Topic: Today’s News

• Dr. Brittany Bingham has worked in various capacities of research and policy with Indigenous communities for over 15 years, is of mixed ancestry and a proud member of the Shíshálh nation, 
• In her role as Director of Indigenous Research at CGSHE, she is the Indigenous lead for a newly launched Access to Responsive Justice Project, which focuses on access to responsive and restorative justice for marginalized and racialized women, including Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people, who experience gender-based violence across communities in B.C.,
• The new Director of Indigenous Research is a formal partnership between the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Aboriginal Health. Both organizations are commitment to reconciliation through conducting research that is framed within the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and directly responsive to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice.
  • Quote: “This joint role will enable our research teams to collaborate on community-driven research that is directly responsive to international and national calls to action and justice for Indigenous peoples health and develop recommendations for achieving health equity for Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on Indigenous women’s wellness.”
  • Quote: “I specifically hope to work on projects and research that directly address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice. Most importantly, I plan to create a supportive and culturally safe research structure that will support training and building capacity for the next generation of Indigenous community-based researchers.”
• She was recently awarded a MSFHR funding on Informing COVID-19 Response for Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous Populations 
• Hopes to centre all of her work around the importance of elevating Indigenous community voices in research and keeping these perspectives central to findings and interpretations and contribute to system-wide transformational change for Indigenous peoples
  • Quote: “Indigenous women’s roles in communities were dismantled by colonialism, and returning to a focus on women’s leadership roles is key to decolonizing and reconciliation efforts.” – Dr. Bingham

Quotes: 

• “Indigenous women have such resiliency and wisdom to inform research that has an impact on their health, wellness, and the policies that affect them. The research at CGSHE and VCH Aboriginal Health are closely linked with policy change and recommendations, which presents an amazing opportunity to engage Indigenous women in the research and elevate their voices to impact action and change.” – Dr. Brittany Bingham
• “Indigenous peoples have largely been marginalized from the research that creates the evidence base from which system level decisions are made and resources are allocated.” – Dr. Brittany Bingham 
• “We need to work with the Indigenous experts in the community to inform our use of data that will help us mitigate COVID-19 risk in these populations, creating responses that are led by and for Indigenous peoples.”
• “Indigenous people have faced structural level racism and barriers to service access as a direct consequence of colonial policies, it is essential these structural level barriers are considered in COVID-19 responses.”
• “I specifically hope to work on projects and research that directly address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice. Most importantly, I plan to create a supportive and culturally safe research structure at CGSHE and VCH Aboriginal Health that will support training and building capacity for the next generation of Indigenous community-based researchers.” – Dr. Brittany Bingham

Nunatsiavut’s First Minister Tyler Edmunds announced today that the election for President of Nunatsiavut will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

Nominations will close at 12 noon (AST) on September 1, 2020, at the office of the Nunatsiavut Electoral Officer, 14 Corte Real Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL.

Advanced polls will be held within 10 days prior to the election.

The election was originally scheduled to take place on May 5, but was postponed amid growing concerns over the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the process is properly conducted in accordance with the spirit, intent and requirements of the Labrador Inuit Constitution and the Nunatsiavut Elections Act.

In keeping with Section 116A of the Elections Act, Sarah Townley has been appointed to serve as the moderator for a mandatory Innuttut debate for candidates vying for the office of President. As per the Act, the moderator shall, within seven days (between September 2-8, 2020 inclusive) of the close of nominations, convene and moderate the debate.

Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement are advised that measures will be implemented at all polling stations to prevent potential exposure and transmission of COVID-19. Measures may include restricting the number of people at polling stations at the same time, and ensuring safe distances (of at least two metres) between all individuals. Hand sanitizers will be available, and all areas within the polling stations will be disinfected regularly. Additional measures may be implemented as required.

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.

Wendake, le 17 août 2020 – Dans des entrevues récentes portant, entre autres, sur les hésitationsde son gouvernement à adopter la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les droits des Peuplesautochtones, le premier ministre François Legault indique, d’une part que les Nations autochtonesdoivent être reconnues, mais d’autre part qu’il y a là un risque de leur « donner » un droit de vetosur le développement du Québec.

L’APNQL apprécie le fait que, pour une rare fois, le premier ministre s’exprime clairement surces enjeux cruciaux pour l’ensemble de la société québécoise. De plus, maintenant que les cartessont clairement sur table, que la position du premier ministre est enfin connue, l’APNQL y voitdes pistes de solution, et propose d’entreprendre dès maintenant des discussions entre legouvernement provincial et les Premières Nations, portant autant sur la reconnaissance des Nationsque sur la portée des droits ancestraux et issus de traités de toutes les Premières Nations.

