Topic: Today’s News

February 25, 2021 / Kamloops, BC: A local major infrastructure engagement project between the Neskonlith  Indian Band (Neskonlith) and the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) has received  national recognition from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC). This project is a recipient  of EDAC’s Marketing Canada Awards, recognizing excellence in marketing and community initiatives in  economic development across Canada. 

“This highway twinning is crucial, both to improve safety for our community members while preserving this  culturally and environmentally sensitive territory,” says Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson. “We appreciate the  willingness of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to meaningfully engage in a collaborative  design process for this project with our community. This highway expansion will open up economic  opportunities for our band and help drive the overall regional economy.” 

The Province has invested in upgrades to Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border and portions  of these upgrades traverse two of Neskonlith Indian Band reserve lands. 

“We are extremely proud of the meaningful engagement process with the Neskonlith on this particular  highway project,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s an example of community involvement that had technical challenges but still resulted in an innovative outcome.  Congratulations to the community members, Neskonlith leadership, and O’Leary & Associates on this  milestone.” 

This project was founded in an extremely innovative and unique approach, leading the Provincial and Federal  governments through a process based around Neskonlith’s traditional community engagement and decision making ways, while ensuring key outcomes were achieved for all parties. This was very technically challenging; designing a major infrastructure project and navigating Section 35 of the Indian Act are both complex processes. 

Tk’wem7íple7s re qelmúcw (Chief and Council) made it clear from the onset of this project that it was  important to integrate culture, language and tradition into the project and that any decisions must come from  the members of community. This started through Tskelé ̓ _l^̕_{nemstcwes re stet}^̕ex7ém (listening to the Elders),  along with background research of Secwépemc tradition and law. Whenever possible Secwépemctsín words,  phrases and processes were included in project material.  

“Congratulations to Neskonlith leaders and community members for being recognized nationally for  excellence in collectively promoting their communities, furthering their economic development priorities  and integrating culture, language and tradition through the Trans-Canada Highway Twinning Project,”  passed along Peter Milobar – MLA, Kamloops-North Thompson, Critic Indigenous Relations and  Reconciliation. “I look forward to seeing future initiatives incorporate a similar best practice with  collaboration and meaningful consultation.”

After this innovative engagement campaign, there was 92% community support for continuing to move the  project to the next phase of design. 

“This project is a perfect example of how truly meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous  communities, when done well, can result in a very positive and collaborative outcome for all parties,”  remarks Colin O’Leary, Principal of O’Leary & Associates and project consultant for the Tmicw department at  Neskonlith. 

While the process of designing and constructing a highway expansion is time-consuming, with project  completion still years away, the recognition of this project by EDAC is a further testament to the true power  of Indigenous Peoples and government rethinking how they work together.  

EDAC is Canada’s national association of economic development professionals, with nearly 1,000 members  representing each province and territory across Canada. For more information on the Marketing Canada  Awards, visit www.EDAC.ca. 

For more information from the  Neskonlith Indian Band: 

Judy Wilson 
Chief, Neskonlith Indian Band judywilson@neskonlith.net
778-694-9496 

For more information from the Ministry  of Transportation and Infrastructure: 

Media Relations 
Government Communications and  Public Engagement 
250-356-8241 

For more information about the  award or project activities: 

Colin O’Leary 
Principal, O’Leary & Associates colin@olearyandassociates.ca
250-299-3631

Groups say this gives the nearly extirpated species a shot at survival

VANCOUVER / UNCEDED xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mes and Sel̓íl̓witulh TERRITORIES — Today the B.C. and the federal governments announced a halt for at least a year to all logging within the forests of Spô’zêm First Nation territory, specifically the Spuzzum and Utzlius watersheds, that are home to the last known wild spotted owls in Canada.

“This is a moment to celebrate. It’s a great relief after 20 years working to save the spotted owls to have logging stopped in the valleys of Spô’zêm Nation territory where the last owls live,” said Wilderness Committee Protected Areas Campaigner Joe Foy. 

