COVID-19 Daily News Digest – November 23, 2020
“Hit us all at once:” Northern Saskatchewan community sees COVID surge, lack of water
“We believe the lack of water within this region might have contributed to the number of cases, particularly when individuals wouldn’t have enough water to actually maintain good hygiene in the setting of a crowded home situation,” said Ndubuka.
McDonald said she expects issues with the water plant to be resolved this weekend. A new pump was to be flown into the community, along with about 75 cleaning kits to be passed out.
Cuthand: Gros Louis led First Nations through turning point in Canadian history
The main reason for the outpouring of support for Biden in Indian country has been the way the republicans, and the white house in particular, ignored the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indian country and the Navajo Nation in particular.
https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/cuthand-2
Online beading circle creates cross-country community for Indigenous artists
Indigenous beaders and crafters are creating a community and keeping their spirits up by joining an online beading circle known as BYOBeads — Bring Your Own Beads.
Every second Thursday at 7 p.m. ET she grabs her needle and her beads and joins the conversation that brings together artists from across the country.
“It feels like there’s other people doing the same thing as you, and we share what we’re doing and they bring in special guest artists, singers, musicians, other beaders,” said Demerah.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/online-beading-circle-community-1.5810769
From North Sydney to the Northern Territory: How cultural exchange program could become a pilot for the rest of the country
“If Australia is going to move forward together, our young people must be knowledgeable of the achievements, values and beliefs of the world’s oldest continuing civilization.”
The program had planned to have all year 9 students physically travel to the Northern Territory for the exchange before the COVID-19 pandemic intervened, forcing the two communities to come together online.
Over 50 First Nations supplied with PPE by Indigenous-owned company
Exchange PPE opened a store on Bannatyne Avenue in mid-September after selling exclusively to First Nations communities since May.
“We have customers ranging from Akwesasne, Ont., all the way to B.C. now. All of which who trust our ability to get them the products they need in a timely manner,” said the company’s CEO Noel Bernier.
More provinces sign up for rent benefit as Liberals set up promised housing council
The jointly funded federal-provincial housing benefit is tied to an individual, rather than a subsidized unit that someone could lose when they move to a different dwelling.The Liberals have added more programs to the strategy over time, including a $1-billion, short-term initiative to help cities and housing providers buy properties and turn them quickly into affordable housing units.
Municipalities have said they plan to spend the money quickly to force the case for the government to top up the fund.