Tag: Aboriginal News

March 23 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

All Canadians, regardless of where they live, deserve to have access to affordable and nutritious food. Communities in every region have their own unique challenges when it comes to food security, and this is especially true for Northern and remote communities.

Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, along with the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, launched a new phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), with an investment of up to $20 million. This funding, available over the next two years, will support community-based and not-for-profit organizations in their efforts to create long-term solutions to address food security challenges.

This new phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has been tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous, Northern and remote communities by providing funding to help them build a food system that will meet both current and future community needs. For example, a project could help expand a community harvest program to include traditional methods for transforming food and distribution.

Program details and requirements are available now, and applications for this intake phase can be submitted from June 1 until July 15, 2022. The release of program details ahead of the intake process will provide potential applicants with additional time to review the program guide, create partnerships with neighbouring communities, ask questions and get feedback from program officials.

Eligible projects must be infrastructure-specific, community-driven and dedicated to improving access to healthy, nutritious, and local foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity. Grant funding for projects can range from $100,000 to $500,000 to support larger initiatives that will have a lasting impact in communities.

The next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to support projects that will help build capacity in our communities for generations to come.

For more information on the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, please contact the program by: E-mail: aafc.foodprograms-programmesalimentaires.aac@agr.gc.ca or call: 1-877-246-4682. Program information is also available through agriculture.canada.ca/local-food.

In an effort to ensure that diverse audiences are able to receive up-to-date information on this program, the contents of this news release are available in the following languages: Denesuline, Innu-Aimun, Inuktitut, Mi’kmaq, Michif Cree, Michif French, Oji-Cree, Plains Cree, and Western Ojibway. Program information is available in English and French in accordance with Canada’s Official Languages Policy.

Ottawa, Ontario (March 21, 2022) – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, issued the following statement today to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“Today on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reiterate our commitment to stand together against racism and discrimination. During these times of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever to recognize and address the effects of racism and discrimination. It is in this spirit that the Government of Canada has continued to work with Indigenous Peoples to build a more inclusive and reconciled country for all.

Central to this work has been addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health services. For the past year, the Government of Canada has supported and followed the lead of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners as they engage their communities in dialogues about co-developing new distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation. Together, we will move forward and find a path that leads to high-quality and culturally relevant health services, free of racism, designed and led by those they serve. This work has been guided by Joyce’s Principle—it is essential that Indigenous Peoples feel respected and safe when seeking health services, no matter where they live, and that they are able to access services without facing discrimination. We also continue work to improve cultural safety, recognize Indigenous knowledge and support Indigenous-led health services, which are all integral pieces of eliminating racism in health systems.

We are also working with Indigenous communities to address the ongoing legacy of residential schools. The locating of potential graves around former residential schools across the country are a stark reminder of the pain and lasting harm caused by these institutions, and many Canadians now are more aware of what Indigenous Peoples across the country have known all along – these institutions were created as a result of racist and colonial policies. We are taking accountability for the Government of Canada’s involvement in residential schools, and will continue to listen and support the needs of Indigenous leadership, Survivors, their families and communities as the difficult work of searching for unmarked graves and commemorating missing children continues. We encourage everyone in Canada to continue to learn about residential schools and how we can address their legacy. Better understanding our history is necessary to renewing our relationships and building a reconciled country where racism, discrimination and all forms of hatred are not tolerated.

Similarly, violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada is a national tragedy; Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience higher rates of violence and are overrepresented as victims of crime. The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls identified loss of culture, identity, family connections and abuse as amongst the root causes of this national tragedy, many of which were perpetuated by the residential school system and its foundation of racist, colonial policies. As outlined in the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, we continue to make investments and work with Indigenous partners, families and survivors to implement programs and policies aimed at addressing this tragedy, including the Cultural Spaces for Indigenous Communities program, launched in 2021. This new program funds opportunities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals to access culture and language, and strengthen identities by re-establishing and revitalizing cultural spaces.

We also remain committed to addressing the harms caused by the discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services. On December 31, 2021, we signed Agreements-in-Principle (AIPs) with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and counsel for the Moushoom and Trout class actions. These AIPs are related to compensation for those harmed by these actions and aim to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. Additionally, the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families was enacted on January 1, 2020. The ongoing implementation of the Act will provide a path for Indigenous governments, bodies and communities to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services so that they can decide what is best for their children, their families and communities.

