Issuu

priority groups

You can now learn about the vaccination sequence planned for your area and book your appointment online. Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine 1 877 644-4545 The vaccine. A safe way to protect ourselves.

CONTENTS 10

EDITORIAL Only whites need apply

Sharing histories

NEWS Fears of a third wave

Cree economy on pause

IN BRIEF Montreal college students launch local Circles for Reconciliation

Confronting violence

Updates

FEATURES Shared history

The shadow pandemic

Power plays

Tap out

PUZZLES T&B

Who stands up for me?

Hydro-Québec corridor opposed

20 Politics

Photos provided by Anne Lin Arghirescu

Failed promises

Editorial

Only whites need apply by Lyle Stewart

t’s remarkable how some people in decision-making positions can be so tone-deaf to the public conversation. In Quebec, we’ve seen the furor over police abuse of Indigenous women in Val-d’Or, the resulting Viens commission report, and the shocking story of Joyce Echaquan dying in a Joliette hospital as she listened to racist slurs from the nurses whose job it was to treat her. Racism is an issue everywhere, not just in Quebec. But it has been a long-overdue conversation here; one that in recent months and years has finally come to the fore. So, one wonders, how could staff at a human resources department at an integrated health and social services centre (known by its French acronym as a CISSS) in the Laurentian region possibly not be aware that advertising a job “for white women only” could be seen as acceptable? According to La Presse, the CISSS des Laurentides tried on 10 separate occasions last autumn to recruit orderlies “with white skin” to work at the St-Eustache hospital. This is supposedly excused by the presence of “a difficult patient” who did not want anyone but a white woman to change her bedpan. It’s almost funny. But it’s not funny. Imagine how the rabid talk-show culture in this province would react if a hospital advertised a job only for a Muslim woman in a burka because a patient didn’t want to be treated by an infidel. It’s unimaginable that this would happen, of course, as it should be for any employer – not just a publicly funded one – to advertise for “white women only.”

CISSS des Laurentides tried on 10 separate occasions last autumn to recruit orderlies “with white skin” to work at the St-Eustache hospital.

Left unsaid is that the job of an orderly is hard, often distasteful, and underpaid. That’s why it’s difficult to find a “white woman.” Often the only people willing to undertake such work are recent immigrants – thus, people of colour, desperate to make their way in this country and willing to do whatever work is available to them. We saw this in the early stages of the pandemic, as recent immigrants exploited by employment agencies were sent from one seniors’ home to another, catching and spreading Covid-19, and sometimes dying of it. But still, many people in Quebec denigrate immigrants, especially people of colour, and even more so those of Muslim faith. And of course, if you wear a head-covering, the most important thing for the Legault government is to deny you a job in the public sector as it did with Bill 21 – something apparently so important that they had to invoke the notwithstand-

ing clause in the constitution to suspend the Charter rights that are infringed by this law. If that is not systemic racism, I don’t know what is. And still the Legault government tries not to see the forest for the trees. The newly appointed minister responsible for addressing racism, Benoit Charette, responded to the story by saying it’s too early to “cry racism” over the incident. One wonders when the time will finally arrive. Finally, there’s ignorance, and then there’s outright cruelty. Of all places, for two CLSC nurses in Joliette to abuse an Atikamekw woman for being Indigenous is even more remarkable given the story of Joyce Echaquan. The woman, Jocelyne Ottawa, was being treated for a foot injury when the two nurses “joked” to her that they would call her Joyce. Imagine. One hopes the anti-racism minister will pick up the pace in learning his job.

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 Randy Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS M. Labrecque-Saganash, P. Quinn, B. Powless DESIGN Matthew Dessner SALES AND ADVERTISING Danielle Valade, Donna Malthouse 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 | facebook.com/NATIONnewsmagazine | Twitter: @creenation_news

4 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

CMCA AUDITED

C O V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E

by Ben Powless

Fears of a third wave Covid currents shift as second dose of vaccines about to begin

s cases again begin to rise, the Cree Health Board (CHB) is warning about the rise in Covid-19 variants in Quebec and the rest of the country. Experts worry that Canada may be headed for a third wave, as more contagious variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil are increasingly detected here. In Ontario, most new cases have been linked to these coronavirus variants. A variant is suspected for a Wiichihiituwin staff member who tested positive in Val-d’Or. Of the 62 clients identified as contacts, 27 had already returned home to Chisasibi, Nemaska, Waskaganish, Eastmain, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui. All were in preventative isolation. As a result, medical appointments to areas of risk are now restricted to emergency and semi-emergency cases. Follow-up medical appointments should be carried out locally as much as possible. Another outbreak was reported at the Eleonore mine site, northeast of Eastmain. Workers were placed in precautionary self-isolation, as were affected community members. The CHB said it hoped to finish screening members as quickly as possible to ensure the outbreak remains isolated to the mine site. By press time, 9,987 people had received a first vaccine dose, representing 75% of those eligible and 47% of the total population of Eeyou Istchee. The CHB said second doses would start March 29. Meanwhile, eligible individuals are still encouraged to get their first dose. The CHB also announced agreements to vaccinate Cree beneficiaries, staff and students in the Outaouais, Estrie, Abitibi and Montreal regions. Wiichihiituwin long-term patients and escorts in Montreal as well as Cree beneficiaries who planned to return to Eeyou Istchee before March 31 were also eligible, and were asked to send an email to 18TCR.ReentryVaccine@ssss.gouv.qc.ca to receive the vaccine at a local vaccination site, which may or may not provide the Moderna vaccine.

