Protect your own health and the health of others Information and advice inside.
Post-it_.indd 2
20-04-27 14:47
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 1
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes a respiratory infection that can involve the following symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Trouble Breathing
Protecting yourself saves lives. Cough into your sleeves
Throw your used tissues into the trash
Wash your hands
Keep your distance
QuĂŠbec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545 2 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Stay at home
CONTENTS 2
EDITORIAL
What I learned from COVID-19
4
NEWS
5 COVID-19 Update
6
Reopening mines the right way
Long path to normal
5
Digging in
6
IN BRIEF FEATURES
9
Online teaching tools
10
Checkpoint frictions
16
Health solidarity
20
REZ NOTES 25
Home ed 101
UTNS In the spirit of survival
10
26
Learning from home Community
Photo by Neil Diamond
16
Kanesatake’s checkpoints
20
Virtual town halls
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the the Nation Nation 3 3
What I learned from COVID-19 by Will Nicholls
Editorial
Y
ou learn something new every day. This pandemic has opened my eyes in a few different ways. We all knew that politicians were mostly hot air, but this situation has taken it to new levels. The daily briefings by leaders are something to behold. It is interesting how often medical experts directly contradict precisely what politicians are saying during their daily updates. While telling us not to panic, politicians still instill fear and use it to control our behaviour. Some of it makes sense and other rules don’t. For instance, the rule of no kids in the store ignores the fact that there are single parents out there. So what can they do if they need supplies and don’t have a credit card to do e-shopping? Leave the kid with a neighbour? That sort of defeats the social distancing and isolation factors. And what if you don’t have a neighbour you can really trust or think might have some COVID-19 symptoms? But the government bodies have come through in various ways. I learned some of them have a heart. Public transportation in Montreal is free and I have never seen more than 10 people on a bus, so the social distancing is easy. Having grown up during the Cold War, I have a deeper understanding of what I read about Russia. We are experiencing a lot of what Russians lived for decades in the Soviet Union. Some line-ups for grocery stores are a block long here in Montreal. At times shelves were bare – whenever a truck delivered certain items there was a run on them and people began to hoard items, with toilet paper being the most popular.
We have learned to distrust not only strangers, but our own neighbours. We are becoming a nation of snitches, encouraged to inform on each other if we think someone is not following the government directives. Police have been given greater powers than any time in the past here in Canada. One person I know must carry a letter saying he works for an essential service just to go to work. Police officers who had asked him where he was going told him he must carry the letter at all times. We have learned that the most important people in our society are not those we thought of as rich or powerful. Instead it is the frontline workers at grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, fire and police stations, old-age homes, and those who deliver our essential items. It is also those, who out of the goodness of their hearts, make sure the elderly living alone are doing okay while assisting them in many ways. On a lighter side, I am losing weight because I am walking more than I have in long time. One night I went for a walk because I had a severe case of cabin fever. On my way back there were two girls sitting on their porch. One of them said, “Hi sexy!” As I looked over with a smile she added, “Too bad about COVID-19.” The encounter made me feel good about myself for about five steps. Then it hit me. This is a new way to tease the boys. There are many other things I learned, but time is short. So I’ll end it here by recognizing another class of essential workers: Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and all mothers everywhere.
Your home is your oasis! Stay in comfort! Stay safe!
We have learned to distrust not only strangers, but our own neighbours
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the Nation is published every two weeks by Beesum Communications EDITORIAL BOARD L. Stewart, W. Nicholls, M. Siberok, Mr. N. Diamond, E. Webb EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Nicholls DIRECTOR OF FINANCES Linda Ludwick EDITORS Lyle Stewart, Martin Siberok PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND MANAGING EDITOR Dan Isaac CONTRIBUTING WRITERS X. Kataquapit, S. Orr, P. Quinn, D. Isaac DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse, Melissa Juliette THANKS TO: Air Creebec CONTACT US: The Nation, 4529 CLARK, #403, Montreal, QC., H2T 2T3 EDITORIAL & ADS: Tel.: 514-272-3077, Fax: 514-278-9914 HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 151, Chisasibi, QC. J0M 1E0 www.nationnews.ca EDITORIAL: will@nationnews.ca news@ nationnews.ca ADS: Danielle Valade: ads@nationnews.ca; Donna Malthouse: donna@beesum.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $60 plus taxes, US: $90, Abroad: $110, Payable to beesum communications, all rights reserved, publication mail #40015005, issn #1206-2642 The Nation is a member of: The James Bay Cree Communications Society, Circle Of Aboriginal Controlled Publishers, Magazines Canada Quebec Community Newspaper Assn. Canadian Newspapers Assn. Les Hebdos Sélect Du Québec. Funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. | www.nationnews.ca |
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4 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
CMCA AUDITED
Long path to normal
Two new cases in Eeyou Istchee; Cree leadership chooses caution over rapid reopening
News
by Dan Isaac
A
fter nearly three weeks without new infections, the Cree Health Board reported two more confirmed COVID-19 cases in Eeyou Istchee April 27, bringing the total in the territory to eight. As of press time, the virus has infected three people in Chisasibi, three in Nemaska and two more in Waswanipi. Of the eight, two are considered recovered (one in Nemaska and one in Chisasibi). According to Jason Coonishish, the CHB coordinator of Prehospital and Emergency Measures, several of the remaining patients are well on their way to recovery. Though Coonishish also noted that there had been two hospitalizations due to COVID-19. One of those hospitalized is a Cree teenager, whose case was so serious that he was placed in the intensive care unit. Since then, however, the teen’s health improved, and the patient has now been moved to a regular room. To date, there have been 260 COVID-19 tests carried out by the CHB; 240 were negative and 12 are awaiting results. The CHB’s contact-tracing team has investigated more than 2,600 individuals. Even though there was a lull in confirmed cases, contact-tracing measures have remained a constant. “On a daily basis the numbers of tests will fluctuate as people present themselves with symptoms to the clinics,” said Dr. Colleen Fuller, a public health physician with the contact-tracing team. “As soon as we know someone has been tested, the contact-tracing process begins before their results come back and their close contacts are directed to self-isolate.” The rapid response is key to keeping the infection numbers so low in Eeyou Istchee. Fuller went on to explain that the two new confirmed cases were low risk to the community. Even though they had been passengers on an airplane, she said, they were wearing masks and followed social-distancing protocols while on board.
