Topic: Today’s News

Indigenous Spirit Fund (ISF) launches to support healthy outcomes for urban Indigenous youth

Award-winning Canadian playwright Drew Hayden Taylor and NCFST founding Executive Director Kenn Richard to host virtual launch

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2021 – On February 11, 2021, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) will host a virtual event to launch the Indigenous Spirit Fund (ISF), and to present the Indigenous Spirit Award to four youth recipients.  

The ISF will be led by Indigenous people with expertise in child and family welfare, Indigenous cultures and governance, and will focus on local and regional initiatives that benefit Indigenous children and families in Toronto, Ontario. 

The ISF is changing the narrative of reconciliation through philanthropy. It will create opportunities for Canada’s private, philanthropic and charitable sectors to build new relationships with Indigenous families and the organizations that serve them. Community-focused and based in Toronto, the work will focus on local and regional initiatives that benefit Indigenous children and families. 

As part of the ISF, the Indigenous Spirit Award will be presented to four youth recipients during the live virtual event. The award is sponsored by Bank of Montreal and is a way to honour children and youth who have shown Indigenous spirit in their efforts to break down barriers and realize their dreams. 

Details for the launch of NCFST’s Indigenous Spirit Fund and Indigenous Spirit Award are as follows: 

WHAT: Virtual launch of the Indigenous Spirit Fund (ISF) and presentation of Indigenous Spirit Award 
WHO: Native Child and Family Services Toronto;  Kenn Richard, Director of Indigenous Spirit Fund  Special guest: Drew Hayden Taylor, award-winning Canadian playwright 
WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 2021  4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST 
WHERE Virtual event. Register to attend here
WHY: Canada’s largest multi-service urban Aboriginal agency is launching a fund and award to support healthy outcomes for Indigenous youth. 

Anishinabek Nation mourns loss of strong Anishinaabekwe leader, Muriel Sawyer

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (February 8, 2021) – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief  Glen Hare is deeply saddened to announce the passing of language keeper and Deputy Chief of  Nipissing First Nation, Muriel Sawyer, into the Spirit World. 

“Let us remember one of our strong Anishinaabekwe leaders, Muriel Sawyer,” expresses Grand  Council Chief Hare. “Muriel was such a positive, strong role model for so many in her community  and throughout the Nation. She was always a big presence and leader at any of our gatherings and  had such a powerful way to inspire and motivate people through the creative and positive delivery  of her knowledge, oftentimes with humour or song (or both). My deepest condolences to the  family, friends, Nbisiing community members of Muriel, and all those who feel the profound loss  of such a strong Kwe and Warrior.” 

“After a most valiant and brave fight with cancer, our ancestors have summoned her to the Spirit  World,” expressed Anishinabek Nation Lake Huron Regional Chief and Nipissing First Nation Chief  Scott McLeod in a statement released on Feb. 6. “Although Muriel’s passing will leave a huge hole  

in our community, she will also leave an everlasting handprint on the many great things our  community has and will continue to accomplish. She will be missed by many as we move on  without her physical presence.” 

She will be remembered as the embodiment of an advocate of Anishinaabemowin and  Anishinaabe culture. Chief McLeod stated that Sawyer was “the driving force behind the  community’s preservation and revitalization of its first language, Anishinaabemowin.” 

Muriel was a true long-time champion of education, in the classroom and beyond, and was a  leader in ensuring the passing of the historic Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement in her  community that would then lay the foundation for the establishment of the Anishinabek  Education System (AES). Her commitment and dedication to education continued well after the  successful passing of the Education Agreement, where she was part of the initial set up of the AES  as a first member of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB). She played an integral role in the  implementation of the AES on behalf of the 23 Participating First Nations (PFNs) who are signatory  to the Agreement. There were a number of key implementation activities that she supported  including but not limited to: the inaugural meeting of the AES; determining the head office of the  KEB; implementing the Master Education Agreement (MEA) with the Ministry of 

Education/District School Boards; hiring of Education staff for the AES/KEB; and confirming the  AES structure. 

