COVID-19 Daily News Digest – July 18, 2020
As COVID-19 curve flattens, Indigenous leaders call on federal government for more support
Indigenous leaders from across Canada have called for more action by the government to protect their communities against further threats from COVID-19 and are attempting to bring attention to chronic health inequities through a petition on change.org that has garnered more than 52,000 signatures as of Friday.
Garden River First Nation receives COVID-19 funding for elders, families living off-reserve
“We look forward to receiving the Indigenous Community Support Funds that will address and further support our elders and families with children living off-reserve with their immediate needs by providing essential food and supplies, information, wellness checks and online workshops. These services are being provided by our amazing staff from the Garden River Child and Family Services,”
Brazil’s isolated Indigenous groups report first coronavirus deaths
Brazil’s government says the valley is home to numerous Indigenous groups, 10 of them isolated people who often refuse contact with non-Indigenous peoples because of a history disease and violence against them. SESAI says the total population — not including the isolated — was about 6,200 at last count in 2014, about one-third of them Marubo.
Huge indigenous death ritual cancelled as coronavirus causes ‘genocide’ in tribes
The ceremony, called Kuarup, pays homage to the dead and is held every year between July and September.
It is a gathering of all neighbouring tribes to celebrate life, death, and rebirth.
One of its central events is the presentation of all young girls who have experienced menarche since the last Kuarup and whose time has come to choose a partner, they tint their bodies and wear many ornaments and dance. It is a festival for the dead.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/huge-indigenous-death-ritual-cancelled-22372934