COVID-19 Daily News Digest – November 27, 2020
Editorial: Shedding light on Violence Against Women
A survey that looked into “the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous peoples” found that 63 per cent of surveyed Indigenous women in Canada were more worried about domestic violence than COVID-19.
To become aware of these issues, we need to understand that gender-based violence is happening in our country and community. We also need to educate ourselves and call out individuals who demonstrate harassment or violence against women.
It doesn’t matter if the person isn’t your immediate family member, sister, or girlfriend. If we witness someone doing anything wrong, we need to call them out. If we don’t, how else is the violence going to stop?
5 Indigenous TikTok Accounts That Deserve An Instant Follow
While Indigenous communities have mobilized to defend their sovereignty and treaty rights across the country this year, Indigenous youth have taken to TikTok. Online, they are sharing cultural knowledge and shedding light on topics like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls (MMIWG) and the legacy of residential schools.
By using TikTok’s features like duets and answering its most popular trends (like shoe transitions), Indigenous youth are educating settlers, and, more importantly, connecting with each other.
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/indigenous-tiktok-accounts_ca_5fb6b901c5b6f00bd84e7b6c
Fred Sasakamoose leaves lasting legacy as Indigenous hockey pioneer
Tributes continue to pour in following the death of Fred Sasakamoose, the Indigenous hockey pioneer who succumbed to COVID-19.
The Significance Of Sage Among Native American Nations For Healing & Health
While both sources acknowledge many medicinal uses of sage, Walker says there is at least one majorly inaccurate claim. “One troubling thing I’ve seen circulated a lot, even by Native people, is that burning sage eliminates airborne viruses, like COVID-19,” they explain. “That’s not true, and considering the devastation COVID-19 has caused within Native communities, it’s a harmful rumor that needs to stop.”
SCO Looking to Feds for Realistic Vaccination Timeline for Firs Nations
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) wants the Federal Government to give First Nations a realistic timeline for COVID-19 vaccinations sothat their governments and health leaders can prepare.
“ Even before the global pandemic, equitable healthcare for Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples was never a priority for any order of government. Now, we are in the fight for our lives because of this neglect.”
“Mental health and addictions resources are lacking in the north,”: Teegee
“Many of those that suffer the issues of mental health and addictions don’t have the ability to deal with these addictions especially in regards to the opioid crisis and really, that is the lack of infrastructure and resources many first nations communities are dealing with.”
On Wednesday, the BC Coroners Service noted that 10 more illicit drug deaths occurred in Northern Health in October with half of those occurring in Prince George.
The highest death rate continues to be in Northern Health, with 44 per 100,000.
Native American Leaders Act To Take COVID-19 Seriously As Cases Surge In The Great Plains
Native Americans are 3.5 times more likely to get COVID-19 than white people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Navajo Nation is under lockdown as cases shoot up in the Great Plains, including the Dakotas. The Indian Health Service federal agency reported a 25% positivity rate among Native Americans in the region.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/11/26/native-americans-coronavirus-dakotas
First Nation asks Indigenous Services minister to launch investigation into top bureaucrat’s behaviour
“It is with great disappointment that I reach out to you today,” Moonias wrote in an email to Miller obtained by CBC News Thursday.
“ISC [Indigenous Services Canada] seems to be operating as intended, to keep Indigenous people and Nations under control by supporting individuals in positions of power who perpetuate paternalism and colonial ideals … It is in good faith that we expect you will actively pursue an investigation into our concerns with the Ontario RDG [regional director general] and the management of ISCs [Indigenous Services Canada’s] Ontario region.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/neskantaga-demands-isc-ordg-investigation-1.5816998
Indigenous oil sands participation increasing because ‘we’re good at what we do’: Crystal Young
The Fort McKay Métis Group has announced the appointment of Crystal Young as CEO. She will be in control of the diversified Métis business and its partnerships in the Alberta oil sands. Young joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss.