whole year they indicated themselves they are from lower mainland. Our local forces are not taken away from their detachments. We recognize local RCMP. And the ones escorting CGL are not local RCMP.”
Wilton was unaware of the recent need for RCMP escorts.
“…We continue to safely access the contested area and I am not aware of any police escorts being required. I would suggest you contact the RCMP regarding their activities,” she said in an email.
“CGL has their own resources to provide security for their workers and infrastructure and it would be best to contact them directly on their efforts,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson
The Nunatsiavut Government today announced a number of initiatives aimed at assisting Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement deal with impacts associated with the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiatives include providing support to food banks and community freezers (including those operated by the Sivunivut Inuit Community Corporation in North West River and the NunaKatiget Inuit Community Corporation in Happy Valley-Goose Bay/Mud Lake), and cleaning supplies and activity and games packages for children and families. Funding is also being set aside for mental health initiatives, harvesting and home-heating programs.
“The initiatives announced today will enable us to provide much-needed supports to Beneficiaries during these difficult and uncertain times,” says Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “While some of these programs will be put in place immediately, others will be rolled out once eligibility criteria has been developed. I want to assure Beneficiaries that the Nunatsiavut Government is working hard to protect their health, security and wellbeing.”
SUPPORT INITIATIVES
• Food Support Program: Financial assistance will be provided to support community food banks and freezer programs, including those operated by the Sivunivut and NunaKatiget Inuit community corporations. The funds will be used to purchase food for delivery to elders, families and individuals in need. Other food security initiatives, including access to traditional country foods, are being explored.
• Cleaning Supplies: Arrangements are being made to immediately provide a variety of household cleaners, disinfecting wipes, soap, etc. to families and individuals.
• Activity and Games: The Department of Health and Social Development will provide packages of coloring books and crayons, and a variety of games, etc. to Inuit children and families. Focus will initially be placed on those that access services from Family Connections, with plans to expand the program to others.
• Mental Health: Support packages, including items such as puzzles, games, etc. will be provided to promote mental wellness during self-isolation. Measures will also be implemented to enable individuals to connect directly with mental health workers.
• Home Heating: A program is being developed to ensure wood and fuel is provided to those in need.
“The Nunatsiavut Government will continue to explore ways to try and lessen the impacts of COVID-19 on our people and our communities,” says President Lampe. “We ask for cooperation and patience as we implement these initiatives in the days and weeks ahead.”
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is officially declaring a State of Emergency for First Nations regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The AFN is pressing for immediate increases in funding for First Nations and full involvement in all discussions with governments on planning and preparedness to ensure the unique needs of First Nations are addressed.
“The AFN is declaring a State of Emergency because First Nations need to be fully supported to meet all of the public health recommendations that this pandemic warrants,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “First Nations are the most vulnerable communities in the country and prevention efforts and preparation for critical care must be stepped up now. While the federal funding announced recently is a start, it is inadequate to meet the anticipated needs. This is about the health and safety of First Nations families and communities. We need to act now.”
The Assembly of First Nations national Executive Committee, comprised of the National Chief and AFN Regional Chiefs from across the country, held an emergency meeting on March 21, 2020 to assess the current situation and readiness of First Nations. On March 23, the AFN Executive Committee members passed a motion declaring a national State of Emergency. The motion calls for increased resources and support for First Nations, and that funding be provided on a “needs and equity basis,” with specific consideration for northern, remote and isolated communities. The motion states that “First Nations leadership be fully and meaningfully involved at the decision-making tables in the development of all plans, legislation, policies, budget allocations and regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic federally and provincially.” The motion also affirms AFN support for all First Nations that have already declared states of emergency, travel bans and other measures.
National Chief Bellegarde pointed out the unique circumstances First Nations face that require unique approaches noting, for example, that there are 96 remote fly-in First Nations across the country that are not easily accessible. These kinds of situations require increased supports and direct engagement with First Nations in planning and preparedness.
AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, who chairs the AFN Chiefs Committee on Health, said: “The crisis we face is serious. We must take the direction of health officials seriously. The time is now to flatten the curve. There is a role and responsibility for everyone – youth, Elders, leadership and our communities – and we must support our most vulnerable. Governments need to respond to this State of Emergency. We need to be coordinated and working together because First Nations need to be prepared and we need to be supporting them.”
The National Chief is communicating the AFN Executive Committee decision directly to the Government of Canada and is seeking an immediate response.
The AFN Executive Committee, led by National Chief Perry Bellegarde and comprised of Regional Chiefs from across the country, passed a motion on March 23 declaring a State of Emergency respecting First Nations and the COVID-19 pandemic.
AFN leadership calls on all governments to provide funding and support for First Nations based on needs, and to ensure First Nations leadership is involved in all governmental and intergovernmental discussions and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 21, 2020, the AFN Executive Committee held an emergency meeting to assess the situation of First Nations and to assess supports so far announced by federal, provincial and territorial governments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have taken some action to assist First Nations but these are not sufficient to meet needs. More action is needed immediately.
The AFN Executive Committee passed a motion on March 23 declaring a State of Emergency regarding First Nations and the COVID-19 pandemic. I am attaching the motion to this Bulletin. The motion calls for increased resources and support to First Nations – based on needs and equity – and states that funding to First Nations governments cannot be on a proposal basis. There also must be specific consideration for northern, remote and isolated communities. The motion states that First Nations leadership must “be fully and meaningfully involved at all decision-making tables in the development of all plans, legislation, policies, budget allocations and regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic federally and provincially.”
I will be writing to the Prime Minister and the Premiers to share this decision and to communicate First Nations concerns and expectations on what is needed to protect and serve First Nations citizens wherever they live. I will continue to share information with you as events unfold.
During this unprecedented public health crisis, we must work together to protect everyone. The AFN Executive Committee will continue to push for resources to ensure the protection, health and safety of First Nations to the greatest extent possible. I strongly urge all of you to follow the advice of medical experts. Please take all precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones, and to lead by example in following the advice of public health experts.
My thoughts and prayers are with each and every First Nation citizen. The Assembly of First Nations is closely monitoring this situation and will continue to share information on how everyone can protect themselves, their families and communities.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MOTION
SUBJECT : National State of Emergency
DATE: March 23, 2020
MOVED BY: Regional Chief Kevin Hart (MB)
SECOND BY: Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald (ON) ________________________________________
The Assembly of First Nations declares a national State of Emergency in respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, that the federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments must respect this State of Emergency;
Further, that the Assembly of First Nations supports those who have already declared States of Emergencies and travel bans into and out of their First Nations;
Further, that the funding allocated for medical, health, and the economic stimulus are not going to be enough. Canada must allocate more resources to support and meet First Nations’ needs, during this public health crisis;
Further, that funds will be distributed on a needs and equity basis and not on a formula nor a proposal submission basis and not on a reimbursement basis, unless First Nations have already spent other resources to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, that specific consideration for all prevention and critical care be afforded to northern, remote, and isolated communities;
Further, that on reserve and off reserve members seek financial assistance in many times of need to their respective First Nation and financial provision must be made for those Nations that provide to their members who are not able to live on reserve;
Further, support all measures put forth by public health authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable populations throughout the provinces and territories;
Further, that First Nations leadership be fully and meaningfully involved at the decision-making tables in the development of all plans, legislation, policies, budget allocations and regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic federally and provincially;
Further, that resources be made available for immediate mental health support and for those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
Lastly, the Government of Canada, Provincial and Territorial Governments must begin to track infections in First Nations so that we know the daily status of COVID-19 and its impact on our communities.
Avis à la population générale du Québec – Afin d’encourager la distanciation sociale et de protéger la population de Kanesatake pendant l’épidémie de COVID19, AUCUN tabac, cannabis ou alcool ne sera vendu sur le territoire, et ce, jusqu’à nouvel ordre.
