COVID-19 Daily News Digest – June 26, 2020
COVID-19 Is Hitting Brazil’s Indigenous People Hard, With Tragic Implications for Climate Change
COVID-19 is hitting indigenous territories harder than other parts of Brazil, according to the Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Articulação dos Povos Indígenas do Brasil, “APIB”), which keeps a running total of known infections and deaths here, in part because of indifference and incompetence on the part of Brazilian authorities. On June 4, for example, the federal indigenous health service (SESAI) acknowledged that a COVID-19-positive doctor had visited several indigenous villages, an act that the attorney general’s office and APIB pin directly on shoddy reorganization of the service under Bolsonaro appointee Silvia Nobre.
First Nations near Tofino, Ucluelet keeping borders closed as B.C. eases travel restrictions
Leaders from the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Heiltsuk Nation and Tsilhqot’in National Government say that visitors will not be allowed to travel into their territories until the provincial government takes action to support their COVID-19 safety measures.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, which represents 14 First Nations on Vancouver Island – including areas near popular tourist destinations like Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park – says it plans to restrict entry to most of the island’s west coast until it feels COVID-19 safety measures are being met.
PHOTOS: Indigenous students celebrate graduation from schools throughout the region
Although COVID-19 hindered the usual graduation ceremonies this year, Indigenous students still had much to celebrate in 2020.
Indigenous Tourism Alberta to provide relief funding to businesses affected by COVID-19
The stimulus fund aims to help businesses by covering costs such as marketing overhead, business costs, health and safety standard improvements and staffing.
“Indigenous tourism businesses have been hit especially hard by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions that have necessarily been put in place,” ITA executive director Shae Bird said in a press release on Thursday.
Local agencies providing hope and help to Indigenous community in response to pandemic
Several others echoed Pam’s sentiments, saying that without the support, they wouldn’t have been able to source adequate or nutritious food. And Brendan McNab, who also received a gift card through USAY, appreciated that he was able to prioritize the items his family needs, like diapers and baby supplies.
Students can claim up to $5K in grants for volunteering this summer: PM
The grant to post-secondary students and recent graduates would provide one-time payments of up to $5,000 for volunteering in pandemic-related programs, depending on the number of hours worked.
For every 100 hours spent, a student will receive $1,000
Governor Mills Dedicates $50,000 to Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations
Signed into law by Governor Mills last year, the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations seeks to promote, implement and coordinate programs that create and improve opportunities and incorporate the goal of eliminating disparities for historically disadvantaged racial, indigenous and tribal populations in Maine. However, the Commission was only appropriated $500 to support its work and requested additional funding from the Governor in a June 18 letter. In providing the $50,000 in one-time funding to help jumpstart the Commission, the Governor also called on the Legislature to provide a sustained annual source of funding for the Commission to be able to continue its work.
A place to belong: Metis agency creates housing for youth aging out of care
The project was scheduled to be completed by Spring of 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was postponed and is tentatively scheduled to open Sept. 1, 2020.
The building will include 31 fully furnished units and staff available on site all hours of the day.
Sumatran forest people adapt ancient health rules for pandemic
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, anyone returning from outside the forest had to spend at least 24 hours in quarantine under customary health rules called “besasandingon”.
They stay in an isolated area downstream due to a belief that disease flows down water courses.When the Orang Rimba first heard of a new infectious disease spreading across much of the world in March, elders immediately tightened their existing quarantine rules.
Apply now: Bursaries for young, Indigenous NWT journalists
Five bursaries worth $600 each will be awarded to Indigenous NWT residents aged 15-24. The bursaries will be accompanied by mentorship from Cabin Radio staff to turn stories from ideas to a published reality
‘Our Culture is Beautiful’: The Voices of Indigenous TikTok
Under hashtags like #native and #indigenous, creators like Jackson are schooling folks of all backgrounds about social and economic justice, culture and history — and connecting with other Indigenous creators. And sharing memes, of course.
I thought more of what our lifestyle on the reservation is should be brought to life, what really is reality living on the Navajo reservation. I brought it on myself to basically do that.
https://www.rewire.org/the-voices-of-indigenous-tiktok/
Nursing student protects her indigenous community against COVID-19
“Being choleros is a great source of pride… We are sure that we will be able to get through this, taking care of all the people who live here, sharing what we have, teaching children the importance of solidarity, and helping in the work at home and in the community.”
https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/nursing-student-protects-her-indigenous-community-against-covid-19
New office in Labrador to promote skilled trades among Indigenous groups
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is spending $1.45 million over three years to establish an office in Labrador that will promote the skilled trades as a viable career for the Innu and other Indigenous groups.
The Labrador Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades will be based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
COVID-19 response shows viability, challenges of First Nation sovereignty
In working with Walker during the pandemic, Rowe said she has been able to see the adoption of data used by First Nations leaders in decision-making, leveraging funding, and improving the health and wellbeing of those in their care.
She has also noticed a growth in understanding on the importance of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP) and respectful collection of data on First Nation people, which she said lays the foundation for sovereignty.
Blood Tribe Reserve holds day of prayer over COVID-19, opioid crisis hardships
“We’ve had 36 [COVID-19 cases] in total. I believe 29… [have recovered] and seven that are quarantined… but we have control on it,” said Roger Prairie Chicken, the manager of the Kainai Wellness Centre
“So that’s what’s really important, that we make the connection and remember who we are and to stay away from the alcohol and drugs because they were never a part of our way of life.”
Ready and prepared’: 6 friends set to canoe for 60 days to raise funds for COVID-19 relief
The group is already halfway to its goal of raising $60,000 in funds for Food Banks Canada and Indigenous communities affected by COVID-19.
They’re taking two canoes, one tent, and as much dry food as possible as they paddle and portage from north of Thunder Bay to downtown Ottawa, which they are expected to reach by August 24.
Manitoba researchers given millions for COVID-19 research
According to a news release from the U of M, the six researchers are investigating the impacts of the virus on certain populations, such as children, newcomers and First Nations. They are also examining cellular aspects of the virus, and using an existing drug for treatment.
https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/manitoba-researchers-given-millions-for-covid-19-research-1.5000960