COVID-19 Daily News Digest – August 29, 2020
An Endangered Tribe in South Asia With a Population of Only 59 Is Battling a COVID-19 Outbreak
The cases have sparked massive concerns over what this means for the larger indigenous communities in the cluster of islands that are either endangered or on the verge of extinction. Some reports sounded alarm over the possibility of the pandemic wiping out some of these tribes
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/bv8ay8/endangered-tribe-great-andamanese-test-covid-positive
Squamish Nation offices temporarily close due to positive COVID-19 cases in community
On Friday, Aug. 28, the Nation announced on its website that it was notified “following a notification pathway developed jointly between Vancouver Coastal Health and the First Nations Health Authority developed specifically for use in First Nations communities” of multiple positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Squamish Nation members.
Serving up native cuisine, West Point-based food truck gets creative in order to survive
Drawing inspiration from her Mattaponi roots, her food truck tells a story of culture, cuisine and family. From the namesake to the iconography, it is uniquely Burton’s legacy. Hungry Hungry Arrow plays off of the child’s game Hungry Hungry Hippo, a favorite among her son, Arrow’s collection.
Case spike proves need to protect north
This week shows how a few cases become hundreds in days, especially in “communal living” communities. On Monday, Roussin said one-third of the province’s cases were in communities that live and work closely together (148 of 395 active cases at that time).
Still, this is precisely why Indigenous communities have been so adamant in maintaining protective measures despite when the province “opened” up in May, removing travel restrictions and lessening health and safety precautions in phases.
Indigenous communities are the definition of “communal living” situations. Most live closely due to poverty but, like all groups, some are due to cultural reasons. People who share languages, traditions, and practices tend to live, work, and spend time together.
How a bison herd is bringing hope to a Saskatchewan First Nation
“Oh my God, they love it. They’re visiting them every evening,” James Pratt said about the excitement over the bison’s return to the Saulteaux community, nestled among the rolling Qu’Appelle valleys in Treaty 4 territory northeast of Regina.
Chief Tavita said the recent months have been stressful on the community, not just with COVID but other events, like a band election, which can divide members.
“[The buffalo] provide that sense of belonging, that sense of Indigenous pride that so many people crave,” he said.
Saanich First Nations school board postpones in-class teaching
“The fact that our communities are tight-knit, a lot of the homes are overcrowded, so there’s a lot of extended families under one roof,” said Curtis. “So for that fact if the virus got into our communities, it would be devastating.
Haida Gwaii COVID outbreak over
There have been no new cases since that date; there are no active cases, and public health officials are now confident there are no further chains of transmission of COVID-19 related to the outbreak,” a statement issued by Northern Health on Friday said. “(Northern Health) is pleased to report that none of the 26 outbreak-related cases required hospitalization, or relocation for self-isolation needs. While all of the outbreak-related cases and contacts have recovered and/or completed self-isolation, there may be other individuals self-isolating for a variety of reasons, such as being in compliance with Haida Gwaii State of Emergency requirements for anyone returning to Haida Gwaii.”
https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/haida-gwaii-covid-outbreak-over-1.24193949
Matawa says Bill-197 allows unlawful access to northern resources
“It’s shameful that Ontario is proceeding in this way and attempting to use the COVID-19 global pandemic as a smokescreen to ignore their constitutional duties to First Nations. Nibinamik will not stand for such dishonourable action. Any developments or decisions over our Homelands must be made in deep partnership with us.”