“After all this time on-the-ground with our partners Spô’zêm Nation and Ecojustice documenting the devastation and engaging people to demand action of the B.C. and federal governments, this is a welcome development.”

In the spring of 2019, Ecojustice, on behalf of the Wilderness Committee, sent a letter to the former federal minister of the environment and climate change demanding she fulfil obligations to protect and restore the endangered owls under the federal Species at Risk Act or the groups would take legal action. Last October, after insufficient progress, the groups put the new federal environment minister on notice.

“This is an important day. Ecojustice is pleased that the B.C. government has stepped up to address this emergency and protect the last wild owls,” said Kegan Pepper-Smith, Ecojustice lawyer. 

BC Timber Sales, a B.C. government agency, had a number of proposed clear-cuts in the owl’s old-growth forest habitat prior to this announcement. The Spô’zêm Nation, whose territory lies between Yale and Boston Bar and is home to the last remaining spotted owls, have asked the province to cease all logging activities in its territory to give the owls a chance at survival. 

“Spô’zêm First Nation stands proud as we have further shown that with the right intentions, collaboration and productive dialogue great things are achievable,” said Spô’zêm Nation Chief James Hobart. “One thing is certain, we didn’t get here by ourselves. Spô’zêm First Nation Chief and Council want to acknowledge the undying support from Joe Foy and the Wilderness Committee and Kegan Pepper-Smith from Ecojustice.”

“This monumental step forward in the assertion of our Nation’s own title and rights could only have been achieved with government representatives who smashed through the status quo, tore down walls of mistrust, rolled up their sleeves and in the end, were true to their word and the word of the B.C. initiative set forth by Premier John Horgan and the NDP who only a short time ago unanimously brought legislation to implement UNDRIP in its entirety,” Hobart adds.

Prior to the beginning of industrial logging, there were an estimated 500 pairs of spotted owls in the old-growth forests of southwest B.C. Years of clear-cutting has resulted in the owl becoming one of Canada’s most endangered species. Provincial biologists have only been able to locate three adult owls, including a breeding pair, remaining in the wild. 

“One year is not going to save the spotted owls but it gives us time to make a plan,” said Foy. “The next step is for the provincial and federal governments, in partnership with First Nations, to protect all of the spotted owl forest habitats. Obviously, they haven’t protected enough for the species to survive and thrive.”

Without provincial endangered species legislation, others like the spotted owl will also soon face extinction.

“While we recognize this announcement is a step in the right direction towards ensuring this species is given a chance at survival and recovery, more must be done to address the urgent threat to B.C.’s endangered species and the ongoing loss of habitat,” added Pepper-Smith.

The environmental organizations are calling on the B.C. government to take effective.

Click here for footage of logging and old-growth forest in the area.
Click here for photos, maps and short clips of the area and spotted owls.

(Taykwa Tagamou Nation Territory, ON, February 22, 2021) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario  (“COO”) Leadership Council met to discuss ongoing matters concerning the Assembly of  First Nations (“AFN”). It is clear to me that I continue to be a target of the AFN, resulting  from advancing the COO resolution seeking an independent financial review of the AFN. 

The hostile environment at the AFN has negatively impacted my ability to feel safe while  working on the AFN Executive Committee. I have communicated this concern to the COO  Leadership Council and they have agreed to take steps to appoint a proxy in my place,  given the recent public attempts to tarnish my reputation. 

I will continue to advocate for safe working environments, and I will do my part by  participating in a fair and transparent process to address the HR complaints against me.  Over my 30-plus-year career, I have achieved many firsts. I was the first woman ever to  be elected Ontario Regional Chief and I was the first female chief of Taykwa Tagamou  Nation. I have never expected things to be easy, but I do expect fairness. I have found  the AFN Executive Committee to be a challenging environment for female leadership in  particular and I am not the only person with this type of experience. 

To date, the AFN has failed to respond to the Ontario Chief’s legitimate concerns about  financial impropriety at the AFN. Instead, what has taken place is an effort to discredit,  humiliate, shame, and dehumanize me. I have decided that I will not participate in this  attempt to sideline the concerns of the Ontario Chiefs. The concerns raised by COO  around the financial irregularities at the AFN are serious and legitimate issues that ought  to be addressed in an expeditious and transparent way.  

Ninanaskamon! 
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald 

(Taykwa Tagamou Nation Territory, ON, February 18, 2021) It is unfortunate that what is  a confidential AFN Executive Committee matter has been leaked to the media by  unknown parties. Since this disclosure has occurred, I am compelled to address this  matter.  

I was first alerted to harassment allegations against me when National Chief Bellegarde and his legal counsel Mr. Mantas called me, without notice, on Friday February 5, 2021. 

I immediately raised that the timing of these harassment allegations appeared to be  reprisal in response to a confidential Chiefs of Ontario resolution, passed just the previous  day on February 4, 2021. The Chiefs of Ontario resolution seeks an independent financial  review of the Assembly of First Nations. I have become a target of the National Chief and  the Assembly of First Nations Secretariat because I have documents that show financial  improprieties within the Assembly of First Nations. 

When the dust settles, I believe that my efforts to treat people with respect will be  demonstrated. When I learned of the allegations against me, I wanted to make sure that  staff were aware that I respect and appreciate their contribution to the workplace. I  extended an offer to engage in healing with anybody who may feel hurt and to address  any workplace tensions. I made this offer without knowledge of the specifics of the  allegations against me. To this day, the details of the allegations against me remain  vague. Nevertheless, if there are people, staff or otherwise, that would benefit from a  healing circle, I continue to extend that invitation.  

Regarding an investigation into the harassment allegations against me, I continue to  maintain that this process must be fair and transparent, not only for my benefit but also  for the benefit of the complainants. Unlike the office of the National Chief, I have no issue  with transparency and accountability. I welcome and I am prepared to submit to a fair and  independent investigation.  

However, as my counsel has raised in correspondence, there are significant concerns  about the independence of the proposed investigator, Mr. Peter Mantas of Faskens LLP  – the same lawyer that was on the phone with the National Chief on Friday February 5,  2021, advising me of harassment allegations.

The National Chief has recently confirmed that Mr. Mantas takes instruction from the AFN  in general and the CEO in particular. The confidential Chiefs of Ontario resolution seeking  a financial review of the AFN and my concerns about reprisal both involve senior  leadership at the Assembly of First Nations. I do not believe that Mr. Mantas can conduct  a fair and independent investigation into the allegations against me when he  simultaneously takes instruction from senior leadership at the Assembly of First Nations.  

Finally, female members of the AFN Executive Committee, myself included, have raised  the issue of gender-based harassment and discrimination at the Executive Committee  level. Our complaints have not been addressed. Again, this only heightens my belief that  the timing of the complaints and the investigation is a targeted attempt to silence me and  to sideline the Chiefs of Ontario resolution seeking an independent financial review of the  Assembly of First Nations. I welcome a fair and independent investigation into this  ongoing gender-based harassment so that the Assembly of First Nations can become a  safe place to work for all.  

I look forward to an opportunity to participate in a fair and independent investigation into  the harassment allegations against me. Since this process has become increasingly  unfair and riddled with conflicts of interest, Ontario will not send a representative to a  meeting of the AFN Executive Committee, occurring tomorrow (February 19, 2021).  

Ninanaskamon! 
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald 

Seattle, WA—The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) released a report today that graded all 50 states on the quality, collection, and reporting of COVID-19 data as it relates to American Indian and Alaska Native people. 

The report states that poor data collection standards implemented by states has resulted in a substantial gap in understanding the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color across the U.S., specifically American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

“This is a data genocide on Native people,” said Abigail Echo-Hawk, director or UIHI. “American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying at disproportionate rates and decision makers don’t even have accurate data to ensure we are properly funded and resourced.” 

The UIHI report graded states based on four categories: if American Indian and Alaska Native populations were included on state dashboards; the percentage of cases with complete racial information on state dashboards; the percentage of confirmed cases reported from states to the CDC; and the percentage of confirmed cases with complete racial information on the CDC database. 

