FNHMA Health Bulletin: Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
Thanks for subscribing to our weekly health and wellness bulletin.
This is our 50th issue! And it's Easter long weekend!
In this edition, we're sharing new webinars and information sessions, funding opportunities, relevant news stories, and COVID-19 data.
We have a lot to share - read below for all of the above and more!
In this week's edition, learn more about:
- Weekly Virtual Town Hall Update
- Total Number of Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 ISC is aware of as of April 1, 2021
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"Saskatoon Tribal Council-run Vaccine Clinic For Indigenous And Non-Indigenous People Opens Next Week"
- "COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: Active Cases In First Nations Continue To Decline"
- "11-year Old Performs Healing Dances To Help Rid His Manitoba First Nation Of COVID-19"
- "21 COVID Variant Cases In South Saskatchewan First Nations: ISC"
- "Nipissing First Nation Warns Of COVID-19 Exposure At Local Business"
- ''B.C. First Nation Expected To Achieve 'Community Immunity' Through COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts"
- "Government Of Canada Announces $20 Million To Help Communities Respond To Increasing Opioid-Related Overdoses"
- "High Vaccination Rates Decreasing COVID-19 Cases In Indigenous Communities"
Scroll down for these stories and more.
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Weekly Virtual Town Hall Update |
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The FNHMA Virtual Town Hall 4th Phase Broadcast Set To Return This Month On APTN!
We will be resuming once again this month with our 4th phase broadcast on APTN! Stay tuned!
We hope you'll continue to join us as we discuss and share important information on the pandemic, the vaccine and the issues and opportunities for front line health care workers.
Did you miss a Town Hall?
If you missed a Town Hall, you can watch them all. Simply click the button below to view our archived list.
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National and First Nation COVID-19 News |
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Total Number Of Confirmed Cases Of COVID-19 ISC Is Aware Of As Of April 1, 2021 |
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As of April 1, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) records indicate that there are 24,904 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on First Nations reserves, in 7 regions/provinces. There are 1,124 hospitalizations, 23,836 recovered cases, and 284 deaths.
For more information on these numbers and for more information on how to keep your family safe, please click here.
Click here to see the full ISC Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities page.
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"Saskatoon Tribal Council-run Vaccine Clinic For Indigenous And Non-Indigenous People Opens Next Week"
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"The Saskatoon Tribal Council is set to open a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people next week at SaskTel Centre.
"Whoever registers will get a call, whether they're First Nations or non-First Nations," Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand said on Wednesday. "We're here to serve everybody. That's the goal, get as many people vaccinated [as possible]."
The clinic, which will open on April 6 and is intended to operate for at least four months, will administer vaccines to people in the same eligible age groups as those being served at provincially-run clinics, Arcand said.
"We're hoping there's some consideration to allow us to vaccinate others, but we'll take the direction," he said."
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"COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: Active Cases In First Nations Continue To Decline"
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"For the first time since November, the number of active COVID-19 cases in First Nations and Inuit communities dipped under 1,000.
There were 931 active cases in First Nations communities as of March 29, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. As of March 23, there were six active cases in the Nunavik region of Quebec and zero active cases in Nunavut.
According to the federal department, the rate of reported cases of the virus in First Nations people living on-reserve currently stands at 187 per cent higher than the rate for the general Canadian population.
New infections this week were reported primarily in Manitoba with 209 new cases on-reserve in the last week, a decrease of 61.
Since the pandemic began, there have been a total of 24,719 cases in First Nations communities. A total of 280 people have died from the virus, seven of those deaths were reported in the last week. The total number of hospitalizations rose to 1,113. The number of First Nations people who have recovered from the disease is now at 23,507."
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"11-year Old Performs Healing Dances To Help Rid His Manitoba First Nation Of COVID-19" |
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"An 11-year-old boy is dancing for the people battling COVID-19 in his northern Manitoba First Nation and to force the illness out of his community.
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Pukatawagan, has been receiving aid from the Canadian Armed Forces, Red Cross and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak for a COVID-19 outbreak since mid-March.
The community's cases are decreasing, but Nathaniel Sinclair wanted to help his community heal even more through his own traditional healing dance.
"I'm praying for the sick ones and the emergency responders," said Nathaniel, who has performed three dances in his home already.
Nathaniel, a Grade 5 student, has been enamoured by traditional dancing since his mother, Nadine Sinclair, first brought him to a community powwow when he was two years old.
"As soon as he heard the beat of the drum, he just went on the powwow grounds and didn't want to stop dancing," said Sinclair."
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"21 COVID Variant Cases In South Saskatchewan First Nations: ISC" |
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"As COVID-19 variant strains continue spreading in Regina and Moose Jaw, Dr. Ibrahim Khan is warning First Nations in the area about the risk to their communities.
Twenty-one variant cases have been recorded so far in southern First Nations, he said on Wednesday.
“Some of them are linked to the Regina VOCs (variants of concern),” said Khan, the chief health officer for the Saskatchewan section of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
“The VOCs are spreading very fast and are very transmissible. With just a light, casual stay with somebody that is positive, that can really transmit the infection.
Khan declined to identify which First Nations in the area have recorded variant strain infections. He encouraged each community’s leaders to be diligent in taking steps to control COVID.
“The chiefs and the health directors and the nursing teams have been informed,” he said.
“They’re actively pursuing and following up on those patients. The communities have that authority to release those names.”"
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"Nipissing First Nation Warns Of COVID-19 Exposure At Local Business" |
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"Nipissing First Nation is advising the public that an individual working at a local business has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a news release issued Sunday, the First Nation said the warning is directed at customers and employees of Green Medicine located at 120 Commanda Cres. in Duchesnay, near North Bay. The potential exposure dates are March 12-13, March 15-20 and March 22-27.
