Tag: Aboriginal News

Ottawa, Ontario — Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Dr. Evan Adams, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, and Patrick Boucher, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Indigenous communities.

The news conference will be virtual only.
Media will be able to ask questions via teleconference.

Date: January 27, 2022
Time: 2:15 p.m. (ET)

Participation details:
Toll-free (Canada/United States) dial-in number: 1-866-206-0153
Local dial-in number: 613-954-9003
Passcode: 5037723#

Note: To help ensure optimal simultaneous interpretation sound quality, journalists are encouraged to use a microphone (i.e., headphones or headset) or, when possible, a landline, and to avoid using speaker mode if queuing up for questions.

Ottawa, Ontario (January 26, 2022) – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued the following statement today:

“We are pleased to announce that today, Canada withdrew its judicial review application before the Federal Court regarding the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) order on funding for capital assets, 2021 CHRT 41. Canada will move forward with funding for the purchase and construction of capital assets (e.g. buildings) to support the delivery of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle services.  

Through our negotiations with the Parties to the CHRT complaint—the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation—we have reached an agreement and a common understanding on the meaning of the orders. As a result of this agreement, the Tribunal modified the orders on January 18, 2022. We will continue our discussions on how best to implement these orders with the Parties.

Together, we will ensure that First Nations, First Nations child and family services agencies and Jordan’s Principle service providers are able to easily access the funds they require for capital projects to deliver quality services to First Nations children and families. As per the order, by February 2, 2022, First Nations child and family agencies, First Nations and Jordan’s Principle service providers will be advised in writing on how to access this capital assets funding. This information will be posted on Indigenous Services Canada’s website by February 17, 2022.  

These important steps forward came through our negotiations with the Parties on the recent Agreements-in-Principle that were reached for a global resolution on compensation and long-term reform. We will continue our dialogue with the Parties to the CHRT complaint, the Assembly of First Nations and counsel representing the plaintiffs in the Moushoom and Trout class actions on reaching final settlement agreements related to:

• compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and those denied or delayed services under Jordan’s Principle, and,
• long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. 

Each step we take brings us further along the path for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and a renewed approach to Jordan’s Principle. We are confident this will reduce the number of First Nations children in care, keep children connected to their families, communities and cultures, and ensure that First Nations children have access to the products, services and supports they need when and where they need them.”

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 Indian 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.

    

January 24, 2022 — Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The locating of unmarked burials 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 Survivors’ Secretariat at Six Nations of the Grand River is undertaking work related to unmarked burials associated with the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Today, Kimberly R. Murray, Executive Lead for the Survivors’ Secretariat and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $10,259,975 over three years through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding program to assist with this important work.

The Survivors’ Secretariat will coordinate with Survivors and engage with communities to locate, document, map, maintain and commemorate burials associated with the Mohawk Institute. This Survivor-led process will ensure that this sacred work is done in a way that supports the wishes of Survivors.

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

January 20, 2022 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

In response to the significant risks and uncertainties presented by the spread of the Omicron variant in Canada, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) continues to support Indigenous communities in their response to COVID-19.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe COVID-19 infections. ISC regions and Indigenous communities across the country are working together to promote and offer COVID-19 vaccinations to Indigenous Peoples.

As of January 19, 2022, over 85 per cent of individuals aged 12+ and over in First Nation, Inuit and territorial communities have received a second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. With the recent approval of pediatric vaccines, over 40 per cent of individuals aged 5-11 have received at lease one dose.

The Department urges everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are able to. In the event that First Nations and Inuit individuals need to travel out of their community to get to their vaccination appointment, the travel will be covered by non-insured health benefits.

COVID Cases

As of January 19, 2022, the following has been reported from First Nations communities:

• 66,076 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, of which 4898 cases are the Omicron variant
• 5,097 active cases
• 2,544 hospitalizations
• 59,389 recovered cases
• 588 deaths

There is a decrease of 1.2% in active cases count from what was a week ago.

Additional COVID-19 Public Health Funding

As COVID-19 case numbers increase fuelled by the surge of the Omicron variant, the department has heard from First Nations Chiefs that their communities require enhanced ease of access to funding to support community-led pandemic response activities. In response, Minister Patty Hajdu announced today that Indigenous Services Canada is distributing a total amount of $125 million amongst First Nations across the country to support their public health efforts.

Community supports

Below are recent updates outlining just a few examples of ISC’s efforts to support Indigenous communities.