“The Cree Nation leadership will choose a logical, progressive opening that is tied to the capacity of the healthcare system to respond to current and future needs” - Bill Namagoose, CNG Executive Director
Fuller also said that it was likely that they had been infected in a Montreal hospital while receiving necessary treatment for another condition. In her April 29 update, Cree Health Board Chairperson Bella Petawabano noted that, “all [Cree COVID-19] cases to date are among people who caught the disease outside Eeyou Istchee.” Petawabano also disclosed that her husband, Buckley Petawabano, had contracted COVID-19 and is now in hospital. He had been living in a longterm care home in Montreal for many years following a stroke. Despite her husband’s diagnosis, Petawabano said she will continue in her duties as chairperson. The nature of how the two new confirmed cases in Eeyou Istchee contracted COVID-19 has sparked a discussion similar to those taking place around the world. That is, how do smaller, isolated communities mitigate risks when some essential services are only available in hard-hit urban centres? Coonishish and Fuller both explained that all but essential trips to Montreal for health care have been postponed. Fuller elaborated that clinics everywhere have scaled back services, turning toward tele-medicine for patient interactions.
“Montreal has over 12,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19,” Coonishish noted. “We only have 25 patients in the Espresso Hotel right now, which is a fraction of how many we usually have. But we also don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s health.” Petawabano reiterated that all patients and escorts traveling to Montreal for health care are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Eeyou Istchee. Meanwhile, the provincial government is looking to loosen protocols implemented to slow the pace of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions to certain regions were to be lifted in the first week of May while elementary schools and daycares will begin reopening May 11. The Cree Nation Government is planning a more measured approach. “Even if Quebec removes checkpoints the Cree will maintain theirs until the local leadership feels it’s safe to remove them,” said CNG Executive Director Bill Namagoose. “The Cree Nation leadership will choose a logical, progressive opening that is tied to the capacity of the healthcare system to respond to current and future needs. Now is not the time to put at risk what the Cree Nation has worked so hard to hold back.”
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 5
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Quebec’s move to reopen northern mines meets with Indigenous opposition by Patrick Quinn | Photo taked from Goldcorp Flickr
T
hree weeks after all non-essential businesses ceased operating in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quebec government announced April 13 that mining activities – many of which are in First Nations territories – would gradually resume. The decision met with immediate opposition from Indigenous leaders.
“Quebec’s decision to allow the resumption of mining operations in a hurry is dangerously compromising the efforts made by our communities,” stated Ghislain Picard, Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations QuebecLabrador (AFNQL). “In the face of COVID-19, our leaders prioritize the health and safety of our members above everything else, even the economy. The pandemic does not exempt governments from their duty to consult.” To reduce fly-in/fly-out travel, companies will have to transport workers with chartered buses and planes and double work-site time to 28 days. Despite these and other safety precautions, leaders are worried about the possibility of workers from the south spreading the virus to vulnerable communities. Grand Chief Abel Bosum expressed concerns about Quebec’s lack of transparency and the potential for Cree workers at the mines returning to their communities. He was reassured by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the three mines currently operating in Eeyou Istchee won’t reopen without close Cree collaboration and consent. “We’re assessing mine by mine so whenever they come up with their management plan then we’ll work in collaboration with them to make sure it’s adapted to what’s needed in the territory,” explained Melissa Saganash, director of Cree-Quebec relations. “And, to protect our local health system and make sure that proper guidelines are in place at the mine so there’s no added pressure to the local community.” At this point, only mines in operation can consider reopening, not those in the exploration phase. Saganash noted that no activities will resume until after the coming Goose Break. Nemaska Lithium and Stornoway Diamonds
6 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Assistance anxiety for
Digging in have already announced that they have no intentions of restarting mining activities soon. “This decision does not change anything for Nemaska Lithium at the moment because the Whabouchi mine has been in care and maintenance since the end of last year,” company spokesperson Gabrielle Tellier said via email. “We are continuing those minimal activities with a small crew at the site. At the same time, we are pursuing our restructuring efforts with our financial and legal advisers.” Stornoway, which operated normally until March 24, stated that the pandemic caused diamond prices and their entire marketing chain to collapse. While care and maintenance activities will continue at the Renard site, the suspension of operations impacted nearly 540 workers. “We will continue to monitor the market conditions for improvements, which would allow for a restart of mining activities,” CEO Patrick Godin said in a press release. “The diamond market has proven over time to be resilient and prices have recovered following economic downturns.” While the pandemic has upended some markets, gold prices recently hit a seven-year peak as
investors often turn to gold in times of uncertainty. That’s good news for the Eleonore mine 200 kilometres south-east of Wemindji. “Eleonore is probably the one that’s most advanced in its management plan,” said Saganash. “This one has been in close collaboration. Again, it’s the safety of the workers, the safety of the community and the insistence that we must protect our local health system. It has to be done in a way that is in collaboration with the Cree Nation, with the community.” In Nunavik, Makivik Corporation President Charlie Watt felt insulted by the province’s unilateral decision. Makivik is considering legal action if satisfactory discussions with the premier don’t occur. “We are very concerned about the spread of the coronavirus as a result of reopening the mines,” Watt stated. “We don’t believe the conditions will completely protect the Inuit population from coming in contact with potentially infected people returning to the region.” Nunavik’s health department is only allowing workers from the south into the mines, provided they don’t have contact with local communities.
