COVID-19 Daily News Digest – May 31, 2020
Ochapowace First Nation opens new youth group home
The children ran up to her, shouting “Kokum!” (grandmother in Cree). It was a perfect example of the connections that will come from keeping children in the care of the community, Bear said.
https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/ochapowace-first-nation-opens-new-youth-group-home
Yukon ready to lift COVID travel restrictions with B.C. in July: premier
“We recognize the impact that COVID-19 restrictions are having on our physical, emotional and economic well-being and are striving to reach the proper balance between public safety and Yukoners’ desire to resume their lives,” he says in a statement.
Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro is devastating indigenous lands, with the world distracted
It’s illegal for non-indigenous people to trespass on Brazil’s indigenous lands. But people eager to exploit the natural riches of these territories often claim support from the president, who recently promised to decrease the amount of land that is protected. In the interview, the trespassing farmer said “the people are with this hope, this expectation, that one day it happens … Meanwhile, we are occupying here”.
Indigenous players from across Canada compete in hockey tournament via PS4 NHL 20
“After everything that’s been going on — with everyone being self isolated — it’s a great way to get the communities involved without actually being in one place,” said Blacksmith, who hopes to continue playing professionally
How COVID-19 and the fight against Big Oil is reviving one Alaskan people’s spiritual traditions
But for the Gwich’in, the fight is as much a spiritual and cultural one. The tribe’s defense has prompted a cultural renaissance in Alaska’s rural villages. Young Gwich’in have turned to their elders to recapture indigenous languages. They are taking up traditional arts and crafts and studying food preservation techniques like smoking and drying. Tribal gatherings open and close with prayers, drumming, dancing and ceremonies that the young Gwich’ins’ grandparents were discouraged and even punished for performing in colonial days.
Indigenous entrepreneur started her B.C. business — then COVID-19 hit
“You know I am living the dream and I just got to stay focused on the end goal of survival I guess. It’s built in all of us.”
Cuthand: First Nations must be included in the new economy
First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples will have to be part of the new economy. As the source of employment in the oil patch is reduced, there will be a need for new industries to rise up and fill the vacuum. Saskatchewan will see a shift away from an emphasis on resource industries in favour of the tech sector and cultural industries, including the revival of the Saskatchewan film industry.
Rio Tinto’s claim rejected as ‘outrageous’ after Aboriginal sacred site destroyed
The Australian Archaeological Association said the fact Rio Tinto did not revisit the decision after the cultural significance was identified was “inconsistent with modern standards of heritage management”.
Indigenous people take the lead in healing the trauma of the Stolen Generations
“We know a lot of the symptoms that we treat — and that we’re funded to treat — are not the problem. They’re merely the symptoms of the problem,” says Ms Ryan, who is a descendant of the Kabi Kabi people of south east Queensland and of Australian South Sea Islanders.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-31/healing-the-trauma-of-the-stolen-generations/12225034
Cenovus’ plan to build Indigenous housing continuing, despite pandemic
The $50-million housing project will build about 200 new homes over the next five years. There is potential to expand the project into a $100-million commitment running more than 10 years.
Why The State Doesn’t Consistently Track Data On Native Hawaiians
Giesting said some programs like the Department of Health’s alcohol and drug abuse division do an excellent job tracking data on Native Hawaiians, but the mental health division combines Native Hawaiians with other Pacific Islanders and has a mixed race category that could be masking more data. She was taken aback when she found out that the Judiciary doesn’t track any racial or ethnic data at all.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/05/the-state-doesnt-consistently-track-data-on-native-hawaiians/
COVID-19 and gender inequality: Why Manitoba needs a feminist pandemic response
While all levels of government are struggling to respond to emerging needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manitoba government has neglected the diverse needs faced by those in our communities, focusing instead on the province’s bottom line.
While Manitoba seniors and low-income individuals with disabilities are being provided $200 cheques to address fiscal woes they might experience during the pandemic, these “solutions” are not comprehensive and inclusive enough.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/opinion-coronavirus-manitoba-feminist-response-1.5590758
Funding released to keep Indigenous youth connected
The #IndigenousYouthRise COVID-19 Support Fund is presented by We Matter, a youth-led national organization dedicated to support, promotion and hope for Indigenous youth. The grants give youth between the ages of 13 and 30 the chance to get $500 to use towards leading an online event or project. The aim of the funding is to keep Indigenous youth connected to one another during social distancing.
http://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_04d658d8-a1c5-11ea-a70f-1715a1e60070.html