Topic: Today’s News

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada — Monday, 1 February 2021: The MacKenzie Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition by artists James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk, Ithin-eh-wuk—we place ourselves at the center. Curated by Timothy Long, the exhibition will include over a dozen photo-installations plus a selection of videos. For fifteen years, James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk collaborated on a series of nationally exhibited photo-installations and videos which unveil the mindset and effects of colonialism through the lens of their remarkable intercultural marriage. This exhibition traces for the first time their creative output from their initial meeting in 1993 until Nicholas’s accidental death in 2007. Timothy Long will share in conversation with artist Sandra Semchuk at an opening reception for the exhibition, which will take place over Zoom on Thursday, 4 February at 7 PM.

“The MacKenzie is honoured to host this overdue comprehensive look at the work of Semchuk and Nicholas,” says John G. Hampton, Executive Director and CEO of the MacKenzie Art Gallery. “This profound body of work is both intensely personal and powerfully relatable, and in many ways sets the stage for the necessary conversations and question that we are grappling with today. I am so proud and excited to share this work with our community.”

The questions Nicholas and Semchuk ask of each other are personal, at times humorous, at other times painful. Whether dealing with the marginalization of Ukrainian-Canadian settlers or Nicholas’s experiences as a residential school survivor, the effort is always, in Semchuk’s words, “to recognize the truths in each other’s stories.” At the same time the works embrace a “wider-than-human” context by honouring the land, plants, and animals that ground their stories. “The work of James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk is incredibly relevant to the work of conciliation going on today,” says Head Curator Timothy Long. “They show us what an open and empathetic intercultural dialogue looks like. It’s a model we can all learn from.” 

The work of Nicholas and Semchuk reveals a profound commitment to dialogue in which Semchuk’s identity as the child of Ukrainian-Canadian settlers from Saskatchewan meets Nicholas’s experiences as a Rock Cree man from Manitoba. Guided by equality, their collaborations are love stories that open us to an honest and compassionate consideration of who is in the centre and who is not. 

A publication featuring contributions by Dana Claxton, David Garneau, Richard Hill, Elwood Jimmy, Andrea Kunard, and Althea Thauberger will address their work and the intercultural sharing which informed their practice. 

A Recruitment Campaign to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Canada Council for the Arts today launched a major recruitment campaign open to all, with a priority for Indigenous, Black, racialized and Deaf applicants, as well as applicants with disabilities. We need your help to get the word out about these job opportunities and to encourage skilled, committed, and innovative people to submit applications.

An outstanding work environment

This campaign is an invitation to work in a stimulating environment—a place where the staff are inspired by their organization’s mission. In fact, the Council today was named among the top employers of the National Capital Region for 2021. We are delighted to receive this honour. Nevertheless, we can always do better to create an exemplary work environment and significantly increase the diversity of our staff.

Calling on a range of expertise

Of course, applicants can be from the arts sector, but we would also like to receive applications from other sectors of activity, because the types of expertise and perspectives we seek are not limited to the arts. In fact, the Canada Council for the Arts—like the wider arts sector—could greatly benefit from the advances in evaluation, the environment, and social and climate justice from sectors like education, community development, health, environment, and international cooperation.

I invite you to read my letter to the communityand I thank you in advance for helping us lead this major recruitment campaign.

Simon Brault, 
Director and CEO

Campagne de recrutement pour favoriser la diversité, l’équité et l’inclusion

Le Conseil des arts du Canada lance aujourd’hui une importante campagne de recrutement ouverte à toutes et à tous, mais à l’occasion de laquelle il priorisera l’embauche de personnes autochtones, noires, racisées, sourdes ou handicapées. Nous avons besoin de vous pour nous aider à faire connaître ces possibilités d’emplois et pour encourager des personnes compétentes, engagées et novatrices à soumettre leur candidature.