In addition to the important work that we are undertaking with partners to address the impacts of past discriminatory policies, we are also working internally to create a more diverse and inclusive public service. In response to the Privy Council Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service, our departments are actively supporting grassroots employee networks related to diversity and inclusion and promoting associated learning opportunities. Diversity and Inclusion Champions have also been appointed, whose roles will complement the important efforts underway by employee networks. These networks lift up the voices of Indigenous employees, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and persons with disabilities, among others.

While these are just a few examples of how the Government of Canada continues to address the wrongs of the past, more work needs to be done, and we will remain a committed ally for inclusion and change as we continue this fundamental work. We encourage everyone to reflect on the important role that diversity plays in contributing to the unique identity we have as Canadians. We must not lose sight of who we are – and who we strive to be – as we continue to build a more inclusive country in which the rights of all are respected and where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

March 18, 2022 — Elsipogtog First Nation, unceded traditional Mi’kmaq territory, New Brunswick — Indigenous Services Canada

This week, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, visited Elsipogtog First Nation to meet with Chief Arren Sock and council to discuss community priorities and challenges, and toured some of their new health and education infrastructure projects.

Minister Hajdu first visited the Elsipogtog Health & Wellness Centre to thank the health staff for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also spoke with staff to learn about the renovation and expansion of the community’s health centre. Once complete, the updated facility will provide the community with improved access to care. The project is currently in the design phase to modernize and expand the overall space of the existing health facility to 1,068 square metres (11,495 square feet) to better serve the needs of the community.

They then visited the community’s Oetjgoapeniag Elnoei Family Services Agency  where they learned about the programs offered by social workers and other employees including counselling and afterschool mentoring and other activities for at-risk children. Minister Hajdu also heard about the challenges faced by the team during the pandemic and thanked them for their commitment to their community. In 2021-2022, Indigenous Services Canada provided $8.03 million to Elsipogtog First Nation Child and Family Services for maintenance and prevention programming as well as administration of the organization.

Chief Sock and Minister Hajdu also discussed the brand new Lone Eagle Healing Centre, which is nearing completion and will replace an existing facility that is more than 30 years old. Indigenous Services Canada provided $4.5 million in funding for the construction of the new treatment centre that will provide a wide range of services for problematic substance use and additional space to support cultural healing programs, training, education and physical activities. The centre will be able to accommodate six clients in six individual rooms with an additional room for staff to stay with clients 24/7. The 800-square-metre (8,611 square feet) facility will offer private counselling rooms, a full kitchen and dining area, and an office for visiting health professionals.

The tour also included a visit to the new Elsipogtog First Nation K 4-8 school that was completed in summer 2021. The new school provides students with a modern facility to support their learning goals and includes a library, technology and computer room, cultural and distance learning centre, innovation room, two learning resource rooms, a lunch/multipurpose room, kitchen/canteen and a gymnasium.

The Elsipogtog school also houses the community’s new 60-square-metre (646 square feet) dental clinic, which includes an operatory, laboratory, waiting area and workstation for the dental therapist. The clinic will enable the First Nations Inuit Health Branch to provide year-round dental services for the community.

March 18, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Traditionally harvested country foods are important to the culture, diet and food security of Indigenous communities and Northerners. Indigenous communities and scientists are working together to better understand the levels of contaminants that are in these foods and implement co-developed solutions to reduce exposure to these contaminants.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced the 2022 to 2023 call for proposals for research and monitoring of contaminants that originate in other parts of the world and are transported through air and sea currents to Canada’s North and Arctic.

As part of the Northern Contaminants Program, the Government of Canada is providing $475,000 for 2022 to 2023 for new projects related to human health biomonitoring and research, as well as community-based monitoring and research.

In the 2021–2022 project year, 74 projects were selected for funding from the Northern Contaminants Program. These projects increased knowledge about the levels of long-range transported contaminants in traditionally harvested foods and their potential impacts on animal and human health. They also addressed knowledge gaps related to plastics pollution in Canada’s North and Arctic. The findings from these projects help policy makers, communities and residents determine the safety of traditional country foods, which can affect the health and well-being of Northerners, including Indigenous communities.

Community members and Indigenous and territorial organizations and governments are encouraged to work in partnership with university and federal government scientists to submit a proposal. Applicants have until April 26, 2022, to submit their proposals. Projects selected for funding will be announced in summer 2022.

March 17, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory — Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) commends the tireless work of community leadership and frontline healthcare workers for their immense and ongoing contributions to their communities’ pandemic response. Their efforts and quick action continue to save lives.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis across the country have access to vaccines through vaccine clinics, which are well underway in Indigenous communities. Now is the time to get vaccinated to protect your community, your Elders and your family.

Below are some of the latest updates from ISC for the week of March 14, 2022.