The CHB also announced agreements to vaccinate Cree beneficiaries, staff and students in the Outaouais, Estrie, Abitibi and Montreal regions.

The only areas considered safe to visit are Region 10 (Nord-du-Québec), Region 17 (Nunavik) and Region 18 (Eeyou Istchee). Non-essential travel between communities is prohibited except for between Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou and Mistissini, and for residents returning home or children travelling to a parent. All communities moved back to Phase 4 of deconfinement, allowing for outdoor gatherings of 150 and indoor gatherings of 50 people. Region 10 remained in the orange zone, with a curfew between 9:30 pm and 5 am, a prohibition on indoor and outdoor gatherings including home visits, businesses allowing one person per household and restaurants allowing two adults per group. Greater Montreal is still in the red zone, though the curfew there was moved back to 9:30 pm. The CHB said that it was unlikely that visitors and hunters from southern regions would be exempt from local isolation laws during Goose Break, and recommended hunters refrain from travelling south. People were also advised against using their hunting camps to self-isolate with

others or to have visitors from high-risk regions, which was blamed for the outbreak at the beginning of the year. The Cree School Board (CSB) said that teachers who travel for Goose Break will be supported in following isolation protocols. Planning was already underway for summer holidays and the next school year, which would include six weeks of vacation in addition to two weeks of self-isolation for any teachers and staff travelling outside of the communities. Further details on Goose Break and summer holiday schedules were to be posted to eeyoueducation. ca this week. The CSB also stated that it had finished shipments of all laptops to Secondary 4 and 5 students, and anticipated finishing shipments of 2,100 laptops for secondary and adult education students by the end of the week. All youth sector schools returned to fulltime in-class instruction, as did the Sabtuan Regional Vocational Training Centre. Across Canada, there were a total of 913,000 reported Covid cases; over 3.5 million people had received a vaccine, while over 22,000 had died.

www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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llars “Hundreds of millions of do are backlogged in community ol development for the Cree Schord, Board, the Cree Health Boa and the Cree Nation Gover nment at the Cree communities, and th bs impacts construction jo in Cree communities” cutive Director

- Bill Namagoose, CNG Exe

info@beesum.com www.beesum.com 514-272-3077

News

Cree economy on pause Millions budgeted for backlogged development projects await end of pandemic restrictions by Ben Powless | Photo provided by Nakuset

s is the case around the world, the economy in Eeyou Istchee has contracted during the Covid-19 pandemic – throwing revenues, jobs and development timetables into disarray. “There’s a lot of backlog in construction,” CNG Executive Director Bill Namagoose acknowledged. “Hundreds of millions of dollars are backlogged in community development for the Cree School Board, the Cree Health Board, the Cree Nation Government and the Cree communities, and that impacts construction jobs in Cree communities.” A big factor is that the external expertise and workers needed for larger construction projects like schools and clinics are unavailable due to pandemic restrictions. Accordingly, the CNG is focusing on

housing and smaller projects that can be completed with local oversight and labour. Only when Cree communities can bring in outside labour and professionals will communities begin delayed projects. “Our economic recovery plan will be the recovery of those projects, removing the backlog will stimulate the economy,” Namagoose said. “Once the pandemic restrictions come down, we can activate it. We have the budget, it’s just a matter of going to public tender on those projects when workers can access Cree communities and do deliveries.” That matches larger economic trends since the start of the pandemic. According to data from Statistics Canada, $11.6 billion was spent on single- and multi-unit

Despite closing offices in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, the CNG made no layoffs – nor did band councils, the school board or health board

residential buildings in January 2021, up 13% from February 2020 levels. However, non-residential construction was 12% below pre-pandemic levels. Industrial building spending was down 12% in January from February 2020 levels, and commercial building spending was down 17%. More than 3 million Canadians lost their jobs early in 2020, but even with more recent second-wave layoffs, more than two-thirds of those early losses had been recovered by this February. Namagoose said that the usual Cree unemployment rate is 14%, but he expects that number was higher through the past year. Statistics Canada data shows that the national unemployment rate reached a high of 13.7% last May but had dropped to 8.2% by February 2021. Despite closing offices in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, the CNG made no layoffs – nor did band councils, the school board or health board. Those who were able worked from home. Economic recovery is being powered by massive federal and government spending. Crees have access to all the programs, benefits and services offered by the federal and provincial governments. Namagoose also noted that investment funds are available from Canadian Aboriginal corporations. The Eeyou Economic Group, for example, administers $300 million that can be accessed for business development loans in Cree territory. “Cree businesses, hang in there,” Namagoose offered to those who have been impacted by economic downturn. “We hope to have community development back on track soon, that should help local businesses.”

www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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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.