« Le premier ministre Legault doit d’abord réaliser qu’il ne s’agit pas de « donner » des droits,mais bien de reconnaître des droits. Le régime colonial a laissé des traces. Il faut également que lepremier ministre du Québec admette que toute reconnaissance des Nations sans précisions sur lesdroits que cela implique serait vide de sens.

Il y a des mots qui font peur, qui peuvent même blesser la fierté des Québécois : colonialisme,racisme structurel et systémique, discrimination. L’APNQL estime que c’est maintenant le tempspour tous les peuples qui partagent le territoire de se débarrasser de ces mots, de cet héritagecolonial qui bloque notre avenir collectif.

Dans un sondage récent la population québécoise démontre une ouverture, une volonté de mieuxcomprendre les enjeux des Premières Nations. Le gouvernement Legault est-il prêt à suivre la voieindiquée par la population?

Avant tout, avant d’accepter d’entreprendre des discussions avec les Premières Nations, legouvernement Legault est-il prêt à entreprendre une réflexion profonde et sincère sur la relationqu’il souhaite développer avec les Premières Nations ? Va-t-il plutôt continuer à s’inspirer deprincipes datant de l’ère coloniale ? C’est au premier ministre de répondre à cette question.

Poursa part, l’APNQL est prête l’accompagner dans cette démarche qui pourrait être cruciale pourl’avenir du Québec », déclare Ghislain Picard, chef de l’APNQL.

Wendake, August 17, 2020 – In recent interviews about, among other things, his government’sreluctance to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, PremierFrançois Legault indicated that, on the one hand, the Indigenous Nations must be recognized, buton the other hand, there is a risk of “giving” them a veto over Québec’s development.

The AFNQL appreciates the fact that, for a rare occasion, the Premier is speaking out clearly onthese crucial issues for all of Quebec society. Moreover, now that the cards are clearly on the tableand that the Prime Minister’s position is finally known, the AFNQL sees possible solutions andproposes to begin discussions between the provincial government and First Nations right now onthe recognition of Nations as well as on the scope of the Aboriginal and treaty rights of all FirstNations.

“Premier Legault must first realize that this is not about “giving” rights, but about recognizingrights. The colonial regime has left its mark. The Premier of Quebec must also admit that anyrecognition of Nations without specifying the rights it implies would be meaningless.

There are words that are frightening, that can even hurt the pride of Quebecers: colonialism, structural and systemic racism, discrimination.

The AFNQL believes that now is the time for allpeoples who share the territory to get rid of these words, this colonial heritage that blocks ourcollective future.

In a recent survey, the Quebec population shows an openness, a willingness to better understandFirst Nations issues.

Is the Legault government ready to follow the path indicated by thepopulation?Above all, before agreeing to enter discussions with First Nations, is the Legault government readyto undertake a deep and sincere reflection on the relationship it wants to develop with FirstNations? Will it instead continue to be inspired by principles dating back to the colonial era? It isup to the Premier to answer this question.

For its part, the AFNQL is ready to accompany him inthis process that could be crucial for the future of Quebec,” declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of theAFNQL.

About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

Wendake, le 15 août 2020 – C’est avec une profonde émotion que l’Assemblée des PremièresNations Québec-Labrador (APNQL) rend aujourd’hui hommage au Grand Chef Joseph TokwiroNorton, décédé hier en soirée.

Depuis plusieurs décennies, le Grand Chef Norton est une figuremarquante du Conseil Mohawk de Kahnawake, ainsi que de la vie et de l’histoire de sacommunauté et de sa Nation, envers laquelle il a toujours manifesté sans relâche son attachement,son dévouement et sa fidélité.À de nombreuses reprises, les Mohawks de Kanawake l’ont choisi pour diriger leur Conseil.

Ilétait notamment Grand Chef au cours de la critique période vécue par sa Nation au cours de l’été1990, à un moment où son leadership a été à plusieurs reprises déterminant.Le Grand Chef Norton occupe une place marquante parmi ces femmes et ces hommes qui ont sumaintenir et faire respecter les valeurs et les traditions de la Nation Mohawk tout en assurant sondéveloppement.