Le Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake (CMK) souhaite informer le grand public que TOUS LES MAGASINS vendant soit du tabac, du cannabis et de l’alcool dans la communauté SONT FERMÉS depuis minuit le lundi 24 mars 2020, en raison de l’épidémie de coronavirus.
Cette décision communautaire, appuyée par les commerçants, a été prise dans le but de protéger notre population. Il est d’ailleurs important de déclarer que notre communauté, comme tel est également le cas d’un grand nombre de communautés autochtones au Canada, est considérée comme étant « à risque » en raison du fait qu’une proportion plus grande que la normale, voir la majorité, de nos membres souffrent de conditions préexistantes telles que : problèmes respiratoires, diabète, hypertension artérielle, maladies auto- immunes et cancer.
Nous appelons nos membres ainsi que tous les Canadiens à respecter cette directive, à limiter, ou mieux, s’abstenir complètement de voyager dans notre communauté et ailleurs et, finalement, à RESTER À LA MAISON. Plus vite tout le monde accepte cette nouvelle réalité, plus vite nous pourrons tous reprendre un cours de vie normale.
Notice to Quebec’s General Population – In an effort to encourage social distancing and protect Kanesatake’s population during the COVID19 outbreak, NO tobacco, cannabis or alcohol products will be sold on the territory until further notice.
The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) wishes to inform the general public that ALL the STORES selling either Tobacco, cannabis and alcohol in the community HAVE CLOSED since midnight on Monday March 24th 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
This community decision, which is supported by store operators, has been made in an effort to protect our population. It is important to state that our community, as I’m sure many indigenous communities in Canada is considered ‘at risk’ due to the fact that a larger than normal proportion, if not most, of our members suffer from pre-existing conditions such as : respiratory problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
We call upon our members and all Canadians to respect this directive, to limit, or better yet, refrain from travel to our community and elsewhere and ultimately to STAY HOME. The faster everyone accepts this new reality, the faster we can all return to our normal lives again.
In recognition of the latest scientific information for northern shrimp, the Nunatsiavut Government is calling on the Government of Canada to protect the interests of Labrador Inuit over those of non- adjacent users in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFA) 4 and 5.
“Both SFAs are directly within and adjacent to the Labrador Inuit Marine Zone, as defined in the Constitutionally-protected Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement,” notes Nunatsiavut’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Greg Flowers. “Canada’s obligation regarding northern shrimp within our land claims agreement are not being fulfilled.”
The Nunatsiavut Government’s interests must be held at a higher standard than Fisheries and Oceans Canada policy obligations, such as proportional sharing, added Minister Flowers.
Within the Eastern Assessment Zone (EAZ) – which is comprised of the Northern Shrimp Fishing Management Units, Davis Strait East and Davis Strait West, Nunavut East and Nunavik East – science has indicated that the fishable biomass has increased by 102 per cent. In 2013, Canada revised the Management Area to bring the EAZ directly within and adjacent to the Labrador Inuit Marine Zone. This quota increase in the EAZ is an opportunity for Canada to offer access to the Nunatsiavut Government in keeping with the spirit and intent of the LILCA, says Minister Flowers.
“The honour of the Crown will be called into question should Fisheries and Oceans Canada continue to make decisions and act in a manner that marginalizes the interests of Labrador Inuit. It is not acceptable to the Nunatsiavut Government that non-adjacent interests hold more access to northern shrimp in these areas than we do.”
Dr. David Tranter, Associate Professor with the School of Social Work, will be offering free live and on-demand webinars for parents and caregivers.
The series entitled, Surviving and Thriving at Home with Your Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic, provides expert advice in the areas of parenting, learning at home, and managing anxiety. Dr. Tranter is providing three webinars:
Session One: The March Break is Over, Now What?