Muriel was honoured with the prestigious Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation’s Anishinabek  Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the recipient of a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching  Excellence in 2009. During her over 40-year teaching career, Muriel held the position of vice principal at Nbisiing Secondary School, where she began working in 1998 teaching Ojibwa  language in Grades 9 to 12, where her teaching style was described as fun and engaging. She was  also recognized in Professionally Speaking, the publication of the Ontario College of Teachers, as  an Exemplary Teacher.  

Muriel Sawyer’s goal was to have her students graduate with a sense of identity—proud that they  know their language, culture and ancestry. She wanted them to feel and believe that they can  succeed in both the Anishinaabe and non-Indigenous world.  

“I believe her goal was met and exceeded. The contributions and dedication of the late Muriel  Sawyer nbah set the foundation for our youth to become successful in whatever they choose to  do and will have a resounding effect for generations to come,” adds Grand Council Chief Hare.  “Miigwech, miigwech, miigwech.” 

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing  approximately 65,000 citizens. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and  can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.  

Nurses’ union says health authorities must step up supports for frontline workers

Challenging COVID-19 outbreak at Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital  an example of the dire impact the pandemic is having on nurses 

The BC Nurses’ Union says the safety and security of nurses and frontline health care workers battling the  COVID-19 pandemic is being neglected by health employers and the government. 

The union says numerous reports have come in recently from nurses at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops who say they haven’t had unfettered access to the personal protective equipment they need when treating COVID positive patients. They’ve also said they are being forced to work dangerously understaffed and are suffering from  the psychological impact that comes with managing the crisis. 

BCNU President Christine Sorensen says nurses around the province are feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and  abandoned. 

“In Prince George, ICU nurses are cracking under the emotional toll of watching patients struggling to breathe, in  Kamloops, nurses at Ponderosa Lodge have had their cars vandalized. In Kelowna, nurses are being told there is a six-year wait for a parking spot close to their worksite which would mean a safe walk to their vehicles,” she  adds. “We know nurses are giving all of themselves, but yet, health employers are offering up very few solutions on how best to take care of their own staff.” 

Sorensen says staffing shortages have also caused significant problems as more nurses become infected or are  having to self-isolate. On Thursday, Royal Inland Hospital announced day surgeries that require an overnight stay  would be postponed due to capacity constraints. At Prince Rupert General Hospital, limited operating room and  recovery room staff have impacted surgeries. 

“Nurses want to provide safe care, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult as they face an uphill battle,” says  Sorensen. “There needs to be a better plan in place to support those who have been sacrificing so much. I am  asking the Ministry of Health and Minister Dix to make it a priority to discuss and work with us now to ensure there  are the supports needed to retain the nursing staff we all rely on.” 

Moose Hide Campaign Day 2021

Join us on February 11th as we come together online for a day of action, inspiration, ceremony and fasting.

This is the 10th year of our campaign. Right now, with rates of violence rising, our work is more important than ever. We invite you to come together for this virtual event and day of action and commit to see an end to violence towards women and children. To grow closer through the experience of fasting and ceremony. To learn and connect from our homes, workplaces, schools, universities and communities.

Our event website is now live! Register now to gain access to our line-up of youth and main workshops, the link to the livestream, videos from Elders on fasting and other teachings and much more information and resources.

Register button

On Moose Hide Campaign day, expect…

  • Ceremony
  • Words from our co-founders
  • Keynote speakers, including Swil Kanim, Michèle Audette and Tia Wood
  • Hearing from Elders
  • Workshops (click here for more information on the workshops)
  • The opportunity to take part in the one-day fast

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this will be a fully virtual event, combining our national and provincial gatherings into one bigger event. We hope we can recreate a similar memorable shared experience, one where even more of you from across the country will be able to take part.

Schedule for the day

TimeEvent
7:21 am (AST)Daybreak Ceremony*
8:30-10:00 am (PST)Plenary livestreamTraditional welcome and opening protocolsCalling of the WitnessesCo-Founders address from Paul & Raven LacerteMichèle Audette keynote addressTia Wood keynote addressSwil Kanim keynote address
10:00-10:30 am (PST)Wellness Break
10:30-12:00 pm (PST)Virtual Workshops (see workshops page for more information)
5:29-5:50 pm (PST)Fast-Breaking Ceremony*
5:50-6:10 pm (PST)Calling of the Witnesses**
6:10-6:15pm (PST)Closing remarks from the Moose Hide Campaign

*We will be streaming a daybreak ceremony when the sun touches Turtle Island in the east, and a fast-breaking ceremony when the sun leaves Turtle Island in the west. This livestream will be available via our event microsite and social media channels. Participants in other time zones can view the Daybreak Ceremony livestream in the morning when they start their day. 

** Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony and gathering. A central aspect of the day is the request from the Moose Hide Campaign family for important members of the community to act as witnesses of the day. Witnesses will be called forward at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day – and after the Fast-Breaking Ceremony the witnesses are invited to share a few words about the day. Please ensure you join us at 5:29pm PST to help support and complete the work and ceremony of Moose Hide Campaign Day on February 11th, 2021.

Haida Storyteller Kung Jaadee named the 2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence at VPL

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Haida storyteller, educator and published author Kung Jaadee has been named the 2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence at the Vancouver Public Library.

Originally from the village of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, Kung Jaadee belongs to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations. Since 1996, Kung Jaadee has performed for hundreds of audiences across Canada and the U.S. Through her writing and storytelling, she has taught the Haida language to both children and adults alike, helping to preserve and revitalize her ancestral dialect. Kung Jaadee means ‘Moon Woman’ in Xaad Kil, a traditional name given to her by her cousin Crystal Robinson at the memorial potlatch honouring her great uncle in August 2008.

During her time at VPL, Kung Jaadee will be working on a three-part play about her Indigenous identity and how the smallpox epidemic affected her Haida Gwaii ancestors and Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. She will also use library resources to delve deeper in her research of Squamish and Musqueam cultures, languages and legends.

“I did not choose to be a storyteller. It chose me,” says Kung Jaadee. “For decades, performing for audiences of all ages across Canada has allowed me to share traditional Haida legends and my own personal stories from my birthplace, Haida Gwaii.

I’m honoured to be taking on this new role and sharing Indigenous culture and teachings with the diverse Vancouver community.”

In the coming months, Kung Jaadee is planning a number of online programs for all ages at the library, bringing Indigenous storytelling to the Vancouver public. These events are aimed at encouraging intercultural dialogue and include: storytelling workshops and performances, drumming and singing circles, and more.

Created in 2008, the VPL program promotes intercultural understanding and story sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.

Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek completes electricity project to bring power to their community

February 5, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting the production of energy and electricity for First Nations, and is committed to working in partnership with First Nations communities to invest in building and upgrading community infrastructure that supports the well-being of their residents.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable  Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek on the completion of an electrical distribution system project that will bring power to the community. 

The Government of Canada will fund up to $2.5 million for the electrification project, which will support future residential lots and a water treatment and distribution system for the community. The First Nation contributed $41,303 toward the project.  

Quotes

“Congratulations to Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishnaabek Nation on the completion of their electrification project that will lay the groundwork for a prosperity-filled future. This infrastructure foundation means 60 new housing lots, residential infrastructure, fire suppression, telecommunications technology; all critical for a safer, healthier, and more connected community.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“We are glad to have partnered with the Government of Canada on an incredibly important project. Having power will bring our members back to the community and will create opportunities for new infrastructure and economic development on our land.

I have been working on AZA projects for over 25 years and this is one of the most monumental steps we have taken since receiving our land base. This marks our initial footing of development and our threshold as a formal community in coming back together. It’s been an overwhelming journey to make it to this point. Thank you to everyone that supported our vision.”

Chief Teresa Nelson
Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek 

Quick facts

  • The Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek lands are located along the southern shore of Partridge Lake, approximately 2.5 hours northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. 
  • On September 21, 2017, ISC provided $465,655 for the design of the electrical distribution infrastructure, including electrical servicing of a future 20 lot housing development area. 

Government of Canada COVID-19 Update for Indigenous Peoples and communities

February 4, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is closely monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases reported in First Nations communities across the country. This is the second week when newly reported recoveries have continued to exceed newly reported cases. As a result of that, the number of active cases in First Nations communities has declined to the lowest point since December 6 of 2020 with 1,869 active cases reported as of February 3, 2021. 