The poorest score came from Texas, followed by New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, and West Virginia, respectively. They all received an overall grade of “F.” Minnesota, Vermont, Maine, and Arkansas were the only states that received an overall “A” grade. 

The accumulative grade of all 50 states was a D+. 

“It is unacceptable for states to exclude us from the data, including my home state of Maryland,” said Kerry Hawk Lessard, executive director of Native American Lifelines. “States need to be held accountable for their actions. Indigenous communities are working day and night to address the pandemic, but some of the largest barriers are the ones out of our control.” 

It is required by the CARES Act that states across the country collect race and ethnicity in COVID-19 data, but many states have not collected or reported it accurately. In February 2021, the CDC reported that 48% of race and ethnicity was missing from COVID-19 vaccination data. 

Echo-Hawk will provide a briefing today to the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about the current state of COVID-19 and vaccinations in Native communities, as well as the data issues that have continued throughout the pandemic. 

The Select Subcommittee briefing begins at 2:30 p.m. EST. A livestream will be available on the Select Subcommittee’s website or YouTube. 

TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY TO APPLY

The new CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting recognizes media’s vital role in providing accurate, contextual information about the climate crisis and potential solutions that address its impact and threats.

This award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize, will be presented to a working journalist or team of journalists who are judged to have done the most in 2020 to shine a spotlight on climate change and innovative solutions. 

 Please take a look at the award details and criteria before applying online.

DEADLINE
FEBRUARY 19, 2021

The Nunatsiavut Government is calling on Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement to  remain calm and to continue adhering to all public health protocols following confirmation of a presumptive  positive case of COVID-19 in Makkovik today. The case is connected to recent travel from the St. John’s  metropolitan area.  

All cases of COVID-19 are considered presumptive until confirmed by Public Health officials. The test  results are scheduled to be sent to St. John’s Thursday for confirmation. 

Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority and the Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social  Development are working closely together to track all contacts, and arrangements are being made to have all  residents of Makkovik tested for COVID-19. Details are expected to be announced Thursday morning.  

Meanwhile, all flights to and from the community have been suspended until further notice, with the  exception being for medical emergencies only. Residents are also asked to not travel by snowmobile to any  other communities under any circumstance, to stay in their homes and to avoid contact with those from  outside their households. 

“We still have a long way to go before the threat of COVID-19 passes,” says Nunatsiavut President  Johannes Lampe. “Even though the vaccine has been administered to residents in Makkovik, people should continue to follow all public health protocols, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and  maintaining social distancing of at least two metres from those outside your immediate households.” 

The Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development will begin the process of implementing an  emergency COVID-19 response plan for Makkovik. Similar plans have also been developed for the other  Inuit communities, and will be implemented if necessary. 

Residents of Makkovik should immediately contact 811 if they exhibit any of the following COVID-19  related symptoms: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; worsening cough; high fever; chills; fatigue or  weakness; headache; stomach pain; diarrhea; or vomiting. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified systemic and longstanding inequalities, with women and girls disproportionately affected by the crisis. The Government of Canada is taking strong action to prevent the pandemic from rolling back progress or reversing the hard-won gains of women in Canada.

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, launched a new call for proposals through Women and Gender Equality Canada’s Women’s Program. The call, entitled “Feminist Response and Recovery Fund”, will provide $100 million for projects helping those in greatest need. The funding will allow recipient organizations to launch new projects or scale up past projects that increase women and girls’ participation in Canada’s economic, social, democratic and political life.

Eligible projects will tackle barriers, address harmful gender norms and attitudes, or improve policies, practices, resource distribution, networks and relationships. Recognizing the need for a feminist, intersectional response to COVID-19, Women and Gender Equality Canada will direct funding to projects supporting marginalized or underrepresented people, including Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, women who are members of LGBTQ2 communities, and women living with disabilities or in rural or remote communities.

The call for proposals aims to provide flexibility, allowing organizations to respond to a wide range of issues in order to accelerate progress on gender equality and ensure that Canada’s response to and recovery from COVID-19 is inclusive of diverse women. These projects will serve as building blocks for long-term, lasting change to advance women’s equality.