The Raglan mine, located between Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, has restarted operations with about half its usual staff. It plans to launch on-site testing for COVID-19 with stringent precautionary measures and the ability to swiftly contact trace, isolate and evacuate if required. But opponents of hasty decisions like these say governments are putting profits over public health. British Columbia’s former Chief Medical Officer for Northern Health, David Bowering, has compared industrial work camps to “land-locked cruise ships” that can become “COVID-19 incubators” that expose both workers and local communities to unnecessary risk. The Cree Nation intends to proceed cautiously with the reopening of mines in Eeyou Istchee. “If they do go ahead, it is because they have cleared a number of criteria that are above and beyond what we find is acceptable,” said Melissa Saganash. “Of course, we have collaboration with the health board, just to make sure they’re comfortable with it too.”
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 7
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We wish you all a safe Goose Break
Indigenous zombie flick
M
i’kmaq filmmaker Jeff Barnaby’s latest offering Blood Quantum, a film with an Indigenous twist on the zombie-horror genre, has premiered on a film-streaming service after the theatrical release was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shot in Barnaby’s home community of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, the film follows several Indigenous characters who are immune to the zombie outbreak. It stars Michael Greyeyes, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Devery Jacobs. Blood Quantum is available exclusively on the horror, thriller and suspense streaming service, Shudder. It’s currently receiving an 84% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
H
ilton John Weapenicappo got the first kill of this year at the Conn River Goose Break camp, located just north of his home community of Eastmain. “The first time I saw geese coming toward our blind I was very excited to see them flying,” the 12-year-old hunter told the CBC after opening the season mid-morning of April 27. Weapenicappo actually ended up bagging two geese that morning. “He woke up early and was knocking on our door waking us up. Our Elders said, ‘When you wake up early to go hunting, it is a good omen’,” said his grandfather, Sidney
Looking for higher ground
E
arlier this year, before the COVID-19 outbreak, plans were being made to host the Kashechewan First Nation in Timmins as the annual spring breakup would once again flood their community. However, since Porcupine Health Unit, which covers the Timmins area, is currently reporting 59 cases of the COVID-19 virus, those evacuation plans may have to change.
In Brief
First goose
“Kashechewan does not want to come here for all the various obvious reasons,” said Mayor George Pirie at a Timmins council meeting. “They have been self-isolating as a group and are currently healthy. There has been little desire to come to a community where COVID-19 is percolating throughout the community.”
Weapenicappo. “It may be why he was given the bounty.” And while typically the meat of the first kill of the season is shared, the Cree Health Board is imploring people to maintain social-distancing measures while out in the bush because of COVID-19. The first goose was especially meaningful for the boy, coming a month after the fifth anniversary of his father, Alex Cheezo’s tragic death. Weapenicappo now wears his father’s white jacket while hunting.
Instead of going to Timmins, approximately 1,000 Kashechewan residents have temporarily relocated to their traditional hunting grounds to avoid the flooding Albany River, for now. And while the situation is evolving and alternative locations to host the community are being looked at, there was no concrete relocation plan at press time.
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 9
Features
by Patrick Quinn | Photos provided by the CSB
Learning moves online for children in isolation
A
s the Quebec government implements a plan to reopen elementary schools and daycare centres in the coming weeks, the Cree School Board announced April 23 that its schools will remain closed until at least the fall. In collaboration with local government and health officials, the CSB determined that bringing students back to school before fall posed too great a risk to communities. They also felt it was important to make a firm decision before families left for Goose Break. The clarity enables the CSB to focus on supporting student success in other ways, such as its new online learning platform – available at eeyoueducation.ca/youth/students/olp. This digital platform now features projects, stories and activities for all grade levels in Cree, English and French. With a steadily expanding range of content, the platform has been drawing 1,500 viewers a day, half of which are unique. Prepared in a matter of weeks, it compares favourably to similar platforms offered by other school boards. “The fact that it was developed and implemented so quickly is really a testament to the great team we have in place at the Cree School Board,” said CSB chairperson Sarah Pash. “The board has always been a pioneer in development and so taking that into the online environment has been a logical next step. The crisis has been a good illustration of why we need to be able to do things differently and have different modes of delivery.” As it became apparent that the school year might not resume, the CSB looked at online resources developed across Canada and the United States for ideas to bring to their communications consultant and web designer. With extensive effort, they developed the robust tool according to the region’s diverse needs, ensuring that Cree language and culture were integrated in engaging ways. “All the teams that worked on it felt very emotional when it finally went up,” said Kim Quinn, the CSB’s director of school operations. “It was a lot of work but well worth it. They made it look really good.”
10 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Online teaching tools
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 11
For more info...
Jordan’s Principle Office Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) 418-923-3355 x42186 18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca creehealth.org/jp
Individual Applications for Eeyou Istchee
The legacy of Jordan River Anderson
Jordan was born in Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba in 1999, with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was 2 years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan passed away in the hospital at the age of 5. In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date—it will support First Nations children for generations to come.
Is your child eligible for Jordan’s Principle?
Current eligibility criteria under Jordan’s Principle are: • 0 to 18 years old • Must have a band number (or parents’ band number, if not yet assigned)
24-hour Jordan’s Principle Helpline
1-855-572-4453 Your child does not have to have a disability to be covered under Jordan’s Principle.