8 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

In Brief Photo provided by Ernest Webb

Snowmobile races bring winter excitement Chisasibi and Mistissini featured plenty of excitement the first weekend of March for their annual snowmobile challenges. Dedicated organizers welcomed a large turnout of racers and fans for both events. Mistissini’s Big Rock Cross Country Challenge featured an impressive 89 participants. Silas Neeposh won the professional championship for the third year in a row, taking home a $10,000 prize. Zechariah Neeposh and Brandon Coon placed second and third, respectively. Sarah Neeposh was the big winner on the women’s side, followed by Jewel Neeposh and Eleanor Coonishish. In other races, Hayden Benac won the sport championship, Brandon Coon Come became amateur champion, Betsy Shecapio won for junior girls and Kenyon Coon won for junior boys. Up in Chisasibi, 12 local teams participated in the twoman race, which consisted of three stages totalling over 1,500 km. Big River Pimpichuu won each stage of the race, earning a total of $24,000. Team Mithamin placed second. Stage winnings were donated by the local sports committee, the CSRA. Ouje-Bougoumou held an inland invitational event the following weekend with 108 registered participants. Elijah Matoush won the professional race, ahead of Silas Neeposh and Zachariah Neeposh. Jake Simard won semi-pro, Jewel Neeposh won both the women’s category and junior

girls, George P. Shecapio was amateur champion, and Titus Neeposh came first in the junior boys category. Another invitational event was held for inland communities in Waswanipi March 20-21.

PETA calls foul over NBA partnership with Canada Goose Days after Toronto-based winter clothing company Canada Goose announced a multi-year partnership with the National Basketball Association, the move was denounced by People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA). “No league should welcome a partnership with a company whose name is syn-

onymous with cruelty,” said PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman. “PETA urges the NBA not to team up with an overpriced all-star animal abuse supporter like Canada Goose and instead score a partnership with a modern vegan outerwear company.” PETA has a long-running campaign against Canada Goose, who have been criticized for piling panicked birds into cages and using fur from coyotes that have been left to suffer in traps for days. While the company removed ethical sourcing claims from its website following a US Federal Trade Commission investigation in 2019, it maintains it is committed to the “responsible use of animal materials.”

Last year, Canada Goose announced that it will in 2022 switch to “reclaimed fur” in its supply chain rather than fur from trappers as part of a broader sustainability initiative. Meanwhile, the Washington, DC-based Natural Fibers Alliance (NFA) argued that materials like leather and fur are a sustainable and renewable resource while synthetic fabrics are responsible for microplastic pollution in waterways. “PETA has gotten so extreme that it would ban basketballs simply because they’re made with leather,” said NFA spokesman Mike Brown. “This is a lay-up for the league: tell PETA to hit the showers.”

www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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Features

10 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

SHARED HISTORY

Illustrations provided by Anne Lin Arghirescu Art all inspired by, or related to, Circles for Reconciliation

Montreal college students launch local Circles for Reconciliation

by Patrick Quinn

he grassroots group Circles for Reconciliation was initially inspired by a line from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s interim report in 2015 – “there is no reason for anyone who wants to contribute to the reconciliation process to wait until the publication of the Commission’s final reports.” Founder Raymond Currie consulted with various Indigenous groups and Elders before launching the first free circle in Manitoba with an equal mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. While the pandemic has forced this popular project to go online, it has also created new opportunities for expanding its reach across the country. After Montreal college student Anne Lin Arghirescu completed the program last fall, she realized it would be an effective way to foster understanding between students at Marianopolis College. With the help of Indigenous friend Karonhianó:ron Curotte, she began organizing circles over Zoom. They now include students across the Montreal area. “I’ve been exploring the Indigenous cause from a young age through storytelling, visiting exhibitions and personal research,” Arghirescu told the Nation. “When I started college, I realized there was a lack of framework to welcome Indigenous students. I discovered the Circles for Reconciliation non-profit and thought that would be a great way to bring people together.” As the daughter of Eastern European and Asian immigrants, the struggles of Indigenous peoples resonated with the contradictory worldviews of Arghirescu’s mixed heritage. In a Reconciliation promotional booklet recently published by Marianopolis, Arghirescu discusses clinging to a Canadian identity and feeling alienated from her family. “I’ve had to do this mediating between cultures,” shared Arghirescu. “For Indigenous peo-

