COVID-19 Daily News Digest – November 12, 2020
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: Nunavut reports its 1st community cases
Nunavut’s chief public health officer confirmed Nunavut’s first case of COVID-19, in Sanikiluaq, on Nov. 6. On Monday, Dr. Michael Patterson confirmed a case of COVID-19 at one of the territory’s isolation hubs in Winnipeg, a day after confirming a second positive case in Sanikiluaq
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5796610
Lheidli T’enneh elder translates In Flanders Fields into local Indigenous dialect for Remembrance Day
Although Dakelh speakers are few — there are fewer than 1,300 according to the 2016 census — it is the ancestral tongue of several First Nations in and around the central Interior of the province.
“It’s more powerful when we say it in our language,” Frederick told CBC’s Daybreak North Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/edie-frederick-flanders-fields-1.5797103
Amid Tension With White Fishermen, Indigenous Coalition Buys Entire Nova Scotia Seafood Supplier
One of North America’s largest seafood suppliers is being acquired in part by a coalition of Miꞌkmaq First Nations in what is being called a “historic” deal that will facilitate the largest investment in the Canadian seafood industry by an Indigenous group so far.
‘We are not guinea pigs’: Trust issues and a COVID-19 vaccine trial in the Navajo Nation
But in mid-September, there was a frenzy of virtual activity happening on Facebook. President Nez made an announcement: The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial was coming to the Navajo Nation, and it was looking for volunteers.
“The first thing I thought was just ‘No’, you know, ‘why is this happening?’” Tsosie said, reflecting on the moment she heard about the clinical trials.
She and others were not happy to hear Navajos would be part of the trials.
“Hearing about it just runs through the whole quick history in your head. It just kind of makes me sick,” Tsosie said.
Federal government conducting forensic audit of Saddle Lake Cree Nation
“The Assessment and Investigation Services Branch (AISB) of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) received allegations regarding financial irregularities at Saddle Lake Cree Nation,” said Rola Tfaili, spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada. “To maintain confidentiality, the department does not provide information which may lead to identifying the complainant(s).”
Indigenous veterans share their stories on Remembrance Day
As Canada celebrates Remembrance Day, many are taking the time to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous veterans, sharing their stories of courage and nationhood.
According to Veteran Affairs Canada, it’s estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 recorded deaths.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/indigenous-veterans-share-their-stories-on-remembrance-day-1.5185509