Have a safe Goose Break! Distributor of petroleum products and lubricants in the James Bay Territory, and Abitibi-Temiscamingue
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12 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
The platform combines resources from the CSB curriculum with relevant selections from the Quebec education ministry and resources found on the web. New links and activities continue to be added, introducing parents to resources they can explore with their child or have them work on independently. On the landing page, there is a wealth of resources for parents, child-friendly information about the coronavirus and downloadable PDFs of activities to do in the bush. Quinn suggests reading provided assignments before Goose Break, as conversations and experiences in the bush can serve as the foundation for future projects. “The ability to use those resources on the land is an opportunity to engage in something we always say is important, land-based education,” Pash told the Nation. “Traditional education was led by the family. Children learned about culture from their parents and Elders – how to relate to each other, all the things that are important to who we are as Eeyou.” Secondary 4 and 5 students can now borrow laptops to keep up with their assignments. As their graduation or promotion is based on performance in these types of projects, adapting course content into digestible portions with student-friendly language was painstakingly prepared. Either the CSB or individual schools contacted more than 260 potential graduates to inform them exactly what they need to complete their year. Generally, it’s an integrated project related to the current pandemic. Teachers are checking in with students at least twice a week to support their efforts, even helping with setting up email accounts and connecting them with a tutor when necessary. “One thing I’m proud of is a great number of teachers have volunteered to tutor our students, helping them through these learning packages, especially focusing on the graduating class because we really want them to get their credit and graduate,” said Pash. For the younger grades, a variety of interactive stories, puzzles, songs and games keep the education fun. There are numerous literacy activities and even dancing and yoga to encourage exercise. One assignment related to critical thinking asks young students questions about commercials they’re watching. Parents exploring other “edutainment” resources may be interested in APTN’s new streaming platform Lumi, which is offering its commercial-free Indigenous children’s content for free. Among its 12 programs for children is Between Two Worlds, which features Nation editor Dan Isaac. “With everything going on in the world right now we’ve decided to open up our kids programming for free on that platform,” said APTN Chief Operating Officer Sky Bridges. “It’s a great opportunity to learn a language. You can’t find our programming anywhere else.” Cree language activities on the CSB platform include matching words to images and finding a missing syllabic that corresponds to a given picture. There are stories told in both northern and southern dialects, while Cree teachers and retirees appear in videos performing songs for children. The downside for some parents is that they don’t have internet access. To help bridge this digital divide, the CSB is working with schools to print learning packages for these families. Nonetheless, most students are adapting very well to the online instruction, and the board is exploring options for expanding technological interactions in the coming year. “We’re going to come out of this period with a number of tools,” Pash explained. “We needed to be innovative – it’s shown us there are new ways we can work. Our students are so resilient. What we’re doing now is not only foundational but will set us up really well for moving into another crisis from a position of strength.”
“We needed to be innovative – it’s shown us there are new ways we can work” - Sarah Pash, CSB chairperson
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 13
COVID-19
Protect your own health and the health of others
Decision Fact Sheet
If you have COVID-19 symptoms Follow the instructions on this poster to help you take the optimal decision for you and your close friends and family.
Adults & children No fever (less than 38 °C/100.4 °F) but the following symptoms: • Sore throat • Sniffles • Blocked nose • Cough
DECISION I probably have a cold and need to rest.
Always use proper hygienic and preventive measures to avoid contamination.
Adults at risk of severe respiratory symptoms • I have a fever higher than 38 °C/100.4 °F. • I am in an at-risk category for severe respiratory complications (senior or person with chronic cardiac and/or pulmonary problems, immune deficiency or diabetes).
DECISION I stay at home and call the 1 877 644-4545 coronavirus hotline. Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.*
• •
•
Wash your hands frequently Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, onto your upper arm or into a paper facial tissue, not your hands Keep your environment clean
Adults I have a fever and/or some of the following symptoms: • Sudden loss of sense • Cough of smell without nasal • Difficulty breathing congestion, with or • Extreme fatigue without loss of taste I am an elderly person with geriatric symptoms (loss of autonomy, falling, confusion onset, agitation or sluggishness, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, etc.). Adults or children I have a fever higher than 38 °C/100.4 °F and one or more of the following:
• Persistent and/or
increasing difficulty in breathing
• Blue lips • Difficulty moving • Fever (baby less than three months of age)
Hebdo_Guide_autosoins_DoublesPages_En_27avril_Revise_.indd 6
• Somnolence, confusion, disorientation, difficulty staying awake
• No urine for 12 hours
Follow instructions.
* Opening hours are subject to change.
DECISION Go to the emergency room immediately. If help is needed, call 911.
Precautions and care if you have COVID-19 symptoms Rest
If you have coronavirus symptoms, feel weak and fatigued, rest will help you fight the disease. Limit your contact with others until you have no more symptoms. You can go back to your normal activities when your state of health allows you to.
Drink frequently
Frequent drinking is important because fever causes perspiration and major loss of liquids.
• If you do not have any facial tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, which are not in contact with people or objects • Spit into a facial tissue • Throw away facial tissues into a garbage bag in a trash can with a lid. Keep used tissues away from children • Do not allow visitors in the house
You should drink at least 1.5 litres of liquids every day.
Keep your environment clean
You can drink cold or warm liquids, as you prefer. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids like coffee or tea that contain caffeine, as well as soft drinks.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive for the following lengths of time on objects and surfaces:
• 3 hours on dry surfaces
Alcohol and caffeine will cause you to urinate more often and increase loss of liquids.
• 6 days on moist surfaces
Watch out for these signs of dehydration:
• Extreme thirst • Dry mouth and tongue • Infrequent and/or dark urine • Dizziness, confusion and headaches
Protect your entourage
Do the following to protect your entourage until you have no more symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, sudden loss of sense of smell without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste):
• Self-isolate in a bedroom to avoid contaminating others • Sleep and eat meals alone in your bedroom • Only use one bathroom • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, ideally with a facial tissue. Wash your hands right after
Therefore, it is important that you clean counters, sinks, door handles and all other surfaces frequently touched by hands. Cleaning and disinfecting are very efficient ways of eliminating the virus.