ples, to be at once excluded from Canadian society and forcefully assimilated throughout history is something I feel close to. Learning about all the positive aspects that exist in modern Indigenous culture through the circle discussions is very inspiring.” Arghirescu believes the program’s formula of pairing five Indigenous people with five non-Indigenous people in weekly 90-minute meetings over 10 weeks helps develop interpersonal relationships that become more intimate as the participants get more comfortable. Conversations led by one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous facilitator are guided by a different theme each week. “We do a reading together at the beginning of the circle and then we share our impressions about stories that relate to the topic we’re discussing,” explained Arghirescu. “There’s just enough structure to flow well but it also leaves a lot of space for the personal stories of each participant. It’s getting to know people below the surface, what they’re willing to share.” For students coping with the isolation of online studies, these sessions have been therapeutic. Many non-Indigenous participants say they’re motivated to share what they’ve learned, helping to debunk stubborn myths in mainstream culture. “I’ve received a lot of feedback from non-Indigenous participants realizing how incomplete and flawed history teachings are in Canada,” Arghirescu said. “Everything’s a bit detached from the present. Circles for Reconciliation help make that link – Indigenous communities are in a process of ongoing growth and transformation while remaining true to their traditions.” With interest also growing in teaching faculty and staff, Arghirescu is hoping to recruit more Indigenous participants for circles to begin in late March or early April. While the benefits www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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of joining these circles may be less apparent for Indigenous people, Arghirescu emphasized that there is no pressure to represent one’s culture. “Reconciliation can be difficult to talk about, but because the circles focus on equal representation, it’s not like all the weight is placed on a few Indigenous participants to educate a whole room,” Arghirescu said. “It’s a more informal dynamic of talking about personal experiences. It’s a nice place to form friendships through stories.” Crees who may be interested in the program should know that it doesn’t matter how connected one is to their Indigenous identity. Anyone with an internet connection and a willingness to develop respectful relationships is invited. Many Indigenous participants have enjoyed learning cultural practices and stories of resilience from other First Nations across Canada. Curotte felt that by bonding over environmental issues, the non-Indigenous participants began to understand common frustrations of First Nations peoples. “It was an opportunity for me to speak to people who were willing and eager to listen,”

12 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Curotte commented in the booklet. “By telling other students about stories and events of the Kanien’keha:ka peoples close to Montreal, I believe I was able to impact their worldviews. Circles like ours can be a stepping stone towards real change.” While Arghirescu hopes to eventually organize future sessions in-person, there are distinct advantages of maintaining Circles for Reconciliation online. The convenience of sharing stories with others over long distances make Zoom a useful platform, especially for connecting with participants from remote communities. “I really like the dynamic of these national circles where there’s the opportunity for people from all over Canada to participate,” said Arghirescu. “The pace is quickening, there are more and more people who are interested now that the news is getting out. We even have Indigenous people from Central America – it’s great to have so many perspectives.” To register for the student circle: https:// forms.gle/UbhkQymrkSKdST9w6 To register for the faculty and staff circle: https://forms.gle/WTh63JCekY2FASAb6

“It was an opportunity for me to speak to people who were willing and eager to listen” - Karonhianó:ron Curotte

www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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We all want to know more about COVID-19 vaccination COVID-19 vaccination in Québec began in December 2020 as part of a massive effort to prevent serious complications and deaths related to COVID-19, and stop the virus from spreading. Through vaccination, we hope to protect our healthcare system and allow things to return to normal.

A VACCINATION OVERVIEW Why get vaccinated at all? There are many reasons to get vaccinated (all of them good), including protecting ourselves from health complications and the dangers stemming from infectious diseases, as well as making sure they don’t resurface.

How effective is vaccination? Vaccination is one of medicine’s greatest success stories and the cornerstone of an efficient healthcare system. That said, as with any medication, no vaccine is 100% effective. The efficacy of a vaccine depends on several factors, including:

The age of the person being vaccinated Their physical condition and/or state of health, such as a weakened immune system

THE IMPACT OF VACCINES AT A GLANCE The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccination helps prevent over 2 million deaths every year, worldwide. Since the introduction of vaccination programs in Canada in 1920, polio has been wiped out across the country and several other illnesses (such as diphtheria, tetanus and rubella) have virtually disappeared. Smallpox has been eradicated throughout the world. The main bacteria responsible for bacterial meningitis in children–Haemophilus influenzae type B–has become much rarer. Hepatitis B has for all intents and purposes disappeared in young people, due to their having been vaccinated in childhood.

COVID-19 VACCINES Are the vaccines safe? Definitely. COVID-19 vaccines have been tested for quality and efficacy on a large scale and passed all necessary analysis before being approved for public use. All required steps in the vaccine approval process were stringently followed, some simultaneously, which explains why the process went so fast. Health Canada always conducts an extensive investigation of vaccines before approving and releasing them, paying particular attention to evaluating their safety and efficacy.

Who should be vaccinated against COVID-19? We aim to vaccinate the entire population against COVID-19. However, stocks are limited for now, which is why people from groups with a higher risk of developing complications if they are infected will be vaccinated first.

Can we stop applying sanitary measures once the vaccine has been administered? No. Several months will have to go by before a sufficient percentage of the population is vaccinated and protected. The beginning of the vaccination campaign does not signal the end of the need for health measures. Two-metre physical distancing, wearing a mask or face covering, and frequent hand-washing are all important habits to maintain until the public health authorities say otherwise.

On what basis are priority groups determined?

Can I catch COVID-19 even after I get vaccinated?

The vaccine will first be given to people who are at higher risk of developing complications or dying from COVID-19, in particular vulnerable individuals and people with a significant loss of autonomy who live in a CHSLD, healthcare providers who work with them, people who live in private seniors’ homes, and people 70 years of age and older.