Un milieu de travail exceptionnel

Cette campagne est une invitation à travailler dans un milieu stimulant : la mission du Conseil inspire tout son personnel. Le Conseil figure parmi les meilleurs employeurs de la région de la capitale nationale de 2021. L’annonce a été faite aujourd’hui, et nous réjouissons de recevoir cet honneur. Mais nous voulons et pouvons toujours faire mieux pour créer un milieu de travail exemplaire et, aussi, pour augmenter significativement la diversité de nos effectifs au sein de nos équipes.

Appel à diverses expertises

Les personnes intéressées peuvent provenir tant du secteur des arts que d’autres secteurs d’activités : les expertises et les perspectives recherchées ne se limitent pas au secteur artistique. Comme l’ensemble du secteur, le Conseil des arts peut grandement bénéficier des avancées en matière d’évaluation, d’environnement ou de justice sociale et climatique, qui se font dans les secteurs comme ceux de l’éducation, du développement communautaire, de la santé, de l’environnement ou de la coopération internationale.

Je vous invite à lire ma lettre à la communauté et je vous remercie d’avance de nous aider à mener cette importante campagne de recrutement.

Simon Brault, 
Directeur et chef de la direction

Unceded Coast Salish Territories (VANCOUVER, BC) — A new independent report commissioned by Sierra Club BC looks at the relationship between forest management and severe climate impacts expected across B.C. It shows that governments can mitigate climate related disasters like flooding, droughts, fires and heatwaves by swiftly reforming B.C.’s forestry practices, applying Indigenous knowledge to forest-related decisions, and protecting and restoring intact forests, before the climate crisis worsens.

Written by Dr. Peter Wood, the ‘Intact forests, safe communities’ report found that industrial logging has a significant impact on the severity and frequency of climate risks for B.C. communities. Of the 15 climate risks identified in B.C.’s 2019 Strategic Climate Risk Assessment, the majority are influenced by logging. The BC Climate Risk Assessment outlined how several of these risks have the potential to create catastrophic impacts.

B.C.’s assessment did not consider the ways that logging worsens climate risks, presenting a major blind spot that could undermine the effectiveness of the Province’s response to global heating. In order to support the health and safety of B.C. communities, it is critical that the BC Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, now under development, include measures to protect intact forests and reform forestry practices. The best way to accomplish this is by implementing all of the recommendations from the 2020 Old Growth Strategic Review.

“The science is clear that clearcutting increases the frequency and intensity of forest fires. We also know it increases both the risk of flooding and periods of drought, as well as erosion and slope instability, which increase the likelihood of landslides,” explained Dr. Peter Wood, the author of the report. “In contrast, old intact forests act as a moderating influence on the landscape, supporting ecosystem function and resilience, and lowering risk to surrounding communities.”

“The climate crisis impacts us all, but it particularly has devastating repercussions for vulnerable and marginalized people, including First Nations across the province, many who have limited capacity and resources to respond to climate disasters and whose territories are high-risk areas that corporations and governments seek to develop,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

“UBCIC endorsed Resolution 2020-23 to call on the government to involve Indigenous people in decisions related to forestry management, including the protection of old-growth forests, as they not only have a vested interest in protecting and stewarding the land that they have maintained spiritual and cultural ties to since time immemorial, but many Nations depend on forestry for their livelihoods and must be able to help guide BC’s transition to more sustainable and conservation-based practices,” added Phillip.

“The climate crisis puts the health and safety of communities in danger, and clearcut logging is making things worse,” said Sierra Club BC’s Senior Forest and Climate Campaigner Jens Wieting.

“It doesn’t need to be this way. Immediately deferring logging in at-risk old-growth forests and implementing the promised paradigm shift to forest management can reduce climate risks, if we move quickly. Remaining old-growth must be protected, and forest that has already been degraded by logging can be restored to increase resiliency,” added Wieting.

Premier John Horgan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review; however, the B.C. government has yet to implement interim protection for all at-risk forests, provide the necessary funding, and disclose a timetable for how they will live up to this commitment.

The ‘Intact forests, safe communities’ report emphasized that the provincial government must work with Indigenous decision-makers to incorporate Indigenous perspectives, cultural values, and knowledge into forest management decisions to mitigate risks.