Stay informed
Listen to the radio, watch TV, read the newspaper and/or go to the following government website often: Québec.ca/coronavirus The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux will provide instructions for the population on health matters and to obtain care. Always follow the government’s current notices and instructions, since the situation can change.
General information Services Québec
Coronavirus hotline 1 877 644-4545 (toll free) Deaf or hard-of-hearing persons 1 800 361-9596 (toll free)
Use soap and water or household cleaners to clean surfaces. Use a 1/9 bleach-water solution or disinfectants. For example, this means 10 ml of bleach to 90 ml of water. If you are sick, your sheets, towels, cloths and dishware can be washed with those of others in the home using normal detergents.
The Self-Care Guide is available at Québec.ca/coronavirus. You can order your English hard copy online.
Seek help
While many of us have the necessary resources to deal with a COVID-19 situation, others may not. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to ask for or accept help. Talk about it with your close family members. You can also dial 211 for help or ask your local CLSC to connect you with their home care and services resource.
20-04-27 08:44
checkpoint Kanesatake erects entry controls to discourage outside visitors by Dan Isaac Photos by Ian Prefontaine
16 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
A
ccording to Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Simon, not a day has gone by during the COVID-19 pandemic that his community has not had to deal with “some kind of crisis.” One of the more recent threats to the health of the community has been visitors from nearby COVID-19 hotspots like Montreal or Laval hoping to purchase discount cigarettes and cannabis – even though the outlets are now closed. “They say they want to shop here because they hear there’s low levels of COVID-19,” Simon told the Nation. “They’re coming here in droves, possibly bringing this deadly virus into our community.” In response, the community erected road checkpoints to deter people from entering the territory. So far, they’ve had mixed results. “Even though we were able to stop them in their cars, some are still sneaking into our community by foot. Or worse, they lie and say they’re delivering food for Elders. Then we see them at one of the cigarette stores,” Simon observed. “Others are driving right through the checkpoints, endangering the lives of our workers. We’ve turned away about 4,000 cars over the past week.” The people working the checkpoints wear protective gear and have been instructed to be non-confrontational. They ask drivers prepared questions and, in some cases, request they
by Dan Isaac
frictions provide identification to prove they’re from the territory. “We put out a call to our community asking if they’d like to make a small salary while helping to protect our community during this time of social distancing,” said Simon. “Those manning the checkpoints are from all parts of our community. They feel the same, they have love ones here they want to protect.” To date, no one in Kanesatake has tested positive for the virus. However, over 180 Elders reside there and Simon estimates that over half of the community population is immuno-compromised. “We have people with heart disease, diabetes, there are people with cancer,” exclaimed Simon. “If this virus gets into our community, we’ll be looking at mass funerals.”
He also says visitors have behaved poorly once they realize that tobacco and cannabis dispensaries on the reserve have been closed due to the pandemic. “Some of these people were going around knocking on people’s doors,” said Simon. If outsiders choose to enter the territory even though they’ve been asked to leave, their license plate number is given to the Sûreté du Québec, which may issue a fine. Initially, the checkpoints to restrict access to Kanesatake and the neighbouring community of Oka were welcomed by Oka Mayor Pascal Quevillon. However, Quevillon soon withdrew his support, insisting on provincial approval and that the checkpoints be handled by the SQ.
The SQ then requested that the Mohawk checkpoint to the village of Oka be removed. But Simon is adamant that it will stay up until the SQ can prove it will protect the area. “People from Oka, non-Natives, have gone up to our workers at the checkpoint and thanked them,” explained Simon. “I tried to tell [Mayor Quevillon] this isn’t political. It’s about the health of our communities.” Simon is apprehensive about the looming beach season – Oka beach being a popular summer destination – especially since provincial travel restrictions are being lifted by the Legault government. “We’re not going to remain COVID-free for long if this kind of thing persists,” Simon lamented.
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 17
ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ
COVID-19
BUSH CAMP GUIDELINES EEYOU EENOU CAMPS KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE FROM COVID-19 Being out on the land is a safe place to be now, but even in the bush, you can still be at risk of infectious diseases. To reduce the chances of getting sick, everyone needs to take part in keeping the camp safe and clean. HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD? The COVID-19 virus lives in drops of spit or mucus that an infected person projects when they cough or sneeze. Tiny drops spray out and can fall on objects or on another person. The droplets do not spray very far, even with a strong sneeze. They fall at most about 2 metres (6 feet) away. This is why it is important to stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from people that we don’t live with, and cough and sneeze into our sleeve. If the sick person touches their eyes, nose or mouth, the drops end up on their hands, and then the virus gets on everything they touch. If a healthy person touches the same thing, like a door handle, and then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth, the virus will get inside their body too. This is why it is important to wash hands. Traces of the virus can be found on some surfaces for up to three days. But, it is easily killed by soap, hand sanitizer and bleach solution. This is why it is important to disinfect surfaces and wash hands. You can have COVID-19 without symptoms. This is why it is important to wear a mask on the plane or helicopter.
CLEANING YOUR CAMP Clean your camp to stay healthy. Everyone must take time to thoroughly clean their camp before settling in.
BLEACH & WATER SOLUTION
Frequently clean high touch surfaces (such as sinks or wash basins, tables, door handles, etc.) and cooking utensils.
10 ml of household bleach (5%)
Prepare a disinfectant using 1 part of bleach and 9 parts water.
+
FOR BEST CLEANING RESULTS, MAKE A FRESH BLEACH AND WATER SOLUTION EVERY DAY.