Even with the arrival of vaccines, it is essential that everyone continue to follow public health measures, including physical distancing, wearing masks, avoiding gatherings and non-essential travel, staying home when sick, and keeping up with frequent hand, cough and surface hygiene. The combination of all these public health measures are required to stop the spread of the virus. 

In First Nations communities, as of February 3, ISC is aware of:

  • 17,315 confirmed positive COVID-19
  • 1,869 active cases
  • 15,271 recovered cases
  • 172 deaths

There are a total of 43 confirmed positive cases in Nunavik, Quebec, and all but 3 have recovered. As of February 3 the Government of Nunavut is reporting 12 active cases in the Kivalliq Region, and a total of 294 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Of the 294 reported cases, 281 people have recovered from the virus.

As of January 21, 2021, more than 1.1 million Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been distributed across the country, and Canada will receive an additional 180,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week. As of February 3, 2021, ISC was aware of 320 communities with vaccinations underway in Indigenous communities in the provinces and territories. Over 64,000 doses have been administered to First Nations on Reserve, Inuit and in the Territories.  We expect that the number of communities with vaccinations underway will continue to increase in the coming weeks.  

Several First Nations communities or long-term care facilities have completed administering the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A number of federal partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces,  and ISC are working in collaboration with communities to determine what further supports may be needed going forward. The Canadian Armed Forces are also providing assistance to the people of Fort Nelson First Nation in British Columbia, and to Ginoogaming First Nation in Ontario in response to a growing number of COVID-19 cases in the communities. The CAF is also continuing to provide assistance in Hatchet Lake, Saskatchewan and Garden Hill, Manitoba. Operation Remote Immunity, which is being spearheaded by ORNGE Air and Nishanawbe Aski Nation, also continues in northern Ontario with the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces. Vaccination started this week in several remote communities under this campaign, including Neskantaga First Nation. In Manitoba, vaccinations were completed at the Sioux Valley Elders Lodge, and are nearing completion in Garden Hill. Vaccinations have also begun in the Pauingassi First Nation, where there is an alarming rise in new cases of COVID-19. 

Planning for urban Indigenous vaccination continues to be a priority as well. Regular discussions are taking place between representatives from urban, regional and national Indigenous organizations, including Friendship Centres, Indigenous health care providers, municipal and provincial public health representatives and ISC. Some vaccination clinics are already in place for the urban Indigenous homeless population in Montreal, and a temporary warming centre has also been set up in the city in honour of Raphaël “Napa” André.

Reduced shipments of vaccines continue to cause temporary delays in the roll-out across the country. Even still, every person in Canada who chooses to be vaccinated will have the opportunity by the end of September. 

ISC continues to look for ways to support Indigenous communities impacted by COVID-19. As of December 18, over $4.2 billion has been announced in COVID-19 support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations, including $926.7 million for the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities. ISC also continues to support communities by actively sending PPE and working with community health services to provide surge capacity and testing. 

Standing Rock Lakota Youth Announce 93-mile Relay Run Calling for Biden to Shut Down Dakota Access Pipeline Ask

StandwithStandingRock Supporters to Participate by Posting #NoDAPL Challenge Videos

Standing Rock (Feb. 5, 2021)– Today, Lakota youth from the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River tribal nations announced a plan to run over 93 miles back to the Oceti Sakowin Camp site to call on President Biden to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The youth are asking for everyone who stood with Standing Rock four years ago to participate by uploading their own #NoDAPL
 
The oil pipeline poses a grave threat to the safety and sanctity of the tribes’ water, hunting and fishing rights, and cultural and religious practices. Federal courts have sided with the tribes on the years-long litigation and have revoked DAPL’s federal easement required by the Mineral Leasing Act. The tribes have demanded that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) stop the continued operation of DAPL given that it has no easement. President Biden has made no comment on the issue since taking office.
 