The vaccines used can’t cause COVID-19 because they don’t contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus that’s responsible for the disease. However, people who come into contact with the virus in the days leading up to their vaccination or in the 14 days following it could still develop COVID-19.

As vaccine availability increases in Canada, more groups will be added to the list.

Order of priority for COVID-19 vaccination 1

Vulnerable people and people with a significant loss of autonomy who live in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) or in intermediate and family-type resources (RI-RTFs).

Workers in the health and social services network who have contact with users.

Autonomous or semi-autonomous people who live in private seniors’ homes (RPAs) or in certain closed residential facilities for older adults.

Isolated and remote communities.

Everyone at least 80 years of age.

People aged 70–79.

People aged 60–69.

Adults under the age of 60 with a chronic disease or health issue that increases the risk of complications from COVID-19.

Adults under the age of 60 with no chronic disease or healthcare issues that increase the risk of complications but who provide essential services and have contact with users.

Everyone else in the general population at least 16 years of age.

Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory? No. Vaccination is not mandatory here in Québec. However, COVID-19 vaccination is highly recommended.

Is vaccination free of charge? The COVID-19 vaccine is free. It is only administered under the Québec Immunization Program and is not available from private sources.

Do I need to be vaccinated if I already had COVID-19? YES. Vaccination is indicated for everyone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in order to ensure their long-term protection.

Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine 1 877 644-4545

16 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

the shadow

pandemic

Confronting rising violence against Indigenous women and girls

by Patrick Quinn | Photos provided by Lynne Groulx

s the second anniversary of Canada’s Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) report approaches this June, Indigenous leaders say they are disappointed at the federal government’s slow response to the inquiry’s 231 recommendations. To mark International Women’s Day, the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) announced an International Summit of the Americas on Violence Against Indigenous Women March 29-30 to confront this ongoing crisis. Themed “Silent No More”, the online event will debate ways to bring perpetrators to justice and to better protect Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people. “Here we are coming close to a second year and we’re not sure that any kind of action plan is anywhere near being finalized,” said NWAC CEO Lynne Groulx. “This is why we’re planning a major event at the end of March, trying to shed some light on what the issues are, why this is taking so long to get action and what can we do.” The event will include panel discussions and international speakers such as Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States. Expected to draw hundreds of participants from across North and South America, the summit will produce an outcome document that offers an action plan. “We want to have as many people as possible

from the grassroots to provide a voice and forum for women in the Americas to have their voices heard,” Groulx told the Nation. “Our hope is to come to a point where we say this genocide is not acceptable anywhere. This pandemic has exacerbated violence.” The United Nations has called increasing domestic violence against women over the past year the “shadow pandemic”. Stay-at-home measures have compounded issues like substance abuse and economic instability while isolating victims from support networks and life-saving services. “Addiction has gone up,” confirmed Jessica Quijano, coordinator for the Iskweu Project at the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, whose mandate is to respond to MMIWG issues. “A lot of women who go missing or are murdered are dealing with extreme poverty. They might be dealing with addiction, mental health and trauma. Rehab and detox centres are only half capacity [because of pandemic restrictions]. We had long waiting lists before, now it’s even longer.” To bypass racism and language barriers, Quijano highlighted the need for culturally appropriate services designed by and for the Indigenous community. She particularly wants to see dedicated health resources and a 24-hour drop-in shelter for Indigenous women. “The issue is sometimes women don’t go [to shelters] because they might see their aggressor in the space,” Quijano told the Nation. “I see people’s health deteriorating unnecessarily because they just don’t want to go through the system and become more marginalized. They are putting themselves at risk just to survive.” The Iskweu Project will soon open a drop-in space for Indigenous women who have been sexually assaulted. While Quijano frequently works with police to ensure proper reports and investigations are made, she believes outreach workers are better equipped to intervene in social problems. www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

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To support women emotionally traumatized by violence, NWAC recently opened a “resiliency lodge” in Quebec.

“Police aren’t locating Indigenous women and girls so it’s about having more sensitive people who actually care about the community doing that work,” said Quijano. “It’s a system hard to reform and we’ve really tried. It’s not about having the solutions but about having the political will and investing in those services.” In 2019, Indigenous women were victims of nearly 28% of the homicides perpetrated against women in Canada – though they represented only 4% of all the women in the

18 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

country. While the need for more accountable policing was one of the inquiry’s calls for justice, the true numbers of murders and disappearances are still unknown, as are the police resources devoted to investigating them. “We need to know what the real numbers are,” declared Groulx. “One of the highest [calls for justice] on our priority list was helping families reopen some of these cases that were closed to find out what happened to their loved

ones. There’s certainly no closure if there’s no body found.” Quijano believes Joyce Echaquan’s death in a Joliette hospital in September 2020 brought more awareness to what the inquiry called “this Canadian genocide”. But both Quijano and Groulx say recent initiatives are insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem. NWAC has asked Ottawa to immediately create a national task force to review unresolved MMIWG files, develop a national database

of cases and to fund its grassroots efforts. “There needs to be political will from the top to say we’re going to end this in Canada,” asserted Groulx. “We are very concerned this bureaucracy is moving so slowly – it should have been in place when it was promised last year. There’s no reason some of these calls for justice could not be implemented while a larger plan is developed.” According to the federal government, work is well underway on a National Action Plan to address the

calls to justice. A National Family and Survivors Circle is working with several groups to co-develop a plan that is regionally responsive, supports local community solutions and addresses the root causes of violence. “The plan must be a concrete and accountable document that can be measured against and adjusted if it is to meet the needs of the survivors, families and loved ones, to honour the spirits and memories of those lost, and to protect future generations,” the Office of the Minister of CrownIndigenous Relations told the Nation.