Les interventions du Grand Chef Norton à la table de l’Assemblée des PremièresNations Québec-Labrador ont toujours été marquées par la perspicacité et la recherche duconsensus, et très appréciées par l’ensemble des Chefs. C’est en leur nom que j’offre mes plussincères sympathies à sa famille, aux membres du Conseil, et à la population de Kanawake et à lagrande Nation Mohawk. Nous perdons un grand leader dont la sagesse continuera de nous inspirertous et toutes.

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

Wendake, August 15, 2020 – It is with deep emotion that the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) pays tribute today to Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton, who passed away last night.

For several decades, Grand Chief Norton has been a prominent figure in the MohawkCouncil of Kahnawake, as well as in the life and history of his community and Nation, to whichhe always demonstrated his attachment, dedication, and loyalty.

On many occasions, the Mohawks of Kahnawake have chosen him to lead their Council. Inparticular, he was Grand Chief during the critical period experienced by his Nation in the summerof 1990, at a time when his leadership was instrumental on several occasions.

Grand Chief Norton holds a prominent place among the women and men who have maintainedand enforced the values and traditions of the Mohawk Nation while ensuring its development.Grand Chief Norton’s interventions at the table of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labradorhave always been marked by insight and the search for consensus and have been greatlyappreciated by all the Chiefs. It is on their behalf that I offer my most sincere sympathies to hisfamily, the members of the Council, the people of Kahnawake and the great Mohawk Nation. Weare losing a great leader whose wisdom will continue to inspire us all.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

Le 13 août 2020 – Montréal – Office national du film du Canada (ONF)

Le long métrage documentaire Inconvenient Indian (90th Parallel Productions/ONF) de la cinéaste primée, écrivaine et militante Michelle Latimer sera présenté en première mondiale au Festival international du film de Toronto (du 10 au 19 septembre 2020) dans les catégories TIFF Docs et TIFF Next Wave.

Le film 

Inconvenient Indian nous ouvre l’accès au brillant esprit de Thomas King — intellectuel autochtone passé maître dans l’art du récit et auteur de l’ouvrage à succès The Inconvenient Indian — le temps d’un survol critique des récits coloniaux d’Amérique du Nord. En cette période de bouleversements et de réexamens essentiels, le percutant poème visuel de Michelle Latimer Inconvenient Indian paraît d’autant plus ancré dans la terre et amplifié par les voix de ceux et celles qui perpétuent la tradition de la résistance autochtone. Artistes militants, protecteurs du territoire, chasseurs et chefs de file de la revitalisation culturelle s’attaquent avec force aux préjugés voulant que leur existence dérange : ils créent ainsi un nouveau récit essentiel et un chemin que nous aurons tous la possibilité d’emprunter à l’avenir.

Inconvenient Indian est une production de Stuart Henderson (90th Parallel Productions), Justine Pimlott (ONF) et Jesse Wente. Les producteurs exécutifs en sont Gordon Henderson, pour 90th Parallel Productions, et Anita Lee, directrice du Studio de l’Ontario de l’ONF, à Toronto. 

La cinéaste 

Michelle Latimer assure en ce moment la direction et la réalisation de la série Trickster, de la CBC. Parue en 2017, RISE, la série en huit épisodes sur la résistance autochtone dont elle a signé la réalisation, est présentée en première au Festival du film de Sundance 2017 et remporte le Prix de la meilleure émission documentaire lors de la sixième cérémonie de remise des prix Écrans canadiens. Son court métrage Nuuca est présenté en première au TIFF en 2017, puis projeté aux festivals du film de Sundance et de Berlin en 2018. En 2020, elle est la toute première artiste en résidence aux Screenwriting Labs de l’Institut Sundance ; on lui décerne en outre le prix Chicken & Egg Breakthrough, attribué à cinq cinéastes de divers pays pour leur travail cinématographique axé sur la justice sociale. Inconvenient Indian constitue la deuxième collaboration de Michelle Latimer avec le Studio de l’Ontario de l’ONF : en 2015, elle avait créé le court métrage Nimmikaage (Elle danse pour son peuple) dans le cadre de la série Souvenir. Ses origines métisses et algonquines façonnent sa vision de cinéaste et l’amènent à consacrer une large part de son travail à la défense des droits et de la souveraineté autochtones. Michelle Latimer partage son temps entre Toronto et le territoire du Traité n^o 9, dans le nord de l’Ontario, au Canada. 

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (August 13, 2020) – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare has issued the following statement in recognition of ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’ for International Youth Day, held on August 12, 2020, and #31DaysofYOUth – a social media campaign celebrating young people throughout the month of August:

“Every day we celebrate our youth. Our youth are our leaders of today and our future; it is essential that they are presented with opportunities to participate in all aspects of political, economic and social life – creating meaningful change at our community, national and global levels.