Attawapiskat First Nation, Ontario

A formal Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) was submitted by the Province of Ontario on behalf of Attawapiskat First Nation which is currently in a State of Emergency. This RFA was received and approved by Public Safety Canada on January 14, 2022. The Canadian Armed Forces’ Task Force Central is assisting with the community’s COVID-19 response by activating Canadian Rangers in the community to help with the delivery of food and water, woodcutting and providing transportation.

ISC is actively working with partners including community leadership, Mushkegowuk Council, Matawa Tribal Council, the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, the Non-Governmental Organization Alliance, the Canadian Red Cross, the Province of Ontario, and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service to ensure that Attawapiskat receives all necessary support to manage current COVID-19 cases and to reduce the chances of further spread. This includes assessing community needs and facilitating supports to assist with the current outbreak.

Bearskin Lake First Nation, Ontario

ISC continues to work closely with Bearskin Lake First Nation leadership, Windigo First Nations Tribal Council, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, the Province of Ontario and the local public health unit, and various federal departments to ensure the community has the supports it needs.

Thanks to community leadership and coordinated partner supports, cases are declining and the situation is moving in the right direction.

Kashechewan First Nation, Ontario

ISC commends Kashechewan First Nation Chief Gaius Wesley for acting quickly after two cases of COVID-19 were detected in the community. Thanks to Chief Wesley’s leadership and community members’ swift actions, Kashechewan is no longer in an outbreak situation.

Cross Lake First Nation, Manitoba

COVID-19 cases in Cross Lake First Nation are rising due to both Delta and Omicron-presumptive outbreaks. ISC is working directly with all partners and the community to provide supports. $4.38 million in new funding was approved for temporary isolation accommodations, and will enable Cross Lake’s pandemic response team to include the purchase, delivery, installation and furnishing of 16 Ready-to-Move (RTM) structures, which will add 64 isolation beds to the Alternate Isolation Accommodation (AIA) element in their pandemic plan. While this is temporary infrastructure is assisting the community’s response to COVID-19, Indigenous Services Canada recognizes that house needs for First Nations on reserves continue to be significant and longstanding.

Community supports in Alberta

The number of active COVID-19 cases in First Nations in Alberta continues to rise. As of January 18, there are 1219 cases in 38 communities. Although case numbers are increasing, hospitalizations at this time remain low.

Canadian Red Cross staff are assisting ISC and First Nations health staff in the Alberta region with COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

Community based rapid molecular point of care testing continues to be available to First Nations in Alberta. Presently, there are 55 rapid molecular point of care test units in communities across Alberta to process tests.

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 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 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 traditional foods such as 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.

In addition, as of this month, the Government of Canada is providing additional funding to help First Nations individuals and families who rely on income assistance to cover their essential living expenses as well as increased administration support to the communities. Individuals wishing to apply can contact their community band office or the Yukon regional office for more details.

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, listening to their advice and guidance.

January 20, 2022 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

As the Omicron variant continues to be identified in communities across the country, Indigenous Services Canada and all partners are working to ensure that appropriate public health measures are in place to prevent and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks.

With this new variant and its speed of infection, the department has heard from Chiefs and communities of the need for quicker access to financial resources both to prepare and implement additional public health measures, as well as to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks.

And so today, Minister Patty Hajdu announced that Indigenous Services Canada is flowing a total of $125 million of COVID-19 public health funding directly to First Nations across the country to support their public health efforts. The transfer of funding across the country has already started and will continue over the next couple of weeks to all First Nations, self-governing and modern treaty holders. It is being allocated using the Indigenous Community Support Fund methodology and includes an allocation to the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia. The allocation and its temporary implementation criteria also include careful consideration of needs for remote and isolated First Nations.

This funding can be used by First Nations to support community surge capacity in response to COVID-19. This may include, but is not limited to, continued administration of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, implementation of rapid testing, surge infrastructure, surge staff and resources, food security to support self-isolation and supports to update, review and activate pandemic response plans.

Additionally, if and when needed, Indigenous communities and organizations can continue to request funding from the Indigenous Community Support Fund, and for First Nations, the contingency needs-based public health funding.

Indigenous Services Canada staff across the country, including 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 supports such as temporary infrastructure, rapid testing or PPE. The department will continue to work with Indigenous communities to collaborate, share information and co-develop Indigenous-led, distinctions-based communications and health response approaches with Indigenous partners, listening to their advice and guidance.