Tag: Aboriginal News

Taking care: We recognize this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples.

A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former Residential School students who can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. 

Indigenous Peoples can also access the Hope for Wellness Help Line by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat through the website at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

February 22, 2022 —Battlefords, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The locating of unmarked graves at former Residential School sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse that many Indigenous children suffered in these institutions. The Government of Canada is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders and affected families and communities to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms related to the legacy of Residential Schools. Part of this work includes efforts being made to locate and commemorate missing children who attended Residential Schools, as well as responding to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72 to 76.

The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs’ (BATC) have launched an initiative to locate unmarked burials with a goal of properly honouring the memory of the missing students who attended the Delmas Catholic Residential School and the Battleford Industrial School. The BATC will work with the Elders’ Council for cultural support and guidance in all aspects of this project. This community-led process will ensure the BATC and the Nations it represents can undertake this work in their own way and at their own pace.

Today, Tribal Chair – Chief Cheryl Kahpeaysewat, Moosomin First Nation, representing the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs’, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $2,783,554 over three years to support the work to research, document and honour the memory of those who attended these two schools. 

Addressing the harms suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation and is essential to renewing and building relationships with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and all Canadians. 

February 22, 2022 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory,Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 has ended after coordinating nearly 200 vaccine clinics in 29 remote and isolated Indigenous communities served by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA). Indigenous Services Canada partnered with SLFNHA and WAHA to provide first, second and third (booster) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including pediatric doses. Flu clinics were also available at select sites.

The final clinic in a WAHA community took place on Friday, February 11, 2022, and the final clinic in a SLFNHA community took place on Friday, February 21, 2022. Since November 2021, approximately 9,700 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in remote communities under Operation Remote Immunity 3.0. 

With the operation winding down, teams will now focus on surge capacity, which has been in place since early 2020. This will give teams the flexibility to offer support that complements other resources in each First Nation as needed and upon request by community leadership. This includes assistance for community-led immunization clinics, testing, and case and contact management. Indigenous Services Canada thanks its partners for their continued collaboration in support of Ontario First Nations. 

Recognizing the significant and immediate challenges facing Northern Ontario and the importance of supporting vulnerable remote fly-in communities, the Canadian Armed Forces provided Canadian Rangers with support for Operation Remote Immunity 3.0. This included general logistical support, such as transportation of personnel, community members and materials; and local coordination, including translation, integration of mobile vaccination teams and distribution of information and educational materials. Administrative support was also provided by the Canadian Rangers, such as conducting COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaires and other general support for planning and operations. The collaboration between partners also included Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the northern Public Health Units and Ornge. 

The Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 team is proud of the excellent and collaborative work conducted by all members throughout the operation.

February 22, 2022 — Saskatoon, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan — Indigenous Services Canada 

Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) along with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced today that the FSIN will be establishing the first ever First Nations Health Ombudsperson’s Office in the province of Saskatchewan. Indigenous Services Canada is providing $1.17 million to support this work.

The First Nations Health Ombudsperson’s office will ensure First Nations have a point of contact where they feel safe to be able to report incidents of discrimination when accessing health care services in Saskatchewan. The Ombudsperson Office’s team of advocates will work with individuals and their families to bring systemic concerns to the attention of federal and provincial health organizations for resolution. The Office will also assist in determining options to resolve conflicts or concerns for overall system change improvements.

Until now, Indigenous peoples who have faced racial discrimination when seeking health services in the province have had little to no recourse in addressing problematic and challenging experiences. Establishing the First Nations Health Ombudsperson’s Office is one important step of many to improve supports and accountability in Canada’s health care systems. 

Addressing anti-Indigenous racism in our health care systems is work that needs to be done across the country. Recognizing Indigenous Knowledge, ensuring cultural safety and supporting Indigenous-led health services are central to achieving this goal. 

The Government of Canada will continue to work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that First Nations, Inuit and Métis have recourse – no matter where they seek services – when they experience instances of racism and discrimination in our health systems.

February 22, 2022 — Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada 

Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, offering students a safe place to learn and grow, and providing a gathering place for community events and cultural activities.

Working in partnership, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) are pleased to formally share the co-developed improvements to the School Space Accommodation Standards which came into effect in April 2021. These updates increase on-reserve school sizes and include space to support full-day kindergarten, language and culture rooms, knowledge keeper offices, counselling rooms, and outdoor learning spaces. First Nations will have greater flexibility to design new and renovated schools that can better accommodate students’ needs and reflect the unique culture and traditions of their communities. 

The updated standards apply to all new schools and major renovation projects that are funded by Indigenous Services Canada. The existing funding allocation procedures (e.g., the First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan) and available level of funding will continue to apply for major capital school infrastructure projects and renovations. First Nations are encouraged to review their infrastructure needs, update their community-level First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan and submit it to their regional ISC office.