Over the past year, youth across Turtle Island have been faced with the unexpected hardship of a global pandemic. Sadly, Indigenous youth have also been forced to endure many other hardships in their lives as a result of colonization, racism and discrimination. Yet, all of these young people continue to stand strong and show resiliency in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

Their voice, action and initiative will help to ensure success for our future generations and all of our nations.

The current youth unemployment rates are telling us that our youth do not have enough employment opportunities. Giving our young people more presence in the workplace, teaching independence and financial management, is one way we can start making positive change for our young people today.”

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. 

SHESHATSHIU, NL – Innu Nation of Labrador and JP Forestry and Environmental Ltd. of Corner Brook, NL announced today that they have entered into an agreement for a two-phase forestry project in central Labrador.

“The JP Forestry project will make good use of wood already cut for Muskrat Falls, andwill build on the foundations put in place by Innu Nation and the Province ofNewfoundland and Labrador under the 2018-2022 Five Year Operating Plan for theForestry Management District 19 (FMD 19) for a sustainable forest industry inLabrador,” stated Greg Penney, CEO of JP Forestry.

Phase I of the JP Forestry project will utilize the approximately 400,000 cubic meters oftimber harvested in 2013-15 by Nalcor Energy for the Lower Churchill hydroelectricproject at Muskrat Falls, Labrador. The wood will be chipped and shipped to theEuropean and United States biomass fuel markets. It will create over 70 new jobs forqualified Innu and other local people.

Phase II of the project involves the harvest up to 185,000 m3 per year of timber inaccordance with the strict environmental protection guidelines set out in the 2018-2022 Five Year Operating Plan for FMD 19.

Grand Chief Gregory Rich said that “Innu Nation has frequently been approached withproposals for forestry development in our territory. This is the first proposal in decadesthat makes sense for us. Innu Nation’s Forest Guardians will play a key role inmonitoring the harvesting operation to protect forest function. The operation itself willoffer much needed training and jobs for Innu and others in the local area and willcreate the right conditions for a diversified forest industry that can meet local needs forlumber as well as supplying the global market for biofuels.”

“JP Forestry is very pleased that we were able to work together with Innu Nation toconclude an agreement. Using wood that would otherwise go to waste and as well aswood that will be sustainably harvested under an ecosystem-based forestry plan inpartnership with the Innu Nation is important to our buyers,” said Greg Penney, CEO ofJP Forestry.

Innu Nation has been working with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador todevelop sustainable forestry opportunities in Labrador since 2001 and jointlydeveloped a Forest Management Plan for FMD 19 that has received global recognitionas an example of ecosystem-based forestry. Innu Nation plans first for ecological andcultural protection as a basis for a sustainable forest economy. The ForestManagement Plan is reviewed and renewed every five years by Innu and localstakeholders, as well as through a formal provincial environmental assessment review.This project is consistent with the Forest Management Plan most recently reviewedand approved in 2017.

Phase I of the project will begin in mid-August.

(Ottawa, ON) –National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) welcomes the support of the federal government which announced that it will invest an additional $305 million to assist First Nations in addressing the current impacts of COVID-19. The funds will help with mitigation as well as preparing for an expected ‘second wave’ in the coming months.  These funds, made available through the continuing Indigenous Community Support Fund, follows initial investments of $380 million and will help ensure First Nations have the public health resources we need to keep our people secure and safe.

“While early action by the federal government and local chiefs have helped First Nations avoid the dire situations we’ve seen in Indigenous communities in many other countries, far too many remain under states of emergencies,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “This additional funding will assist First Nations to better prepare for additional public health measures required from COVID-19. However, still more is needed and I will continue to advocate for sustainable funding to address the critical needs during this crisis. Canada must remain committed to addressing these unique needs so long as COVID-19 remains with us.”

Speaking at a press conference, Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller said: “Health and safety remains our priority and we will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations to support a strong and comprehensive pandemic response. This funding offers further concrete support for on-the-ground community solutions that respond to the unique needs and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis wherever they reside.”

First Nations, tribal councils, and urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations are eligible to receive additional funding under an expanded list of activities to address COVID-19. This week Canada also allocated $24.6M in funding to support urban Indigenous Peoples through the National Association of Friendship Centres, the 2Spirits in Motion Foundation and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.