Wednesday, March 25, 1 pm
This first session of the series covers the top ten ways you and your children can successfully settle in to staying at home. Topics will include: establishing realistic expectations, creating a daily routine, and dealing with stress and worry
Session Two: Learning at Home is Not like Learning at School
Wednesday, April 1, 1 pm
This session will examine how you can support your child’s learning and development without turning your dining room into a classroom. Topics will include: what matters most when it comes to learning, capitalizing on curiosity, and dealing with opposition without detention or suspension
Session Three: Are We Having Fun Yet? Saying Positive Over the Long Haul
Wednesday, April 8, 1 pm
This session will focus on maintaining your own well-being so you can support the well- being of your children. Topics will include staying motivated and positive, managing boredom and anxiety, and supporting your own well-being
For more information or to register, visit: bigmarker.com/communities/nelson- professional-learning/conferences
Le Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake (MCK) conjointement avec le Centre de santé de Kanesatake (KHC), l’équipe de Préparation aux Situations d’Urgence, toutes les autres branches des services de notre communauté ainsi qu’une grande majorité de Kanesata’kehró:non, exigent que tous les magasins ferment pour une période indéterminée. Voici une explication du contexte de cette décision.
Accélérer notre réponse Vendredi, notre équipe de Préparation aux Situations d’Urgence, en collaboration avec MCK et KHC, a visité chaque entreprise afin de discuter, de conseiller et d’encourager la mise en œuvre de protocoles d’hygiène approuvés par l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, et ce, afin de limiter le risque de contamination du personnel, des clients et de notre communauté. Nous étions satisfaits de voir que la plupart des propriétaires d’entreprise étaient réceptifs à cette initiative. Le fait est que la situation évolue très rapidement et que la réponse de notre communauté doit être fluide et s’ajuster à mesure que la situation évolue.
Fermeture obligatoire de toutes les entreprises à Kahnawake Dans le nouveau contexte créé suite à l’annonce faite hier par notre communauté sœur de Kahnawake qui force leurs commerçants de fermer leurs entreprises locales, nous sommes grandement préoccupés de voir un afflux beaucoup plus important de personnes aux portes de notre communauté. Ceci aura comme effet d’augmenter considérablement le risque d’exposition de nos membres et celle des populations avoisinantes. Il est également important de souligner que plusieurs autres communautés des Premières Nations du Canada et du Québec choisissent actuellement de mettre en place des points de contrôle routiers ou de fermer complètement leur communauté afin de protéger leurs membres.
Le virus est partout autour de nous Un autre aspect à considérer est que plus de 50% de nos membres ont des conditions de santé préexistantes sous-jacentes, telles que le cancer, le diabète, des problèmes respiratoires, une pression artérielle élevée, etc., ce qui les expose à un risque plus élevé de complications graves et, augmente significativement les risques de décès. Chacun de nous a le devoir individuel de saisir la réelle précarité de la situation. Le fait est que beaucoup de gens des régions qui nous entourent ont reçus des résultats de tests positifs pour le coronavirus, donc afficher une énorme affiche «open for business» à l’entrée de notre communauté ne ferait absolument aucun sens.
• Lanaudière (9 cas confirmés en date du 21 mars)
• Laval (3 cas confirmés en date du 21 mars)
• Montérégie – incluant Vaudreuil-Dorion, Hudson, Kahnawake, Rive-Sud de Montréal (26 cas confirmés en date du 21 mars)
• Montréal (41 cas confirmés en date du 21 mars) *** Ce ne sont là que les cas confirmés, les cas réels sont assurément beaucoup plus élevés ***
• Le nombre de décès au Québec est passé de 1 à 5 en une seule journée le 21 mars
En conclusion Le fait est que nous ne pouvons pas empêcher le virus de pénétrer au sein de notre communauté. Mais si nous travaillons tous ensemble et nous nous unissons, comme nos ancêtres l’ont fait, nous pouvons limiter sa propagation et limiter au minimum les impacts durables que ces temps difficiles pourraient avoir sur toute nos vies. Nous pouvons vaincre ceci, mais seulement si nous nous unissons.
Des circonstances extraordinaires doivent être assorties de mesures exceptionnelles… agissons en conséquence.
