COVID- 19 Daily News Digest – May 19, 2020
Assisting the Indigenous youth community through art (11 photos)
“For me,” Boucher said, “Neechee studio stood out because I felt as though I could express myself and as a broke student…it was all free: the food, the art supplies and [the opportunity to] mingle with talented Indigenous artists.”
How COVID-19 has emboldened colonial governments
Indigenous people and allies have continued to mobilize through the internet and have continued to fill the phone lines of these companies and their local MPs; although, the extent to which Indigenous people can stand up for our territories is extremely limited.
Blood Tribe in southern Alberta reports 12 cases of COVID-19
As of May 14, there were seven cases confirmed on the First Nation, “with some limited spread in the impacted households,” according to a joint statement from Chief Roy Rox and Dr. Chris Sarin, the district medical officer of health.
Canada: Consultation And Engagement With Indigenous Peoples During COVID-19
The Crown continues to have a duty to consult Indigenous peoples when a potential Indigenous or Treaty right may be adversely affected by Crown conduct regardless of any challenges caused by COVID-19, including limitations around the parties’ ability to physically meet. Both the Crown and proponents must adapt their consultation and engagement practices to meet the current challenges while still ensuring that Indigenous peoples are meaningfully consulted and accommodated. Inadequate consultation can further delay a project in the longer term.
Indigenous COVID-19 cases top 500, danger mapped in Brazil agricultural hub
In response to the pandemic, indigenous groups in Mato Grosso state have partnered with an NGO to produce a daily updated map monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks in urban areas near indigenous villages. The website is meant to keep indigenous people informed, and put pressure on national and international groups to respond.
Indigenous people devastated by COVID-19: UN expert
“Now, more than ever, governments worldwide should support indigenous peoples to implement their own plans to protect their communities and participate in the elaboration of nationwide initiatives to ensure these do not discriminate against them,” he added.
Cali Tzay also urged states to make sure indigenous people have access to information about COVID-19 in their native languages.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/indigenous-people-devastated-by-covid-19-un-expert/1845169
Manitoba First Nations add COVID-19 to worries as wildfire season approaches
St. Theresa Point Chief Marie Wood says evacuations are always nerve-racking for many who live in the community of about 4,000 people. But this year, the risk of evacuees being exposed to COVID-19, and bringing it back to the isolated First Nation, adds to the stress.
“That’s going to happen if they have to stay in a hotel,” she said, of a potential scenario that would see people moved out of the community into hotels in Winnipeg.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/fire-risk-manitoba-summer-2020-1.5566738
How COVID-19 Threatens the ‘Very Survival’ of Indigenous South Americans
Governments should listen to the demands of their indigenous citizens, and should work toward a new social order that reduces social inequality and offers fair and dignified treatment to all its citizens, indigenous or otherwise. Training for government personnel in intercultural skills and awareness is a must, as government responses should be based on what each indigenous group asks for
First coronavirus case discovered in Ecuador’s indigenous Amazon tribe: report
Waorani organizations had warned that the impact of COVID-19 on their communities could become “catastrophic and highly lethal,” due to their vulnerability to diseases, according to the news agency. The Miwaguno community has roughly 140 inhabitants.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/first-coronavirus-case-discovered-ecuadors-indigenous-amazon-tribe