Wawatay News

Indigenous Elders, NWMO leaders and staff, and professors from Canadian and international universities attended the two-day virtual workshop.

For the third consecutive year, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) hosted its annual “Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science Workshop” in late 2020.

Building on the thoughtful dialogue of previous years, workshop topics were anchored in discussions on fundamental differences, interconnectedness, and interweaving worldviews to address the safe and secure storage of nuclear waste.

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association will kick off the 2021 season of their Virtual Campfire Series with the first of three webinars on Indigenous-led natural climate solutions co-hosted with the Conservation Through Reconciliation Partnership. The presenters will explore how Indigenous communities could benefit from business opportunities related to land stewardship while reducing climate change impacts. They will also hear about current barriers and ideas for advancing thriving, Indigenous-led natural climate solutions in Canada.

Public health authorities have confirmed five new COVID-19 cases in Attawapiskat First Nation.

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) says it is working to identify and contact close contacts of these new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

WAHA also stated it is working with Porcupine Health Unit to ensure that the five infected people remain isolated.

If any symptoms develop, authorities recommend isolating immediately until a COVID-19 test can be arranged.

The head of the national organization that represents Indigenous women in Canada says the Covid-19 pandemic will not stop the annual vigil for the thousands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women who have been murdered in this country.

Lorraine Whitman, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), says the event honouring the dead and missing will go ahead on October 4, as it has for the past 15 years, but the ceremony will be conducted online to ensure the safety of participants.

Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, and Kasabonika First Nations reported new COVID-19 cases on Saturday September 19.

Contact tracing is underway to determine if the virus had spread throughout the three communities.

The confirmed cases are self-isolating at home.

A statement by Sandy Lake’s Chief and Council said that any known contacts will be tested, monitored, and are also required to self-isolate at home until their test results are known.