18 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
90 ml of water
ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ
COVID-19
MAKE SURE THAT THE OUTHOUSE IS CLEAN AT ALL TIMES. CLEAN THE SEAT OFTEN AND HAVE A GARBAGE BIN NEARBY IS IMPORTANT.
OUTHOUSE TIPS!
BAKING SODA HELPS REDUCE THE SMELL. WHEN NOT USING THE OUTHOUSE, KEEP THE SEAT DOWN TO KEEP THE CRITTERS AWAY! MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HAND-WASHING BOWL OR HAND SANITIZER IS CLOSE BY SO YOU CAN CLEAN YOUR HANDS AFTER USING THE OUTHOUSE.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN IN THE CAMP Always have clean water available for your hand-washing bowl. Be sure to change the water and disinfect the bowl regularly. You can also use a blue pail-type water jug (as pictured) to wash your hands, but disinfect the tap and handle with bleach solution after each use. Dry your hands with a paper towel or a towel used only by you. Hand sanitizer is a good alternative if you don't have water, but it doesn't work on dirty hands. The most effective way to clean hands is using soap and warm water. PHYSICAL DISTANCING Like the other precautionary measures mentioned above, physical distancing must be practiced when at camp. Physical distancing means standing 2 meters (6 feet) apart from other people, inside and outside of your cabin, teepee, or blind. There is no need for physical distancing with people that you normally live with; however, physical distancing must be practiced at all times when visiting other families or receiving visitors who do not usually sharing the same household.
Families need to be very cautious when visiting or receiving guests from other camps, villages, or community members who are not part of their households. You might want to rethink having visitors, and stay with family members you live with.
YOUR PRIORITY IS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF YOUR FAMILY.
For more information:
EEYOUISTCHEECOVID19.ORG 1 866 855-2811
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 19
Community
Health solidarity
Virtual town halls unite First Nations health leaders in fight against coronavirus by Patrick Quinn | Photos courtesy of the FNHMA
A
s First Nations organizations across North America find their regular activities interrupted, some are taking the opportunity to improve their skill sets in new ways. One such initiative is the “virtual town hall” sessions organized by the First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) that has been gaining momentum over the last two months.
Based in Ottawa, the national non-profit organization typically offers certification and professional development for Indigenous health directors. With the pandemic making it impossible to deliver their intensive training in person, in late March they began streaming weekly online events produced by the Indigenous Health Today digital platform. “We have a unique network where we can reach health directors, professionals and frontline workers in a less technical way, making it relevant to how we practice in our nations,” explained Marion Crowe, executive director of FNHMA. “We wanted to provide a forum where there is a twoway dialogue – get the right information to the right people at the right time.” Each Thursday at 1 pm EST, various Indigenous health experts share recent developments and advice from their respective domains before answering questions emailed from the community. With so much scattered information available, the resource provides a window into how other regions are responding to the crisis, which both nurtures a sense of connection and highlights good ideas. “The team at FNHMA is constantly cultivating a knowledge repository of some of the best practices that we will be sharing with the broader public soon,” Crowe told the Nation. “We want health directors to be able to ask questions around mental health, addictions, non-insured transportation,
Marion Crowe, CEO of FNHMA
some of the policy changes happening and, of course, funding questions coming from communities.”
“We just want to harvest and pour some water on these tools so we can grow a garden of support for health directors” - Marion Crowe, CEO of FNHMA
Other concerns heard in town halls concern access to personal protective equipment, clean drinking water, and coping with loneliness and isolation.
20 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Broadcast live on over 200 radio stations via NationTalk and streaming to audiences as high as 10,000 on numerous online platforms – including the Nation Facebook page – each edition features notable speakers. Recent guests include AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Dr. Tom Wong (executive director of Public Health, Indigenous Services Canada) and Brenda Restoule (CEO of First Peoples Wellness Circle). A recent town hall focused on youth engagement, exploring how various groups are using social media to share empowering messages and stay connected while physically distanced. They heard from organizations like We Matter, an Indigenous-led campaign that gathers and shares positive messages nationwide to offer hope and support for struggling youth. “I appreciated the youth who talked about being in an urban environment and not having that connection to land,” said Crowe. “How they’ve been able to walk to water, find a tree, and foster that connection they need at this time. I’m so impressed with what they are doing, how they’re mobilizing and how they’re using technology. We are in capable hands for our tomorrow.” Crowe says the FNHMA is preparing to launch a rapid response help desk with a 1-800 number to help people navigate available support, tools and funding. They can also tap into their partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross if emergency measures are needed.
“We want health directors to be able to ask questions around mental health, addictions, non-insured transportation, some of the policy changes happening and of course funding questions coming from communities” - Marion Crowe
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST MISHTIKUUNAAPEU KASCHIHUUWIN RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL – OFFICE TRAILER – CAMPS
“If a call comes in from a health director in a community that doesn’t have COVID, we can be the mediator and have all that at our fingertips to share with them,” she explained. “We’ll have point persons of First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and Red Cross where we can turn over a call if it’s something we can’t handle.” FNHMA has also worked with the AFN to revise a pandemic planning tool developed with the federal government after the H1N1 influenza crisis in 2009, making it easier to use as a resource with common language, tools and checklists. First Nations people comprised 17% of Canadian mortalities from that outbreak, and the federal government was criticized for delays in coordinating protective supplies for remote communities. It has been widely noted that Indigenous people are disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19 due to unequal access to healthcare, overcrowded or unsafe housing, poverty and polluted drinking water. While a medical transportation framework just announced in British Columbia will help support healthcare access in that province, recent funding announcements from Ottawa have been called insufficient by some First Nations leaders. “It’s like throwing a match on a haystack when we talk about health discrepancies with Indigenous populations,” Crowe said. With First Nations closing borders, having members self-isolate within homes and sometimes declaring local states of emergency, town hall speakers emphasized the importance of mental health. Restoule spoke of safely adapting cultural practices to manage wellness, “taking care of ourselves from a spiritual and holistic perspective.” “I think about Dr. Restoule and her sharing the teaching of the bear – how we’re all hibernating right now, but spring will come, and we will be stronger when that bear awakens,” Crowe explained. “It was such a great reminder of the teachings we already have, no matter what culture we are.” Ultimately, she believes the crisis has motivated people to put aside politics and to work together as a society. “I appreciate we’re coming together now at a time that we need to,” Crowe said. “We just want to use these tools to grow a garden of support for health directors. None of us are in this alone – this speaks to our Indigenous values about looking after one another collectively.”