“In 2016 a group of us youth from the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Nations had the courage and were brave enough to stand up to the Dakota Access Pipeline that was going to cross our lands, threatening not only our drinking water supply but the land we have called home for generations. People from all walks of life stood with Standing Rock. Mr. President Joe Biden you have the opportunity to be brave and take courage; shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline.” Annalee Rain Yellowhammer, Standing Rock Sioux Youth Council Vice President 
 
On January 7th, 2021 the Westchester Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of international insurance corporation Chubb, notified Energy Transfer Partners that it was cancelling a crucial $250,000 bond for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) segment in Iowa. Publication of this bond cancellation comes just days after a federal appeals court largely sided with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe upholding lower court decisions that revoked a key permit for the line and required a federal agency to conduct a lengthy environmental review.
 
Surety bonds are used to protect the public from having to pay for any damages or pollution created by existing projects.
 
“We as the four bands of Lakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe will always stand up for our relatives to the west, north, east and south. We have stood with the grassroots people of Standing Rock in 2016 against the Dakota Access Pipeline and today we still stand by them today.” said Joseph White Eyes, Cheyenne River Grassroots Collective.”  We cannot let Oil Corporations continue to attack our people on our doorstep. We demand that President Biden shut it down!”

FPCC Arts Program Grants Now Open!

Select grants in the Indigenous Arts Program are now accepting applications from Indigenous B.C. residents for the Spring 2021 intake.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. PST

The Indigenous Arts Program (IAP)

  • Indigenous Arts Scholarship – Up to $20,000 for mentorship-based arts education and up to $10,000 for post-secondary arts education.
  • Community Arts Infrastructure – Up to $20,000 to support community arts workspaces and workshops focused on the transmission of arts knowledge in all artistic disciplines.
  • Organizations and Collectives – Up to $15,000 for artistic production, mentorship or administrative capacity building projects, and up to $30,000 for combined artistic production, mentorship and administrative capacity building projects.
  • NEW! Arts Vitality Micro-Grant – Up to $3,000 for individuals and collectives and up to $5,000 for organizations. Allows recipients to respond to changes in the arts sector, new approaches and opportunities. Deadline to apply January 15, 2022.

Eligibility

  • Applications are accepted from Indigenous (status, non-status, Métis and Inuit) artists, organizations and collectives located in B.C.
  • All applicants must read and agree to follow the FPCC COVID-19 Guidelines for Programs.
  • For more information, eligibility and guidelines please click on each program above.

Timeline
Applications are open now until April 15, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. PST

How to Apply
FPCC Arts Program applications will be accepted using the FPCC Grant Portal. If you require any assistance using the grant portal, understanding the guidelines or completing your application, please contact Hilary Strang, Arts Program Associate, via email at hilary@fpcc.ca.

Please share this funding opportunity with your network by downloading the program poster here.

Warm regards,
Emmy McMillan
Communications Officer
First Peoples’ Cultural Council

SPEAKER ADDRESSES RACISM IN THE BC HEALTH-CARE SECTOR

WHAT: VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series

WHEN: Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 6:30 – 8 pm

WHERE: Zoom webinar

Join Dawn Thomas Aa ap waa iik, Associate Deputy Minister for Indigenous Health with the BC Ministry of Health, who will be presenting An Island Response to In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A with Ms. Thomas.

After hearing reports of Indigenous-specific racism in emergency departments in BC, Health Minister Adrian Dix appointed independent investigator Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to lead an investigation into these allegations, situated and examined within a broader context of Indigenous-specific racism in the provincial health care system. On November 30, 2020, the In Plain Sight report was released. The report found that Indigenous peoples in BC are exposed to widespread racism that often results in negative experiences at the point of care, inequitable medical treatment, physical harm and even death. 

In her talk, Thomas will highlight some of the 24 recommendations made in the report to address systemic racism in the health-care sector, share some of her own experiences with the health-care system as well as a recent, local example – the COVID-19 outbreak at Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo – and discuss some interventions and strategies that have been effective in the Island Health region.

The Engaged Citizens Speaker Series launched in Fall 2019 with the goal of encouraging “intellectual, engaging and meaningful dialogue about social challenges, opportunities and the community around us while advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.” This edition is presented as part of VIU’s annual celebration of Global Citizens Week. Please register for this free event on Zoom webinar, and check out the full Global Citizens Week schedule. 

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