Covid-19 Daily News Digest – March 29, 2020
No COVID-19 cases on Alberta First Nations; government says it’s working with leaders to keep it that way
Wilson said that while there have been no reports of any COVID-19 cases on First Nation reserves across the province, the government wants to ensure that the right protective measures are being taken and all communities are aware of government supports. “A lot of First Nations people are living in poverty,” said Wilson. “So you have several families living under one roof.
BONOKOSKI: Not all First Nations are battening down the COVID-19 hatches
The PM has rarely mentioned First Nations when it comes to COVID-19, other than to express his government’s understanding of their unique needs.Assembly Chief Perry Bellegarde, however, hammered home the fact that “unique circumstances require unique approaches” and cited, for example, that there are 96 remote fly-in-only First Nations reserves across the country that are already in dire economic and psychological straits
Indigenous leaders manage to keep COVID-19 at bay, but ‘disappointed’ with federal response
When it comes to communication among levels of government, White said the province of Alberta and AHS have been helpful but the response from Health Canada and their federal partners at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has been “very disappointing.”
H1N1 hit northern Manitoba First Nations hard — some worry COVID-19 will do the same
The First Nation was hit hard. Hundreds became ill and some were admitted to hospital in Winnipeg, about 460 kilometres to the south, in critical condition. Babies became sick. One woman who was pregnant had a miscarriage after getting the virus.
Eleven people in Manitoba died from H1N1. At least three of those deaths were on the Garden Hill First Nation, where a fourth death was also suspected to be connected to the virus.
Today, in nearby St. Theresa Point — where homes are crowded and there is a lack of access to running water — leaders are worried about COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid-19-concerns-remote-first-nations-manitoba-1.5510388
First Nations Receiving COVID-19 Funding
Miller says the funding is being broken up in four different areas.
- The First Nations portion is $215 million. Each First Nation will get a base amount adjusted for population, remoteness and community well-being.
- The Inuit portion is $45 million.
- The Metis portion is $30 million. Money will flow through each governing member.
- $15-million will support regional urban and Indigenous organizations who support those living away from their communities.
‘Preparedness over panic’: Siksika First Nation launches mobile COVID-19 response unit, Blackfoot hotline
This special team is making house calls 24/7 to conduct tests for COVID-19 in hopes of easing pressure on doctors offices and hospitals, while also keeping people in their homes.
Southwestern Anishinabek First Nations respond to COVID-19 pandemic with compassion, cooperation and tradition
Chief Henry, a fisher himself, has offered his catch for the community and is providing daily video updates to the community on topics such as how to access help and how to sanitize oneself when returning home after working in an essential job.
Feds pledge $37 million for Sask. First Nations, Métis COVID-19 response
“I think we as First Nations have to be accountable and make sure we’re using this money in the right ways,” he said, adding that“$30 million for First Nations across the province is a good start, but it’s not the finish line. We’re right at the start of this pandemic.”