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www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 21
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES
You have a project that could help make your community a better place?
Apply now CREE JUSTICE FUNDS
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND
CRIME PREVENTION FUND
Through these funds, the DOJCS (Department of Justice and Correctional Services) provides financial assistance to community members willing to implement initiatives that facilitate and improve the administration of justice for the Crees across Eeyou Istchee.
Be engaged.
Make a difference.
DOJCS – Department of Justice and Correctional Services creejusticefunds.ca T: 418-923-2661
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE & CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
COURT NOTICE Due to the inevitable context with the COVID-19, the services in the courthouse are reduced. We recommend that: • If you have a lawyer, communicate with him/her. • If you don’t have a lawyer, you should communicate with the judicial services at 1-866-699-9729. • If you want to communicate with the court services, call at 1-866-226-9860 ext. 64992
Chisasibi (819) 855-212
• If you are a Crown witness, call 1-819-964-2497 or 819-444-5345.
Eastmain (819) 977-240
Mistissini (418) 923-266
T H A N K Y O U F O R Y O U R C O L L A B O R AT I O N Chisasibi (819) 855-2120
Nemaska (819) 673-2400
Waswanipi (819) 753-2770
Eastmain (819) 977-2400
Oujé-Bougoumou (418) 745-2260
Wemindji (819) 978-3300
Mistissini (418) 923-2661
Waskaganish (819) 895-2126
Whapmagoostui (819) 929-3796
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 23
There is a nationwide settlement to compensate Survivors of Federal Indian Day Schools
and Federal Day Schools If you attended one of these schools, this may be an important step in your healing journey.
To find out if you are eligible for compensation and how you can make a claim, go to indiandayschools.com or call us at 1.888.221.2898
Let’s take this next step together.
General Category
1st place: $1,500 2nd place: $1,000 3rd place: $500 Prosepector Category
One prize of
$2,000
The Cree Mineral Exploration Board's Rock Competition Requirements: New discovery Sample must be the size of a fist Sample must be located on a map Complete the application form
Deadline and shipping: CMEB assumes the analysis expenses of the participating samples The contest ends on October 31 Shipping is at participant's expense
Hints on the ground: look for rusty surfaces Hints after breaking: sample metallic minerals
Do not forget:
SAMPLE LOCATION PLACE NAME MAP GPS COORDINATES SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM
NAME PHONE ADDRESS COMMUNITY SIGNATURE Send to: CMEB
RoCk CoMpEtItIoN - LeArN FrOm ThE LaNd!
Stream Bank
River Bank
21 Hilltop, P.O. 150, Wemindji, QC, Canada JOM 1LO Tel: 819-978-0264 ext. 327
24 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Lake Side
Fax: 819-978-3834
E Shore Line Mountain
N Island Other
E-mail: youceflarbi@creenet.com
Home ed 101 by Sonny Orr
O
ne thing about this horrid shutdown is that there is a light at home – our kids. The most indestructible force in the universe, living in your space. Need I say more? Then the idea of home-schooling kids got me thinking about how much I could teach these little ones. After the first week of educational efforts, this teacher wannabe had learned more from the kids than I could teach in a lifetime. Like a new language called baby talk. It’s cute the way they communicate and all the words they use got me goo-goo-ga-ga-ing away. I also learned how to hum to the right frequency when forced to use the swing, a very handy contraption when it comes to putting the little one to sleep. Alchemy is another trick of the trade – how to prepare the secret formula for the baby bottle. Now I know why it’s called baby formula. I honed my top-notch negotiation skills by applying the ones I learned in business classes. When you can get a crying baby to do what you want it to do, you’ve graduated from Home Education 101. Then it’s trying to get the kids to learn something from you. It’s a different and highly skilled level that requires Zen-like focus and the ability to see joy in all the things that annoy everyone else. In other words, to get a child to respond to “Uh, uh, no, no” and then keep them happy by pretending you are a big monster that will carry them off if they don’t do as they are told. I could be a scary grandpa, but naw, why scare kids anyways. Speaking of being scared, a polar bear is scary when it’s not being antisocial and wanders into town.
Rez Notes It’s also the time when black bears emerge from hibernation and the bush radio gang gets busy. The constant chatter of information from deep in the bush to the town to get a forgotten item is amazing. The online retail giant Amazon could learn a thing or two from these old-school dispatchers. Today, Facebook, Messenger, UHF and VHF radio networks are all synchronized to get that USB charger cord someone forgot in their left pocket and onto a charter flight in a matter of minutes. Now that’s delivery service! In the meantime, the black bear has given its life to the hunters who respect it. The kids learned a lot about how to get along with each other with a lot of vigorous physical gaming, dotted with a lot of kids’ videos. The TV is hooked up to my souped-up satellite internet service and is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping kids knowledgeable, at least it’s stuff that teachers would have a hard time teaching without. Maybe this home schooling will cut down on the costs related to education by not having to build physical schools anymore. So, whenever this highspeed Starlink system is ready to serve customers, it will be possible to work from the bush and teach kids online all the things that can be delivered in a classroom and inside a family environment. Who knows? I know my stepson learned to read using an Xbox so he could get to the next level, so anything is possible. As for the polar bear, he learned that towns can be a good place for food, but a bad place if you are the food. Hopefully he will carry on with his life in peace.
