COVID-19 Daily News Digest – July 26, 2020

Indigenous economies have been hit by coronavirus, but online art sales offer a ray of hope

When remote First Nations communities went into lockdown, most community art centres that partner with Bluethumb closed due to the absence of tourists and an incapacity to move the art listed on the website.

Bluethumb’s Freddy Grant says: “To help counter this, we offered art centres the opportunity to send consignments of artworks to our houses as we were and still are working from home.”

New medical building planned for Sicamous will highlight Indigenous culture

The unveiling ceremony included elements of Indigenous culture such as hand drums and a Salmon Dance. Chief Wayne Christian, who has particular expertise with healing from his time as executive director of the Round Lake Treatment Centre, summed up the importance of incorporating the Indigenous culture into medical matters; the chief said healing for the Splatsin people must walk on two legs, western medicine and indigenous tradition.

Four flights between Vancouver and U.S., U.K., and Alberta confirmed with COVID-19 cases

Three international and one domestic flights departing or arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have been confirmed as linked to COVID-19 cases.

Winnipeg walk honours missing and murdered Indigenous men

“And during this time of COVID there’s been so many murders, so much violence. And it needs to stop. We have to support one another, we have to find ways to build our community with strength.” 

She said about 300 people came to the event last year, but she expected a bigger turnout this year. The event, which is usually held on Father’s Day, had to be postponed this year due to COVID-19.