Wawatay News

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.

The Ontario government is investing an additional $19.4 million to expand health care services provided by Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and improve access to health care in Northern Ontario. The funding will be used to support planning and redevelopment of a culturally appropriate health campus that will include a new hospital and a lodge in Moosonee, as well as a new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, sends condolences to the family, friends and community of Bearskin Lake First Nation following the passing of Bill Nothing, one of the founders of NAN:

“We were saddened to learn of Bill’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Bearskin Lake community at this difficult time.

Fort Albany First Nation is deeply troubled at the rapid and potentially illegal passage of Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) by the Government of Ontario on the evening of July 21, in the face of significant outcry and opposition. This omnibus bill was introduced on July 8 and included changes to twenty pieces of legislation, including major changes to the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) that could significantly weaken environmental protections and impact our Inherent, Aboriginal, and Treaty rights, all under the guise of COVID-19 response.