“First Nations have long been lobbying the B.C. government to recognize their right to manage the forest in their territories and to protect their sacred sites, old-growth ecosystems that support medicinal plants, and habitat for wildlife and birds. Through management of their forests, they would keep healthy forests with high environmental standards. This report reflects what First Nations have always known, that the provincial governments must change the way they manage forests immediately,” stated Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

“We are entering a new era of climate emergency and forest management must be adapted to mitigate many of the risks,” said Wieting.

“This is an opportunity to transition to a more sustainable model of forestry that is jointly designed with First Nations and build more resilient communities. However, time is running out, as these threats will only increase in magnitude with further warming and logging of intact forest.”

On January 27-28, 2021, Federal, Provincial¹, Territorial and Indigenous representatives participated in a national dialogue on anti-Indigenous racism in health care faced by Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

The meeting was convened by the Government of Canada. Indigenous leaders, health professionals and experts, provincial and territorial governments were invited to participate and all acknowledged the racism that exists, and that changes are needed to bring about reform.

Key themes that emerged over the course of the two days included the need to build trust through concrete measures to prevent and address anti-Indigenous racism in health care in Canada and that change needs to be rooted in a recognition of the importance of the land, culture, language, and Indigenous led health approaches.

The work ahead will build upon efforts already underway in jurisdictions to ensure that health systems are culturally inclusive, responsive, appropriate, and demonstrate cultural humility. Provinces and territories remain committed to working with local Indigenous communities, organizations, and leadership on this critical issue.

Another dialogue will be held in Spring 2021 to pursue discussions related to postsecondary health education, cultural humility training, Indigenous approaches to health, and patient navigation.

A significant amount of work remains to be done and there is a shared commitment to build on the current momentum to make real and lasting change.

____

¹ Quebec participated in this meeting to demonstrate the importance given to the fight against anti-Indigenous racism in Quebec’s health care system and to share the actions it has put in place and those to come. It will continue to develop its own action plan and follow up on it through its own existing mechanisms, in consultation with its Indigenous partners. Furthermore, Québec does not subscribe to all of the elements stated in this communiqué. Newfoundland and Labrador is operating in a caretaker period due to a provincial election and participated in the meeting as an observer. 

Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) decided to grant permits to Enbridge for its Line 5 Tunnel Project in the Great Lakes. The decision is in stark contrast to President Biden’s Executive Order yesterday that prioritizes climate and environmental justice.

Earthjustice and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) are representing the Bay Mills Indian Community in opposition to the existing Line 5 pipeline and the proposed tunnel replacement. Below are statements in response to EGLE’s ruling.

“Although EGLE’s decision is disappointing, it is even more heartbreaking to say that this type of “rubber stamp” approval without considering tribal treaty rights is something Tribal Nations are accustomed to. When Governor Whitmer revoked the easement for the dual pipelines, Indigenous people across the Great Lakes were celebratory, but cautious. It’s becoming apparent that this administration views the tunnel project as the compromise. In fact, the tunnel project will not only harm tribal resources and the Great Lakes, but EGLE never considered alternatives that would be less harmful.” – Whitney Gravelle, Tribal Attorney for the Bay Mills Indian Community

“Our people – the Anishinaabe – have a teaching that any decision we make today must take into consideration a sustainable world for the next seven generations. It reminds us to understand that the decisions we make are not limited by the immediate concerns of today, but instead have implications long after we are gone. EGLE’s decision today approving the permits demonstrates they did not think of the next seven generations, let alone the people of Michigan today who will be harmed by the Tunnel Project.” – Whitney Gravelle, Tribal Attorney for the Bay Mills Indian Community

“Governor Whitmer’s administration entered into a Government-to-Government Accord supporting tribal consultation with the twelve Tribal Nations in the State of Michigan. This Accord included a commitment by the State to share information, participate in meaningful communication, and robust collaboration with Tribal Nations. The tribal consultation initiated by EGLE has been wholly inadequate throughout this entire permit process since the beginning. It is even more disappointing that EGLE would approve the permits knowing they have not shared all relevant information with Tribal Nations, who have a treaty-vested interest in the waters of the Great Lakes, nor received adequate feedback from Tribal Nations’ regarding their concerns with the Tunnel Project.”  – David Gover, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund

“The agency’s decision to grant these permits is deeply troubling considering Enbridge did not provide the baseline information required to obtain such permits. The tunnel construction and the ongoing operation of the Line 5 pipeline will have devastating impacts all along its path throughout the Great Lakes, including within the treaty-protected Straits of Mackinac. We will continue to advocate before the Public Service Commission and Army Corps of Engineers to bring attention to the dangers posed by this project and seek denial of the remaining permits needed.” – Debbie Chizewer, Managing Attorney, Earthjustice

∙ En date du 26 janvier 2021 à midi, HSN compte 9 patients admis qui ont obtenu un  résultat positif au test de la COVID-19. Aucun de ces patients n’est à l’Unité des soins  intensifs (USI). En outre, 4 patients admis à HSN subissent un test de la COVID-19 et  attendent leurs résultats. Le taux d’admission à HSN se situe à 108 %. 

∙ Depuis le lancement du Service des urgences virtuel d’HSN en décembre 2020, plus de  200 patients ont utilisé le service, une première dans le Nord de l’Ontario. Le Service  des urgences virtuel d’HSN est ouvert du lundi au vendredi. Les patients dont la vie n’est  pas menacée peuvent s’inscrire au www.hsnsudbury.ca/SUvirtuel et remplir un  formulaire pour demander un rendez-vous le jour même, en français ou en anglais, avec  un urgentologue. Afin de pouvoir utiliser le service, les patients ont besoin d’une  connexion Internet fiable et d’un ordinateur, d’un téléphone intelligent ou d’une tablette  qui fonctionne. Grâce à ce service, des patients de tout âge, de 12 mois à 90 ans, ont  reçu des soins de santé importants. Le Service des urgences virtuel est en mesure de  traiter jusqu’à 32 patients par jour, selon le principe de premier arrivé, premier servi.  Nous commençons à fixer les rendez-vous dès 7 h chaque matin, les jours ouvrables.  Lorsque l’horaire de la journée est rempli, nous conseillons aux autres patients de se  présenter en personne au Service des urgences. 

∙ HSN a publié la vidéo suivante cette semaine pour montrer comment fonctionne le  Service des urgences virtuel. HSN se fait un plaisir d’offrir cette option aux patients et à  leur famille, surtout pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19. En profitant du Service des  urgences virtuel, les patients reçoivent des soins rapidement et de façon commode, en  toute sécurité. Plus les gens utiliseront le service virtuel, mieux HSN pourra gérer  l’espace physique dans son service des urgences pour maintenir les distances s’il reçoit  soudainement un nombre accru de patients.  

∙ Plus de 2 300 patients et partenaires de soins désignés ont utilisé le nouvel outil de  dépistage de la COVID-19 d’HSN qui se trouve au https://www.hsnsudbury.ca/portalfr/ Les patients et leurs partenaires de soins peuvent répondre aux questions de dépistage  avant de se rendre à l’hôpital au moyen d’un formulaire qui se remplit facilement et  rapidement. Une fois le formulaire soumis, un accusé de réception est envoyé par  courriel, contenant un code QR. Pour accélérer le dépistage à l’hôpital, les patients et  les partenaires de soins désignés n’ont qu’à présenter le code QR sur leur appareil  mobile ou sur une copie papier imprimée chez eux. ∙ Les codes QR du dépistage ne sont valides que pendant 4 heures une fois que le  formulaire est rempli en ligne. Par conséquent, veuillez le remplir le jour même de votre  visite à l’hôpital. Chaque personne qui se rend à l’hôpital doit avoir rempli son propre  formulaire et reçu son propre code QR. Il faut remplir un nouveau formulaire pour  chaque visite. Les patients qui ont de la difficulté à remplir le formulaire peuvent se  présenter à l’hôpital et se faire aider pour l’un des préposés au dépistage. À l’heure  actuelle, l’outil de dépistage est offert aux personnes qui doivent se présenter au Centre  de santé du lac Ramsey ou au Centre de soins ambulatoires de Sudbury.