To support women emotionally traumatized by violence, NWAC recently opened a “resiliency lodge” in Quebec, with plans to expand to every region across Canada. The lodge will promote healing and prevention through ceremony and guidance from Elders. “We need safe places for women to come for healing,” explained Groulx. “This is definitely part of the solution, but we look forward to sharing ideas and tangible solutions at the international event with other countries dealing with the same issue.”

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Updates

Power plays First Nations coalition opposes Hydro-Québec transmission corridor by Ben Powless

T .

he Innu-Atikamekw-Anishnabeg Coalition – a group of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador – is opposing a proposed Hydro-Québec transmission corridor, citing ongoing damage to their territories from hydroelectric projects. The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) would see a 1,200-megawatt transmission line supply electricity from Quebec to Maine and Massachusetts as part of a 20-year deal between Hydro-Québec and Avangrid, a subsidiary of Spanish energy company Iberdrola. The $1.2-billion project would require construction of power lines on both sides of the border, as well as finishing Hydro-Québec’s Romaine-4 hydroelectric dam on Quebec’s North Shore by 2022. The coalition represents the Innu of Pessamit, the Atikamekw of Wemotaci, the Anishnabeg of Pikogan, Lac Simon and Kitcisakik, and the Innu Nation of Labrador. They say that Innu Nation lands have been destroyed by the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project, while First Nations in Quebec have seen dams built and their territories flooded without any prior consultation or compensation. Lucien Wabanonik, a Lac Simon band councillor and spokesperson for the coalition, says that every option is on the table for the coalition, as it

Hydro-Québec president Sophie Brochu reaches out to media and regulators in both Canada and the US. Wabanonik says that dams have had a devastating impact on their communities. “There’s a lot of impact still today. The water goes up or down in the spring because of too much water in the reservoir, and this has an impact on the sturgeon,” Wabanonik explained. “In the wintertime, we travel the land, but we don’t know if the ice is solid enough.” He says that communities were never compensated for the dams

20 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

and hydro lines, and many are living in “third-world conditions” without access to water or electricity. “We’re saying this is enough. We want a formal discussion with Hydro-Québec or the federal or provincial governments to discuss these issues.” Wabanonik noted the coalition has not talked to either level of government or Hydro-Québec, but that they anticipate a meeting soon. Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the Quebec crown utility “understands the importance of land

claims and territorial issues for Indigenous communities, and that these communities have been engaged in claim disputes with the federal and provincial governments related to facilities that in some cases were built decades ago, some of them predating the creation of Hydro-Québec.” St-Laurent added that legal actions on these issues are pending or would be addressed in treaty negotiations. She noted that Churchill Falls is not a HydroQuébec project, though it does own a 34% stake in the company that runs the operation, which saw over 5,000 square kilometres flooded without the agreement of the Innu people. The NECEC project would not impact these communities, St-Laurent insisted, as the project would draw from the existing power generating system, and that hydroelectric reservoirs would continue to operate at the same levels as before the project. While construction started in February on the US side of the NECEC, it was stopped a few days later due to a court injunction. Despite receiving a permit from the outgoing Trump administration, the project has been opposed by US environmental groups.

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the Nation 21

Politics

Tap out Auditor General slams Ottawa for failing to ensure safe drinking water for First Nations by Ben Powless

new report by the Auditor General of Canada found that the federal government failed to live up to its 2015 campaign promises to eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations by the end of March 2021. The report states that the government did not provide the necessary support for First Nations, despite spending $1.79 billion of the over $2 billion pledged to improve water and wastewater systems in First Nations communities. According to Auditor General Karen Hogan, the number of long-term drinking water advisories has declined from 160 to 60 since 2015. Half of those remaining advisories have been in place more than a decade, with some lasting over 20 years. “While there has been some progress to address and end boil-water advisories, currently more than 50 remain, and one is too many,” Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde said in a statement. “I continue to urge the federal government to work together with First Nations to implement long-term solutions that will provide water

certainty for our children and families. Bellegarde called for real and ongoing funding for water treatment and distribution in First Nations communities. He also wants a little honesty from the feds: realistic timelines to achieving an end to boil-water advisories. The National Chief also pointed to the importance of clean water during a pandemic. Hogan’s report identified an outdated funding model going back to 1987, which did not keep up with the costs of newer technology or the actual costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure. Many First Nations could not afford to make up the difference in funding, which led to many water systems gradually deteriorating. It pointed to a salary gap of 30% for system operators in First Nations communities than elsewhere, noting that over a quarter of First Nations communities lacked a fully trained operator. The

