Covid-19 Daily News Digest – April 17, 2020
COVID-19: Engage indigenous herbal medicine practitioners
The Institute believes the indigenous medicines with their allied research institutes could be the solution to the containment of the pandemic noting that at this point, all solutions must be brought on board.
COVID-19 threatens indigenous people in Brazilian Amazon
In addition to this new threat from an “invisible enemy”, as some ethnic groups refer to COVID-19, illegal loggers and miners also have been capitalizing on reduced oversight during the pandemic to step up their invasions of indigenous lands.
Concerns about the survival of some ethnic groups were particularly acute, particularly the Karipuna in the western state of Rondonia, which borders Bolivia. That tribe is believed to consist of just 58 people and has seen its lands systematically invaded by illegal loggers.
Craig Kielburger: Save connections while COVID-19 keeps us apart
Self-care has to be about more than just rest and relaxation; right now, it’s about showing up for the people around us. That is the most powerful reminder we have that we’re not alone, that we have a responsibility to our families and our wider communities.
Indigenous tribes press judge to halt U.S.-Canada pipeline as work starts
“Pipeline sponsor TC Energy is rushing ahead amid the pandemic as it tries to compete significant work on thepipeline to make it harder to stop…”
Ontario invests $37M in Indigenous community’s response to COVID-19
“We are working closely with Indigenous leaders and making critical investments to ensure Indigenous people and communities have the necessary tools and supports in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Indigenous communities, systemic racism and COVID-19
Canada’s Indigenous populations have a lower life expectancy and higher rate of chronic illnesses compared to national averages. They’re also six times more likely to contract tuberculosis. The historical effects of the residential school system and discriminatory practices stemming from the Indian Act play a big role in the quality of healthcare. But there are big challenges that face these communities in the present day too.
Indigenous athletes to play the waiting game after NAIG postponed due to COVID-19
Like their Olympic counterparts, Saskatchewan’s Indigenous athletes training for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) must wait another year to compete, thanks to COVID-19.
Indigenous communities build checkpoints, take steps to keep COVID-19 out
“We understand that we are in unprecedented times, government and health updates are changing daily and there is a sense of stress and concern that is weighing on everyone – but as a community, we have an opportunity to come together and take the necessary action,” reads the notice for Deschambault Lake.
Eabametoong First Nation’s 1st COVID-19 case spending his days drawing, worrying of further spread
Yesno said the only COVID-19 related symptoms he’s experienced to date are some fatigue and a back ache. His only companion over the past two weeks in self-isolation has been his parents’ dog, a Shih Tzu-mix named Zoey.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/coronavirus-eabametoong-first-nation-1.5534455
Ten new COVID-19 cases reported by health unit
Three of the cases are related to the outbreak at the Lac Des Iles Mine and assigned to the Thunder Bay District, as are five more of the cases.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/ten-new-covid-19-cases-reported-by-health-unit-2259474
Calls grow for feds to prepare for ‘echo pandemic’ of mental illness post-COVID-19
The CMHA says a lot of people are at risk for mental health issues during this crisis. While many Canadians in general are feeling stressed, Eaton notes people who already have a mental illness or mental health issues may find their symptoms exacerbated because of social isolation.
Supporting mental health in isolation: Indigenous youth encouraged to find strength within
“In those moments where you feel alone, remember that you’re part of something bigger. You have the blood, you have the roots of your ancestors within you, and that’s so, so powerful.”
Teck announces $20M COVID-19 Response Fund
Teck Community Response Fund for local communities in Canada, Alaska and Chile: A dedicated community investment fund will support local organizations in areas where Teck operates directly involved with COVID-19 response (such as health care and social services) or those directly experiencing impacts resulting from COVID-19. A portion of this fund will be specifically dedicated to support for Indigenous communities. Teck is also expediting payments to local and Indigenous suppliers to support their ongoing economic resiliency.
Domestic violence organizations laud new funding, but call for more supports as COVID-19 escalates risk
The $40 million in federal cash also included $4 million to the Canadian Women’s Foundation for to sexual assault centres, and $10 million for organizations impacted by COVID-19 and to address any “gaps” identified. Another $10 million will go to Indigenous Services Canada’s 46 emergency shelters on reserves and in Yukon
Socialism or barbarism: At a COVID-19 crossroads
If anything, the pandemic has shown that a society organized around production for profit and accumulation (in the interests of small numbers of owners, investors, speculators and managers, rather than the majority of humanity) not only destroys nature in these pursuits, but also harms most of the world population. Not only failing to provide necessary resources for many among the population, but actively diverting these to markets for profit for those who claim ownership and control over those resources; or provides them only on a limited, precarious basis, in exchange for labor for capital
https://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/views-expressed/2020/04/socialism-or-barbarism-covid-19-crossroads
Meet the African-American doctor who tests the homeless for COVID-19. He was handcuffed by Miami police
In the face of the enormity of the pandemic, individual acts of courage and compassion abound. Mutual aid is springing from grassroots, immigrant and youth groups, unions, congregations, and Indigenous organizations. While none of these efforts is a substitute for globally coordinated, government-funded action, they are making real differences, providing critical support and saving lives.
Two more COVID-19 cases in Blueberry River
Though he has a positive outlook on his recovery, Apsassin said he has questions about how his family contracted the virus, and why he wasn’t given much information at the hospital, including about some of the medication he was given.
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/covid-19/two-more-covid-19-cases-in-blueberry-river-1.24119306
N.W.T. announces alcohol restrictions to curb bootlegging
“These purchase restrictions are meant to ensure that residents will continue to have access to alcohol in those communities that permit it, while making it more difficult for bootlegging activity that takes advantage of vulnerable residents. “
N.W.T. gov’t isn’t saying who’s on its new COVID-19 ‘enforcement task force’
O’Reilly said, so far during the pandemic, the territory has been slow to standardize the rules and procedures for front-line personnel enforcing public health orders.
Forms used to collect information on travellers’ self-isolation plans weren’t standardized until April 9, for example — nearly three weeks after an order made them mandatory.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nwt-covid-19-task-force-1.5535184