∙ As of noon on January 26th, 2021, HSN has 9 patients admitted who have tested  positive for COVID-19. None of those patients are in the ICU. Additionally, 4 patients  admitted to HSN are currently being tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results.  HSN’s occupancy rate is at 108%.  

∙ Since launching in December 2020, more than 200 patients have accessed HSN’s  Virtual ED service, a first for Northern Ontario. HSN’s Virtual ED service is available  Monday through Friday, and patients with non-life-threatening conditions can log onto  www.hsnsudbury.ca/virtualed and fill out a form requesting a same-day appointment, in  French or English, with an Emergency Department physician. To access the service,  patients require a secure internet connection as well as a working computer, smart  phone or tablet. Patients ranging in ages from 90 years old to as young as 12 months  have received important healthcare through this service. The Virtual ED has capacity to  see up to 32 patients per day and is on a first-come, first served basis. Appointments  can be booked starting at 7 a.m. each weekday morning. Once these spaces have been  filled, additional patients, looking to access the Virtual ED will be directed to visit HSN’s  Emergency Department in person.  

∙ HSN released the following video this week showing how the Virtual ED works.  HSN is pleased to be able to offer this option for patients and families, especially during  the COVID-19 pandemic. By using the Virtual ED, patients are able to receive timely  access to care, in a convenient way, while being COVID-19 safe. Having more people  access the Virtual ED also helps with HSN’s space issues and to maintain physical  distancing in the Emergency Department, if there is a sudden surge of patients.  

∙ More than 2,300 patients and designated care partners have used HSN’s new COVID 19 Self Screening Tool, which is accessible at www.hsnsudbury.ca Patients and their  designated caregivers can self-screen prior to their visit to the hospital through a quick,  easy online form. Once the form is completed, a confirmation email with a QR code is  sent. Patients and designated care partners simply present their QR code by displaying  the code on a mobile device or by using a paper copy printed at home to speed up  screening at the hospital. 

∙ Self-screening QR codes are only valid for 4 hours after the online form is completed.  Users must complete the form the day of their visit to the hospital. Each person entering  the hospital should complete their own form and have their own unique QR code for  screening. A new form must be completed for each visit. Patients who have difficulty with  the form can come into the hospital and one of HSN’s screeners will be happy to assist  them in person. Currently, the self-screening tool is available for those attending the  Ramsey Lake Health Centre and the Sudbury Outpatient Centre.

ALGARY, AB (January 28, 2021) – In its first update to the 2021 Canadian Oilfield Services Activity Forecast, released today, the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) has revised the number of wells drilled (rig released) across Canada for 2021 to 3,350 wells. This is an increase of 750 wells which would be a considered a modest amount based on historical activity, but is 29 percent over PSAC’s original 2021 Forecast released in October 2020.

The updated forecast is based on a stronger commodity price outlook for the 2021 forecast with PSAC now expecting average crude oil prices 19 percent stronger at US$50.00/barrel (WTI), natural gas prices of $2.60 CDN/mcf (AECO) and the Canadian dollar slightly stronger averaging $0.79USD.

PSAC Interim President & CEO Elizabeth Aquin commented, “The strengthened commodity price outlook today versus what was expected back in October is welcome news for our members who provide the service, supply and manufacturing for energy development. As expected global economic recovery gradually restores demand, it is helping to improve cash flows and balance sheets for our members’ oil and gas customers. Recent announcements by Canadian oil and gas companies of their 2021 investment levels show an additional $3.36 billion to $27.3 billion. Although these levels are still lower than the $35.2 billion invested in 2019 and modest compared to the $81 billion spent in 2014, it is an encouraging sign for the oilfield services (OFS) sector that PSAC represents. The downturn and pandemic have taken a heavy toll on the sector. This boost to investment in new activity is welcome news that the exploration and production (E&P) companies still see potential and opportunity in Canada.”