The women’s program provides funding to eligible organizations in three priority areas:

• Ending violence against women and girls
• Improving women’s and girls’ economic security and prosperity
• Encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles

Today’s announcement builds on previous steps taken to ensure an intersectional response to the pandemic, including commitments in the 2020 Speech from the Throne to create an Action Plan for Women in the Economy and move forward on a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system.

Recognizing that COVID-19 has increased the rates and severity of gender-based violence (GBV), the Government of Canada has provided $100 million directly to organizations that support survivors and their families. Combined with new flexibilities to existing programs, this funding has supported over 1500 organizations, helping them keep their doors open at this challenging time.

The call for proposals is open until March 25, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Pacific Standard Time). Visit women.gc.ca for more information and for details on how to apply.

PIKANGIKUM, TREATY 5 TERRITORY, ON, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ – A safe and supportive environment is key to the growth and wellbeing of individuals and families in Canada. The Government of Canada works in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provincial governments and other partners to advance innovative projects that support people and help to build healthy and vibrant communities. 

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario, Thomas Carrique, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler congratulated Pikangikum First Nation Chief Dean Owen and the community on the opening of the KII-WE-YAN Pikangikum First Nation Bail Bed and Transition Home that will provide temporary shelter and healing services for Pikangikum members, including those on bail or serving intermittent sentences. This transition home is the first of its kind in Canada. Its opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the milestone.

The transitional home provides community-based and culturally appropriate support, supervision and accommodation to people who have been arrested in the First Nation community. Without this program, the individual would have to fly hundreds of kilometers to Kenora, Ontario for a bail hearing, which can result in a possible detainment. This displacement can cause significant trauma to them, their families and dependants. Separation from family, community and crucial support systems during this time has been known to increase the likelihood of being rendered homeless and vulnerable to human trafficking, drug trafficking, gang recruitment and a heightened risk of repeating criminal behaviours. 

The transitional housing will provide local holistic supports and cultural practices to address social and mental health issues, while keeping community members closer to their families. It will also promote community-based policing and help to address the disproportionately high representation of First Nations in the criminal justice system. 

Quotes

“Thanks to the hard work of Pikangikum First Nation and Chief Dean Owen, Canada now has the first transitional home on a reserve. This Indigenous-led housing project will keep families together and provides community members with the culturally informed supports they need. We are honoured to have partnered with you, and all partners, on this innovative project to promote health and healing in your community, and help to address the disproportionately high representation of First Nations in the criminal justice system.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services

“We could not be happier to open the transitional home in our community! For far too long, our members have had to leave our community and be away from their families to be locked up in the provincial bail-bed system. This has created irrevocable traumas and other issues for our members. I am glad we now have a safe space for them in our own community. I would like to thank my Council and the Pikangikum First Nation community partners for their dedication, hard work, and patience that made this project possible. And thank you to Canada, Ontario, Habitat for Humanity and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation for their collaboration.”

Chief Dean Owen
Pikangikum First Nation

“We commend Chief Owen and the members of Pikangikum for their leadership in establishing this transitional home to improve the administration of justice in their community. There is a long-standing need for community-based, culturally relevant services to decrease the trauma experienced by on-reserve members forced to leave their communities for minor sentences. We will continue to advocate for more projects and partnerships that support community-based policing and traditional forms of justice to decrease the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.” 

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler
Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation

“As Ontario’s Attorney General, I am determined to build an accessible, responsive and resilient justice system that addresses the specific needs of Indigenous, northern, and rural communities. Our government is committed to working with First Nations communities, such as Pikangikum First Nation, to advance innovative and community-led services that make a difference.”

The Honourable Doug Downey
Attorney General of Ontario

“The Ontario Provincial Police appreciates the cooperative relationships we share with Pikangikum First Nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members. We are proud of our partners for this Indigenous-led project, which will provide a safe space and culturally appropriate support for charged individuals, and look forward to the positive impact it will have in the community.”

Thomas Carrique
Commissioner of Ontario Provincial Police