COVID-19 Daily News Digest – October 18, 2020
COVID-19 cases are surging in First Nations communities
Former MKO Grand Chief Sheila North joins us to talk about what is being done to protect these communities and get the spread under control.
Forget ‘friluftsliv’: Why we should be looking to Indigenous scholars, not Scandinavians, this COVID-19 winter
Focusing on the rhythms and patterns of nature — and drawing meaning from them — is just one of the simple things Indigenous scholars suggest people can do to help get through the long, dark days of winter and isolation during this pandemic.
“It’s a way to kind of place yourself in a larger context of these big questions, like: Why are we here? Who are we?” says professor Alex Wilson, a director of the University of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Research Education Centre and a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Alberta First Nation uses puppets to promote coronavirus safety messages
“It was all about empowering the kids during this whole COVID experience,” Ms. Blood said.
In the campaign’s first episode, Granny, an elder Nuppet with long grey braids, teaches students about face masks. Wind Dancer, a youthful Nuppet character, serves as her mask model. Artwork from real students on the reserve decorates the classroom set.
“This is the way we wear a mask, wear a mask, wear a mask,” Granny sings to the same tune that taught generations of children how to wash their hands, comb their hair, and brush their teeth so early in the morning.
Quebec First Nation reports first case of COVID-19
Despite having a very low infection rate since the pandemic began, New Brunswick has experienced two recent outbreaks, including one in the Campbellton area, where five new cases were reported Friday.
A First Nations community in Quebec just north of the New Brunswick border is reporting its first case of COVID-19.
The Listuguj First Nation issued a statement saying it was shutting down its government operations, except for critical services.
https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/10224594-quebec-first-nation-reports-first-case-of-covid-19/