January McKee, President of AMGAS Services Inc. and PSAC Board Chair, reports that, “PSAC and its members who work in all segments of Canada’s oil field services sector acknowledge that there continue to be challenges facing our industry. However, we unite this industry and are all fighting hard together to illustrate how effective public policy from all orders of government can simultaneously enable Canada’s OFS sector to innovate at home and reduce global GHG emissions abroad. When Canadian energy succeeds, Canada succeeds.”

McKee further added, “In addition to renewables, global oil and gas demand is still forecast to grow. PSAC members include companies in the entire spectrum of oilfield services, supply and manufacturing that are needed to drill, complete, and close wells including wireline, drilling fluids, directional drilling, environmental, snubbing, hydraulic fracturing, safety, and others. PSAC is proud to be the united voice of these leaders in innovation, technology and responsible development. PSAC is fighting for members to ensure that Canadian public policy outcomes do not result in carbon leakage that allows other, less responsible countries with lower human rights, environmental, and regulatory standards to supply energy resources to the world and reap the jobs and economic benefits that should be Canada’s.”

Added Aquin, “The future holds promise and uncertainty. Government relief measures such as the emergency wage subsidy and the $1.7 billion in closure funding which PSAC advocated for successfully have helped many OFS companies to retain workers and survive. The innovation and technology developed by this vital sector is needed to continue to lower carbon emissions and demonstrate continued progress on our ESG record for investment. Increased investment will be required for opportunities to address the growing demand for natural gas for LNG and nascent blue hydrogen industry and to replace dwindling heavy oil volumes from Mexico and Venezuela to the U.S.”

“Uncertainty lies with the additional environmental measures and costs expected from the federal government’s new Environment & Economy Plan, Clean Fuel Standard, and Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. What they will mean for competitiveness and capital investment in Canada remains to be seen even with the new Biden Administration in the U.S. signing onto the Paris Accord and forging a green agenda that may present a more level playing field. All of Canada’s new measures will increase costs to industry and consumers alike. Increasing carbon taxes to $170/tonne in such a short period of time will undoubtedly raise prices on everything from groceries, to heating homes, to consumer goods and all at a time when economic recovery is fragile, employment levels far from robust, and revenues are needed to continually develop new technologies necessary to meet climate goals.”

Activity levels in the first half of 2021 are only expected to account for 47 percent of the year’s total versus 64 percent last year before the full impact of blockades, project cancellations, and COVID-19 was felt. We believe that the second half of 2021 will see increased activity year-over-year. The majority of drilling this year is expected to be focused on oil with 67 percent of total wells, and gas with 30 percent of total wells, with the balance being service wells.

On a provincial basis for 2021, PSAC estimates 1,632 wells to be drilled in Alberta and 1,189 wells for Saskatchewan, representing year-over-year increases of 184 and 111 wells, respectively. At 90 wells, drilling activity in Manitoba is expected to increase modestly from 83 wells in 2020, whilst activity in British Columbia is projected to increase from 367 wells in 2020 to 420 wells in 2021. At 19 wells for 2021, activity in Eastern Canada is expected to increase nominally from its 2020 figure of 16 wells.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) is the national trade association representing the service, supply and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry. PSAC is Working Energy and as the voice of this sector, advocates for its members to enable the continued innovation, technological advancement and in-the-field experience they supply to energy explorers and producers in Canada and internationally, helping to increase efficiency, ensure safety and protect the environment.

Jan. 28, 2021, Winnipeg, Man.  – The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) announced today an exciting new broadcast partnership with APTN.

Every year, the AIP celebrates its new laureates at a live ceremony that showcases the AIP finalists, winners and performances by artists from across the North. For the first time ever, the AIP awards ceremony will be broadcast on Feb. 19, 2021 on TV and online, thanks to this incredible partnership with APTN. With Leela Gilday once again taking the lead as artistic director, the virtual AIP awards ceremony promises to be an ambitious, pan-Arctic celebration that will bring this year’s laureate success stories and musical performances to living rooms from coast to coast to coast.

