COVID-19 Daily News Digest – October 7, 2020
New coalition across California to address COVID-19’s impact on communities at risk
“We must earn the trust of communities whose lived experiences may predispose them to skepticism,” Byington said. “We must listen actively and address concerns respectfully through understanding, transparency and sustained action. The STOP COVID-19 initiative combines interdisciplinary collaboration with community engagement to build the connections that will be vital to ending the pandemic for everyone.”
From COVID-19 to the climate emergency: Lessons from this global crisis for the next one
Despite the pandemic’s global impact, any illusion that facing a common viral enemy might bring us together lasted a short second. As with all crises, COVID-19’s case numbers and mortality rates have tracked the fissures of racism, class and gender.
Canada has systematically used the COVID-19 crisis to curb environmental protections for communities and ecosystems in Canada and beyond. It is not a coincidence that extractive industries and supporting governments are the key antagonists in preventing action against climate change and in trampling on the rights of Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities.
Report calls for more Indigenous representation in Manitoba schools, universities
“The guiding principle of the report is based on the belief that, in order for educational outcomes to improve for Indigenous students, they must see themselves better reflected in the curriculum and teaching staff in their schools,” said Heather McCormick, chair of WIEC’s education committee.
The Amazon’s frontline defenders are under siege. Where are their reinforcements?
Over 34,000 indigenous individuals in Brazil have contracted Covid-19, among them Chief Raoni Metuktire of the Kayapo, perhaps the forest’s most iconic defender and a popular favorite for last year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Even while recovering from Covid-19, Raoni, nearly 90, is rallying attention and resources to counter this triple threat, notably denouncing Bolsonaro’s unfounded claims at this year’s UN General Assembly. But the world came close to losing a formidable warrior for a livable planet. What’s worse is that his legacy is in even greater danger.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/06/opinions/amazon-fires-covid-19-indigenous-fajans-turner/index.html
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: ‘alarming rise’ in new and active cases
In the last week, 49 new cases have been reported on-reserve. New cases continue to climb in Manitoba after an outbreak in Little Grand Rapids First Nation affecting 19 community members. Five new cases were also reported in Six Nations of the Grand River, in southern Ontario. Kahnawake’s COVID-19 task force announced it had five active cases in the Mohawk community south of Montreal as well.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5752343
Stop all pre-election activities, says Sarawak native rights group
Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS) said on Wednesday (Oct 7) that every political party must halt their pre-election programmes in light of the escalating Covid-19 threats.
The recent case of a highland villager in Bario being found positive with Covid-19 and the escalating number of new cases showed that it was a clear and present danger, said SCRIPS.
A reckoning happening in Canadian institutions says Anishinaabe broadcaster Jesse Wente
Wente acknowledges there are “enormous risks” for new journalists when it comes to speaking out and not something he recommends for journalists just starting out.
“I think for all racialized people, we need way more accountability, transparency and we need to really challenge some of the power structures that exist,” says Wente.
Wente believes there has been great strides in the Canadian media for Indigenous peoples on screen, and in the pages but behind the scenes it’s a different story.
Anishinaabe woman sends 280 bags of cedar to Little Grand Rapids amid outbreak
For Clementine Keeper, who lives in Winnipeg, it’s a show of support for her home community under lockdown over a COVID-19 outbreak.
“I was terrified because my whole family’s from there,” she said. “I’m a really strong believer in my traditions. I wanted to help and I thought that this would be a good way to help.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/cedar-little-grand-rapids-covid-19-1.5752841