report also called for a regulatory regime for safe drinking water in First Nations communities, in consultation with First Nations. The report noted that government initiatives were expected to address the boil-water advisories in the remaining 60 communities starting in 2021 and as late as 2025. It also pointed to 15 communities where water problems were resolved with interim measures. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller responded by noting $3.5 billion has been invested in “supporting access to clean water” in Indigenous communities. The ministry also noted that Covid-19 had delayed completion of water infrastructure projects. In a statement, Miller said the government will “work with First Nations to conduct performance inspections of water systems annually, and asset condition assessments every three years, to identify deficiencies. We will

work with communities to address those deficiencies, prevent recurring advisories and invest in long-term solutions.” In a tacit admission its plan wasn’t working, the Liberal government in December announced an additional $1.5 billion in funding for clean drinking water, including $616 million for daily operations and maintenance, $553 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, and $309 million to lift all remaining long-term drinking water advisories. “In 2015, this government began working with First Nations communities to improve access to safe drinking water. We will not stop until all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves are lifted and all First Nations communities on reserves have reliable access to clean and safe drinking water now and into the future,” Miller said at the time.

www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

the Nation 23

Puzzles Crossword ACROSS 1 Not quite right 6 Fencing sword 10 Burglar's take 14 Two make a diameter 15 Wartime partner 16 Gawk at 17 Market indicator 18 Here or there 20 Theater backdrop 22 One taking orders 23 ____ to rest 24 Suede outfit? 25 Joshua tree habitat 28 Old West chasers 29 Caribou kin 30 Branch of philosophy 35 Animal house? 37 Polished off 38 "Star Wars" captain 39 Scatter among 44 It paves the way 45 Arrive, as darkness 46 School-skipper 48 Desk accessory 51 Word in a Lady Gaga film title 52 Elie Wiesel's "Night" is one 53 Split up 57 Pronounce distinctly 59 Tuckered out 60 End of a winning streak 61 Tall tale teller

ere’s another edition of the Nation’s puzzle page. Try your hand at Sudoku or Str8ts or our Crossword, or better yet, solve all three and send us a photo!* As always, the answers from last issue are here for you to check your work. Happy hunting.

PREVIOUS SOLUTION: N O D E

A L E C

F L A K

L O B E

Y O U R

C R A W

P R O N E

L A T T E

R O P E S

E N T I T L S E T O S M A A N C K H E D

R A T P T R A I T N C A E N S T S L E E A I R A N

A N G G E E E E N D E P R I G A D E L G E S E T O D O N U R R E S E E S T S

S A T E U N S T R A P

S T A P L E G U N

T U L I P

A B A S H

B A N E

A F E W

T O U R

E S P Y

E D I T

A I D E

T I E R

E R A S E

STR8TS Tough

Previous solution - Medium

3 2 2 1 5 8 6 7 5 6 4 3 1 4

3 4 2 8 6

9 6

6 15

22 24

37 40

45 49

10 16

23 25

54 59

62 Flip over 63 Genealogy diagram 64 On pins and needles 65 Substantial DOWN 1 Cultural pursuits 2 Place to trade 3 Anagram for aide 4 Unattached 5 One way to pitch 6 Lightened (up) 7 Story element 8 Colonnade tree

4 8 7 7 6 9 8 9 4 5 3 2 2 3

9 6 8 5 4 3 7

2 4 3

6 7 1 5

6 7 5 4 3 7 2 1 5 2 1 8 9 6 8 9

9 Optical solution 10 Part of a pope's title 11 Playing marble 12 Worrier's worry 13 Suspicious 19 O'Keeffe subject 21 Place to build 24 Hard drinker 25 Supermarket section 26 Sparkle 27 Comedy routine 28 Communion plate 31 Snouted critter 32 Teensy bit 33 Reunion bunch 34 Database command

4 3 2 9 8 6

No. 275

Easy

1 2

8 4

36 Answer 40 Excavation find 41 Like OR instruments 42 "Quit it!" 43 Printing error 47 Still too green 48 Refine, as ore 49 Bocelli, for one 50 Comedian's job 51 Smelling of suds 53 Like bachelor parties 54 Word after gray or play 55 It may be pitched 56 Circular current 58 Lend a hand

