COVID-19 Daily News Digest – September 10, 2020
‘Land-based’ learning online? How one U of T professor reimagined a ground-breaking course amid COVID-19
But it took just two-and-a-half weeks for Mashford-Pringle to work out a new, online format for the course. What emerged included plenty of holistic, community-building discussion and an increased emphasis on each student’s personal relationship with the land they live on.
“I think that’s something we might miss online, building those connections. She did it incredibly well and it’s something I’d really like to carry over into my courses.”
During pandemic, crisis line more essential than ever
“Community-driven, culturally appropriate and timely mental health supports are critical to promote the well-being for anyone struggling to cope with the added stress and anxiety the COVID-19 pandemic has created.”
KUU-US crisis line is one example of culturally relevant services that could benefit from this type of support.
“Our hope regarding the government’s announcement [is] to help Indigenous people struggling with the effects of COVID-19, and that these supports include cultural and traditional services to meet the needs of youth, families and Elders,” Deutsch says.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/during-pandemic-crisis-line-more-essential-than-ever/
Coronavirus is threatening their people but it hasn’t held back these indigenous pageant queens
The pandemic has led Indigenous pageant queens or tribal ambassadors like Parrish to redefine their duties. While the majority have been unable to travel, these young women have sewn hundreds of face masks, launched online campaigns to increase census participation after it was hampered by the pandemic and secured school supplies for thousands of children.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/09/us/indigenous-pageant-queens-coronavirus-census/index.html
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre ensures no one goes without food
Assiniwe says the need continues to grow for the Food Security Program, which has been operating since June 25.
“Every week it’s growing. Our first week started with 28 families. Now we’re seeing 80 families or more. We have assisted about 150 families,” he explains. “We’re servicing people who are struggling— the homeless and families who have lost jobs.”
Government of Canada and Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek celebrate Grand Opening of new Health Centre
“Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek is proud to announce the opening of our new Health Centre. Since I have become Chief, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for the return of BNA members to their home community, and we now have 4 of our housing units rented to members living on the land year-round, with more housing being constructed. I believe that ensuring the safety and well-being of our members is of the utmost importance, and this new Health Centre will provide these important services to our membership, and to the surrounding region. We thank ISC for their support for this important milestone for our First Nation”.
Bringing the North to the South: First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun and Carleton University Sign Partnership Agreement on Indigenous and Multi-disciplinary Studies and Research
“Today, we celebrate a partnership that will promote the advancement of Indigenous led projects, higher education, research and training based on our traditional laws of reciprocity and in ways that are mutually beneficial to us, our students and the university,” said NND Chief Simon Mervyn. “Together, we will build relationships that promote Indigenous knowledge keepers at the front lines of educational and training opportunities that reflect our culture, language and knowledge.”
New Indigenous-owned store will sell only personal protective equipment, other products needed during COVID-19
A store solely selling personal protective equipment will open its doors in Winnipeg’s Exchange District this week.
Along with face masks and gel hand sanitizer, Exchange PPE will sell equipment like portable hand-washing stations, foggers and air filtration systems, says Josh Giesbrecht, president and co-founder of the business.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-personal-protective-equipment-store-1.5718175