“APTN is honoured to be able to bring the AIP awards ceremony to Canadians across the country,” said Monika Ille, CEO of APTN. “The AIP is one of Canada’s best kept secrets and we’re thrilled to be able to give this incredible prize, its laureates and the performers from the North the national reach they so deserve.”

Leela Gilday, artistic director of the AIP awards ceremony, says that this year’s performances will be as wide-ranging and diverse as the North itself, embodying the theme “their blood runs through our blood.” The virtual ceremony will feature some incredible artists from across the North: Nunavut’s Silla and Rise, Yukon’s Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, the Northwest Territories’ Wesley Hardisty and The Pan Lab Alumni Choir from Nunatsiavut.

“This year, we celebrate the AIP laureates and their incredible projects by recognizing how a traditional Indigenous Arctic worldview inspires and informs innovation and creation in our world today,” said Gilday.

The AIP is proud to be working with Indigenous production company Animiki See Digital Production to produce this year’s awards ceremony and to continue to partner with the Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference and the Yukon Arts Centre, honouring Whitehorse as the host city of this virtual ceremony.

“We are so excited to be celebrating this year’s AIP finalists and laureates with the rest of the country. We can’t wait to bring you their stories in February. We’re sure that you’ll be inspired by the creativity, innovation and ingenuity of the North,” said Hannah Uniuqsaraq, chair of the AIP Charitable Trust.

Tune in on Feb. 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. CT on aptn n to catch the AIP broadcast. The broadcast will also be available to watch on the APTN lumi streaming platform on Feb. 19, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. CT and will be free to watch for 24 hours.

For more on this year’s AIP finalists please visit: https://www.arcticinspirationprize.ca/finalists/2020finalists.php

Pictures from last year’s ceremony and this year’s finalists, as well as information on this year’s performers can be found here. 

Data to inform national COVID-19 vaccine education efforts 

Seattle, Wash.— Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) released a study with the first ever national data regarding American Indian and Alaska Native peoples’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about a COVID-19 vaccine. 

The study surveyed American Indians and Alaska Natives across 46 states—representing 318 different tribal affiliations—to gather information ranging from individuals’ willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to the hurdles they face in accessing healthcare and resources. 

“This data will be important to all organizations conducting COVID-19 vaccine education efforts,” said Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of UIHI. “Native communities have unique challenges and needs that usually are not considered in public health campaigns.” 

American Indian and Alaska Native people continue to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates are 3.5 and 1.8 times that of non-Hispanic Whites, respectively.

While there has been worry about vaccine participation in Native communities, 75% of study participants claimed they would be willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, higher than the national average according to an Ipsos survey from October 2020, which indicates that 64% of the U.S. general population was willing to receive a vaccine. 

“Willingness to receive a vaccine and hesitancy are not mutually exclusive,” said Echo-Hawk. “Fear and distrust of government and medical systems still exists in our community, which are hurdles that we have to overcome.” 

Echo-Hawk hopes the report can start to create a better understanding of the unique perspectives of Native people. 

“The data indicates that most Native people willing to be vaccinated feel it is their responsibility for the health of their community,” Echo-Hawk said. “This shows what motivates our community when it comes to decision-making.” 

Report key findings: 

• 75% of participants were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 
• 74% of participants claimed that getting vaccinated is their responsibility to their community. 
• 89% of participants wanted evidence that the vaccine is safe right now and in the long term. 
• 39% of all participants reported difficulty traveling to their clinic for an appointment. 
• Two-thirds of participants willing to get vaccinated were confident that COVID-19 vaccines were adequately tested for safety and effectiveness among Native people. 
• 75% of participants willing to get vaccinated had concerns about potential side effects.
• 25% of participants were unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 
• 90% of participants unwilling to get vaccinated recognized COVID-19 as a serious disease. 
• 89% of participants unwilling to get vaccinated had concerns about potential side effects.