London, Ontario June 2nd, 2020 – In 2009, the House of Commons officially recognized the creation of National Aboriginal History Month. This month acknowledges the role Indigenous people have played in history, the importance of our history and the diversity within First Nations from coast to coast throughout North America....
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STALL ON ACTIONS FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS AGAIN
London, Ontario May 29th, 2020 – Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett recently announced that the Federal government would not be able to deliver on the 231 ‘calls for justice’ from Indigenous women’s groups. Bennett, who initially stated that something would be ‘in the window’ by June now says that the...
CANADA NEEDS TO DO BETTER BY OUR FIRST NATIONS CHILDREN
London, Ontario May 26th, 2020 – In a recent report by KidsRights, Canada has slipped in adhering to children’s rights and is treading water in the middle of the global rankings. This may come as a surprise to Canadians given how Canada prides itself as a progressive country that holds...
COVID-19 Ontario updates on child care and education (closures, camps, teachers, post-secondary)
Child Care Updates Daycare Closures Continue On May 19, 2020, the Minister of Education announced private schools, licensed child-care centres, and EarlyON programs will remain closed, except emergency child-care or front-line workers. Stage 2 reopening will involve opening daycares based on the public health guidelines. There will be strict health...
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
In the wake of COVID-19, the federal and provincial governments are increasing investment in virtual, telephone, and online mental health services so they can be accessed safety and without cost to everyone. A summary of these supports is provided below. Many of the supports targeting anyone, though some are indigenous...
Education Updates (child care, school closures, exams, events)
Financial Updates for Child Care Centres Due to the Emergency Order, child care centers were ordered to close, with the exception of the emergency child care for health care and other front-line workers. First Nations who have been approved to run emergency child care will be contacted by the Ministry...
FIRST NATION MODELLING & ONTARIO RE-OPENING
FIRST NATIONS IN ONTARIO – CONFIRMED CASES As of May 4, 2020, there are 75 First Nations people who have contracted COVID-19. This represents an increase of 23% from last week and a 91% increase from the week before. These numbers indicate that spread amongst First Nations is increasing more...
MCCSS COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDING FOR INDIGNEOUS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
On April 7th, 2020, as part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Response to COVID-19, the Ontario government announced $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention, and mitigation efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities. Out of this $37 million, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social...
Important facts and information in going forward
HEALTH UPDATE
EMERGENCY ORDER On May 6, 2020, Ontario announced an extension of its emergency order to May 19, 2020. This is an extension from the previous order extending the order to May 12, 2020. The state of emergency order mandates the closure of outdoor amenities including parks and recreational areas, the...