This teacher wannabe had learned more from the kids than I could teach in a lifetime.
www.nationnews.ca May 8, 2020 the Nation 25
Under the Northern Sky
In the spirit of survival by Xavier Kataquapit
UTNS
S
o far, I am very thankful that we are not hearing about many COVID-19 cases or deaths in remote First Nations communities. There are reasons that our northern First Nations have been lightly impacted by this virus. The most important has to do with a good response by our local and regional organizations like the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) leadership and their health professionals. I have also been made aware of the great efforts of regional organizations such as the Wabun Tribal Council in northeastern Ontario and its communities’ initiatives to restrict access to their First Nations and provide health services and support to their residents. Local Native health organizations – like the Mino-M’shki-ki Health Team in Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming Shores, Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre based in Timmins and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) on the James Bay coast – have been assisting their respective communities with support, information and services. Mushkegowuk Council in the James Bay area and its member First Nations have been effective in restricting traffic to their communities and at keeping people informed. How important is it for First Nations to be represented by our own health organizations? It makes a huge difference to be able to access funding, services and information due to the lobbying and representation of our own people. We understand what we need in times of crisis and we are very
www.underthenorthernsky.com
aware of how our communities operate and what our various cultural and lifestyle realities are. I have friends and family members who are health professionals and they know what is best in dealing with this pandemic in their respective communities. Our Indigenous leadership is very important in making sure we are getting the necessary funds, attention, supplies, services and information in a time of such crisis. I give thanks to all the Tribal Council directors, the Chiefs, Grand Chiefs and all the staff working in our political and health organizations because without them we would be left out of the loop. I also say Meegwetch to all those Chiefs who came before us and fought long and hard to put into place the regional and national organizations across this country to give our people a voice. So far Indigenous peoples are holding their own in fighting this virus. Remote First Nations like my home community of Attawapiskat are fortunate for their isolation. Many of these communities can only be accessed by air and seasonal winter roads. Limiting travel in this time of pandemic crisis is protecting a very vulnerable society. Many people in Attawapiskat and up the James Bay Coast are heading out to their traditional camps on the land and that is serving them well in avoiding contact and in keeping their families isolated. I am still worried that the world’s virus experts are warning us that we probably won’t find a
vaccine or develop herd immunity to this virus for maybe a couple of years. In the meantime, we are all very vulnerable to this new virus and we must make sure that our governments are carefully and gradually reopening our economy and institutions. It looks like we will be slowly returning to normal over the summer, while most schools will wait until September to welcome students back. The only proven way we can protect people right now is by staying home, physical distancing, wearing a mask when we are out in the public and washing hands often. Many of us don’t realize that most of our industrial plants and mines across the country are still operating and, in many cases, it is difficult to ensure everyone is safe from infection. Meegwetch to all these workers for doing their jobs and supplying the goods we need. Slowly we will all work together to ensure that our world returns to some type of normal, but we must realize it will take many months and most probably a few years. Our world has changed, and we are going to have to keep adapting and respecting each other and following some basic health and safety rules to survive this pandemic. All our ancestors, both Native and non-Native, managed to rise above many diseases, wars and tragic events. We will work together to keep that spirit of survival alive.
We have been present since 1939. All members of the large Deshaies' family are by your side today and will also be for the better days to come.
26 the Nation May 8, 2020 www.nationnews.ca
Your Northern Airline of Choice creebec
Air Creebec is operating by respecting and exceeding the rules with extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the aircraft, social distancing on board and at all service counters. We encourage everyone to respect the rules and to stay safe.
For the latest Air Creebec updates, please visit aircreebec.ca/covid19
ᔦᐦᔦᐙᔅᐱᓀᐎᓐ ᐁ ᐋᔔᒦᑐᓈᓅᒡ
COVID-19
FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES
HOW TO HANDLE FOOD SAFELY WHILE SHOPPING Preparing and sharing food with friends and loved ones is an important part of our culture. However, during a pandemic, we have to limit our contact with others as much as possible. Follow these tips so you can eat healthy while preventing the spread of COVID-19.
SAFETY WHILE SHOPPING BEFORE YOU GO TO THE STORE
1 Limit the number of trips you make to the store to once a week.
4
2
3
Make a list ahead of time so you can keep your visit short.
Go to the store alone and at off-peak hours.
5
Ask someone to do your shopping or have your groceries delivered if you have symptoms or are in self-isolation.
If you are an Elder or person at risk, go to the store during ‘Elders Hour.’
WHEN YOU ARE AT THE STORE
1
2
6 Wash your hands before going to the store.
HOME DELIVERY
3
2
meters
4
5
6
feet
Disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer before and after shopping.
Wipe down cart or basket with a disinfectant wipe, if possible.
Stay 2 meters (6 feet) away from other shoppers and store employees.
Tap card to pay and avoid cash payment if possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION HOW TO HANDLE FOOD SAFELY MAPAQ: Q & A mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/Avis_publicite/English_Questions-ReponseclientelesMAPAQ.pdf
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AND FOOD SAFETY canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/covid19.html
RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA: SHOP SMART CAMPAIGN retailcouncil.org/shopsmart/
Pack your own Ask for food to groceries, especially be delivered to if using your own your doorstep. re-usable bags.
For more information:
EEYOUISTCHEECOVID19.ORG 1 866 855-2811