Vaccinations

As of March 16, 2022, over 88% of individuals aged 12 and older in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have received a second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, and over 28% have received a third dose. Over 51% of children aged 5 to 11 have received at least one dose.

Vaccine information is updated and published on Thursdays and can be found at canada.ca/covid-vaccines-indigenous.

COVID-19 cases

As of March 16, 2022, the following case counts have been reported from First Nations communities:

• 91,307 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, of which 12,909 are the Omicron variant
• 2,581 active cases
• 3,037 hospitalizations
• 88,044 recovered cases
• 682 deaths

For the week of March 10 to 16, 2022, the average daily reported active case counts dropped by 6.2% compared to the daily average of the week prior.

This is compared with a(n)

• 11% decrease in average daily reported active case counts reported for the week of March 3 to 9, 2022, compared to the week prior
• 10.7% decrease in average daily reported active case counts reported for the week of February 24 to March 2, 2022, compared to the week prior

In February 2022, the rate of newly reported hospitalizations in First Nations communities* dropped by 56% compared to the month prior, representing 32% higher than the respective rate in the general Canadian population.

• This compares to:
  • An increase of 2.5 times the rate of newly reported hospitalizations in First Nations communities in January 2022

* Includes First Nations communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Case count information is updated and published daily Monday through Friday and can be found at Canada.ca/indigenous-covid-cases.

Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) approvals and extensions

• Kashechewan First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 1, 2022, and subsequently extended by two weeks. A new RFA approved on March 2, 2022, continued CAF support; a two-week extension was approved on March 16 with an end date of March 30, 2022.
• Attawapiskat First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 16, 2022, with an end date of March 16. A new RFA for continued CAF support until at least March 30 was approved on March 16.
• Kasabonika Lake First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 25, 2022. A two-week extension of support was approved until at least March 24, 2022.
• Mishkeegogamang First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 9, 2022. A new RFA was approved for continued support until at least March 19, 2022.

RFA recent conclusions

• The Operation REMOTE IMMUNITY 3.0 RFA was approved on November 10, 2021. The RFA will remain active until March 31, 2022, to address any unforeseen support requirements.

Supports currently available to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

Across the country, ISC Regional Offices and Regional Medical Officers of Health remain available to assist First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations should they require immediate assistance with an outbreak or require supports such as temporary infrastructure, rapid testing or PPE.

Indigenous communities and organizations can also continue to request needs-based funding from the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare for and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to,

• support for Elders and vulnerable community members.
• measures to address food insecurity, such as support for the purchase, transportation and distribution of food, and access to traditional foods through hunting and fishing.
• educational and other support for children.
• mental health assistance and emergency response services.
• preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

ISC continues to work with Indigenous communities to collaborate, share information and co-develop Indigenous-led, distinctions-based communications and health response approaches with Indigenous partners by listening to their advice and guidance.

Minister traveled to promote Atlantic Canadian companies at North America’s largest seafood expo and met with New England-based industry leaders

March 15, 2022 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages, and Minister responsible for ACOA, concluded a three-day visit to Boston where she championed Atlantic Canadian products and companies and met with New England business leaders to raise Atlantic Canada’s profile in the global marketplace.

On Sunday, March 13th, Minister Petitpas Taylor attended the Seafood Expo North America (SENA) where she met with and supported participating Atlantic Canadian fish and seafood producers. After a two-year absence at SENA, Atlantic Canadian fish and seafood representatives renewed connections and pursued new market leads that will generate future business sales for the coming years.

Minister Petitpas Taylor also met with representatives of Canadian Entrepreneurs of New England (CENE) and Atlantic Canadians participants in the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) to discuss how the CTA is driving business growth and job creation in Atlantic Canada.

On Monday, March 14th, Minister Petitpas Taylor took part in a discussion with New England-based business leaders on the potential to grow Atlantic Canada’s Blue Economy. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Rodger Cuzner, Consul General of Canada in Boston and included the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and representatives from New England research and education institutions and economic development organizations.

Minister Petitpas Taylor also held discussions with senior executives at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the New England Council (NEC) and John Nagle Co. with an aim to build key business and industry relationships, and increase trade between Atlantic Canada and New England.

Just last year, global fish and seafood exports from Atlantic Canada were valued at $6.7 billion, which is a 44 percent increase over the previous year and one of the highest in over ten years. Of those, fresh, chilled and live lobster exports from Atlantic Canada were up last year and reached $1.2 billion in value.

Through engaged dialogue with international partners, stakeholders and industry representatives, the Government of Canada is committed to helping more companies explore new market opportunities to grow their business as well as create good-paying jobs for Canadians.