5 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

5 8 3 7 4 1 9 2 6

6 5 1 4 7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

24 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

Previous solution - Very Hard

3 5

SUDOKU

No. 275

6 7

1 14

5 9 8

1 7

S C A R

by Margie E. Burke

1 6 7 9 3 2 5 4 8

2 9 4 8 6 5 1 7 3

3 2 8 5 9 4 7 6 1

6 4 9 3 1 7 8 5 2

7 1 5 6 2 8 3 9 4

8 3 2 4 5 9 6 1 7

4 5 6 1 7 3 2 8 9

9 7 1 2 8 6 4 3 5

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Rez Notes

Isolation blues

by Sonny Orr

t’s been several days in isolation as I sit here surfing YouTube and trying to figure out what to watch. I’ve eaten about everything on the restaurant menu several times as I try not go stir crazy and jump out the window into the inviting snow outside. Yes, I am a victim of today’s circumstances. And just like everyone else in the rest of the world, I must comply with Covid-19 regulations – which I wish we had followed right away last year, but in hindsight we couldn’t do anything about it anyway. Coming back to earth, I’m watching another YouTube video of SpaceX trying to take off this time. They’re just fueling the spacecraft and I’m hoping that it won’t crash when it comes back down to earth like the last couple of times. Then I’m wondering who’s that wandering around in the hallway, so I open the door and see the security guards looking my way. I go “oops” and put my mask on. Then I decide to turn on the TV for change – Coronation Street of all things. I never really watched this venerable soap opera before even though it’s been on since I was a wee boy. It’s probably older than I am. It looks like the people are good actors so now I’m actually enjoying it. This quarantine is getting to me. I need some air, but you’re only allowed to go out and have a cigarette with your personal bodyguard and I didn’t buy any

I’m happy that my isolation is in a nice hotel and the food is good, but I haven’t seen anyone for days. Facebook doesn’t count. I’m developing a British accent talking back to the characters on Coronation Street.

cigarettes before I got shipped down here on a medevac. This was my first time in an ambulance, and my first time in an air ambulance. It was nice but cramped. Then I spent several hours waiting for my triage in the emergency ward in the Valley of Gold. I had numerous tests done, including three Covid ones, which I found cleaned up my nostrils quite nicely. I guess I’m not due for a cold or flu for some time because I have by now ingested numerous medical remedies, none of which contained any alcohol. I guess I can’t complain that much since I haven’t tested positive and should feel lucky that I was treated in time for my malady. I’m happy that my isolation is in a nice hotel and the food is good, but I haven’t seen anyone for days. Facebook doesn’t count. I’m developing a British accent talking back to the characters on Coronation Street. Back home, the temperature is dropping, the wind is rising, and the snow-

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banks keep drifting higher. I worry about my family’s little ones, thinking that they aren’t as skilled with the shovel as I am. I should have taught them when they were babies to go out there and shovel since it’s a way of life here. Some skills need to be taught once, like setting a fishnet or shooting a .22 rifle. Actually, I take that back – just closing the door would be nice since not everyone realizes that a closed door is good enough to keep the cold out. Just to let everyone know that I’m doing fine. Once again, I did not write a word of this column using a keyboard, instead I dictated my thoughts using a voice-to-text program. I’m hoping my message gets out without too many errors – or that my editors can figure out what I meant to say. All of you stay healthy. Follow the Covid guidelines and we’ll get out of this mess sooner rather than later.

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www.nationnews.ca March 26, 2021

the Nation 25

Bannock & Who stands up for me?

Tea

by Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash

few months after the death of Joyce Echaquan, Mireille Ndjomouo, a 44-year-old Black woman, posted a shocking video on Facebook from the Charles-Le Moyne Hospital in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore. In the video, she said that the medical staff have given her penicillin even though they knew she was allergic to it. She passed away two days later after complaining about swelling in her stomach, difficulty breathing and skin rashes. Both Mireille and Joyce advocated for themselves when they were seeking medical help even if it put their physical integrity at stake. And both ended up dying. There is an ongoing investigation into Mireille Ndjomouo’s case, but it got me wondering, how do you advocate for yourself in the healthcare system when you are from a marginalized community? Who advocates for me when I am unable to do it? You have rights in the healthcare system, but not everyone is aware of that because there are few-to-no medical literacy resources available to people when they need it the most. It’s worth looking at codes of ethics and users’ rights when seeking medical care, and you have the right to that information. Fortunately, there is a Complaints Commissioner at the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay. I hope people do use that path if the care they receive is inadequate – or, as in Joyce and Mireille’s cases, abusive. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s still a good way to hold

I’ve had bad experiences, but over the years I learned that I have the right to refuse a treatment, the right to have options when possible and the right to ask questions

your healthcare professionals accountable. From experience, standing up for yourself and disagreeing with the care provided to you can be tricky. The power dynamics between a doctor who represents a figure of authority and a vulnerable patient are already complex. Add to that layers of unconscious biases on race or mental illness and it can get messy. I’ve had bad experiences, but over the years I learned that I have the right to refuse a treatment, the right to have options when possible and the right to ask questions. Even with the knowledge I have, the system managed to fail me in different ways than it failed Joyce and Mireille. And relying only on oneself in a

situation in which you are supposed to receive help is draining. The other day, I was attending a workshop on anxiety management. A physician told someone: “You can call the clinic and ask to be put in contact with me. If I’m telling you this, it’s because it should work and that’s my way of being accountable to you.” It kind of blew my mind because I rarely see doctors talking about accountability and taking concrete actions to empower me – who’s also a youth – as a patient. Identifying how to hold my healthcare provider accountable if something happens prior to receiving care makes me feel safer now. But what do we do when that fails too?

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26 the Nation March 26, 2021 www.nationnews.ca

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