COVID-19 Daily News Digest – October 25, 2020
Indigenous-led COVID-19 testing centre opens in Toronto
“There wasn’t a heck of a lot of help at that time, and we navigated our way through that basically on our own without much outside assistance,” he says.
After that experience, Teekens says one of the shelter’s managers suggested they offer up one of their vacant buildings for a COVID testing centre. Teekens reached out to community partners to collaborate to create the centre.
https://nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/health/toronto-opens-first-indigenous-led-covid-19-testing-centre
Alberta researchers fly drones to remote Indigenous communities for COVID-19, medical help
He said the project is scaling up, starting with flights to accessible parts of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Then the next goal is flying to more remote locations.
“Our reserve in Morley has multiple access points. However, our satellite reserves in Eden Valley and Big Horn are remote, and a delivery system using drones could play a critical role in the health and safety of our communities,” said Ryan Robb, CEO of the Stoney Tribal Administration, in a prepared statement.
Brazil: New anti-Covid-19 plan for indigenous people
Brasilia, Oct 23 (Prensa Latina) Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has ordered the Jair Bolsonaro government to draw up a new plan to fight Covid-19 in indigenous peoples, battered today with over 31,700 infections and 470 deaths.
The provision was issued by Judge Luís Roberto Barroso, and the plan will be supported by the Ministry of Health, the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) and the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health (SESAI), in order to be submitted in 20 days.
SMEDCO is partnering with NRG to support Métis Community Recovery!
“SMEDCO is the only Métis capital corporation in Saskatchewan offering a full suite of financing solutions for Métis businesses since 1987. We are now able to provide non-repayable COVID financial support to Métis businesses that were unable to access other COVID funding “ said Tristan Zachow –Chief Executive Officer. Working with a Métis owned company who knows and understands the needs of Saskatchewan Métis communities is the perfect fit!“
Trudeau walks back pledge to end boil-water advisories on First Nations by 2021
“Understandably, COVID-19 and the travel restrictions have come and created challenges in certain communities and certain paths forward,” he said. “But we continue to be optimistic we’re going to be able to lift those remaining boil-water advisories soon.”
He noted that roughly 90 long-term boil-water advisories have lifted since his government took power in 2015, but around 60 remain.
Dr. Henry receives honour
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s medical health officer, has been honoured by the First Nations Health Authority for her unwavering leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a post to social media, FNHA thanked Henry for her “kind, calm, and reasoned” leadership during difficult times.
On the Navajo Nation, COVID-19 death toll is higher than any US state. Here’s how you can support community relief.
Over the summer, COVID-19 cases declined — amid strict public health orders and grassroots community relief efforts. But, in recent weeks, the reservation and surrounding areas have reported an uptick in new numbers.
“We need our voice to be heard on a national level,” said Mayhew, pointing to pre-existing infrastructure absences that were amplified with the coronavirus — including daily realities like chronically underfunded healthcare, families living without running water or electricity and high rates of food insecurity — inequities rooted in unfulfilled promises and systemic racism dating back to colonization.
Ottawa launches northern post-secondary education task force
The task force consists of 13 members nominated in part by northern governments and Indigenous organizations, according to a Friday release from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
The members will lead public engagement sessions and produce a report making recommendations on how to improve education outcomes in the North. A first draft is expected to be completed by next winter.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/northern-post-secondary-education-task-force-1.5774696