"Close contacts have been advised to immediately self-isolate, self-monitor and to get tested for COVID-19 if symptoms arise or on day 10 of exposure," the release said. "Only individuals identified as a close contact will be contacted by Nipissing First Nation Health Services. No personal health information will be released."
Self-isolation means individuals are to remain on their property and avoid contact with others for a minimum of 14 days, even if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result. This includes self-isolating from others in your home.
Community health nurses will be conducting regular follow-up with close contacts for the duration of the isolation period.
Customers using curbside or delivery services are considered a low-risk exposure and are not required to self-isolate."
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''B.C. First Nation Expected To Achieve 'Community Immunity' Through COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts" |
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"Hope is on the horizon for the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation as hundreds of members are vaccinated against COVID-19 in an effort to achieve “community immunity.”
“We vaccinate everyone because ‘community immunity’ means everyone,” Andrea Alec, health and wellness director for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, which is located on the North Shore, said.
“We take care of everyone as a whole.”
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have only been 19 cases among members.
Tsleil-Waututh Councillor Jen Thomas was one of them.
“It’s something that I don’t wish on anybody,” she said. “It’s scary.”
The case count is considered a success story, given larger outbreaks reported in other First Nations."
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"Government Of Canada Announces $20 Million To Help Communities Respond To Increasing Opioid-Related Overdoses" |
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"News release
Projects will provide training and awareness on opioid overdose response to 2.4 million Canadians and enable the distribution of 58,000 naloxone kits
March 29, 2021 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
In many areas across Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic has tragically worsened the ongoing health crisis of opioid-related harms and deaths. People who use drugs continue to face barriers and risks related to the toxicity of the illegal drug supply and reduced access to health and social services, including life-saving harm reduction and treatment.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced $20 million in funding for the distribution of naloxone kits and opioid overdose response training to support communities that have been particularly affected by the opioid overdose crisis and are experiencing challenges in improving health outcomes of their residents. These include individuals living in rural and remote areas, Indigenous peoples, Northern residents, people experiencing homelessness, youth in communities at increased risk of opioid-related harms, and working-aged men."
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"High Vaccination Rates Decreasing COVID-19 Cases In Indigenous Communities" |
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"The number of active COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities has declined by 80 per cent since mid-January thanks to the high uptake of vaccines, says the top doctor at Indigenous Services Canada.
Dr. Tom Wong, the department’s chief medical officer of public health, says the number of active dropped from a peak of 4,875 in mid-January to just 860 as of March 30.
“It’s very encouraging to see that,” Wong said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
“We are back to where (we were) in November … when we had that low number of active cases.”
According to Indigenous Services Canada, a total of 246,675 COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered in 612 First Nation, Inuit and territorial communities by the end of March.
While the number of new COVID-19 cases has been spiking elsewhere across the country, Wong said there’s been a downward trend in Indigenous communities because of vaccinations and public health measures.
More than 50 per cent of adults living in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have already received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine — four times higher than in the general adult population in Canada, he said.
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday that the vaccine uptake has been high, despite the complexities involved in delivering them to Indigenous communities."
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Tool Kit For Health Care Providers
**COVID-19 Vaccination Information Resources**
It's normal that Canadians may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Health care providers are uniquely positioned to answer questions and provide information.
Available for Download Now!
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COVID-19 Communications Toolkit - Free Download - UPDATE 2
**The Communications Toolkit has been updated as of March 2, 2021. Check below for the latest version.**
The pandemic has touched many Indigenous communities across the country and people need information to help them manage in this ever-changing environment. With the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, people have renewed hope but understandably also have questions on how a vaccine will impact them and their families.
To help you answer some of these questions, Indigenous Services Canada has prepared a toolkit that contains a variety of communication resources and information for you to share with your community. Each community is unique in the way it shares information with its members. This toolkit can serve as a guide to create messages tailored to your community.
This is the first version of the communications toolkit, please look for updated versions in the coming weeks as the situation continues to evolve.
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What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for Canada
Working to bring Canadians a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of infectious diseases, whether it's seasonal flu or childhood infections. A safe and effective vaccine(s) for COVID-19 will protect us against the novel coronavirus and will be an important step to safely resume normal life in Canada and around the world. The Government of Canada is working on all possible fronts to secure access to safe and effective vaccines and related supplies for Canadians. Here is what Canadians need to know about a future COVID-19 vaccine.
Download the full PDF about what you need to know about the vaccine here.
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FNHMA Pandemic Planning Tool Free Download |
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COVID-19 App Update Available!
The Canada COVID-19 app has an update available. If you don’t have auto-updates enabled on your device, remember to update your app manually!
Get the app today.
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We're Hiring! Director Of Programs |
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Director of Programs, FNHMA
***We are extending the deadline to April 9, 2021***
Are you passionate about increasing health leadership capacity in First Nations communities?
Are you passionate about making a difference?
Then we'd love for you to join our family!
The Role:
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Programs, FNHMA has the overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the programs and services offered to FNHMA members.
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Tax Tips! Simplified Tax Forms And New Indigenous-Specific Tax Webpage From The CRA |
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Established Recently, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) launched a new webpage specifically about taxes and benefits for Indigenous peoples.
On the new webpage, you will find information about getting benefits and credits, getting help to complete your tax return, and COVID-19 related benefit information.
Additionally, if you are a First Nations individual, you may be able to file your taxes using a simplified paper tax and benefit return form. While these forms are not available digitally, the CRA has begun distributing simplified forms to First Nations across the country.
You can see if this option is available to you by contacting your band council office.
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Information Session About COVID-19 Vaccination And Public Health Measures |
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As Canada ramps up our COVID-19 immunization response with increased access to COVID-19 vaccine supply over the spring, there is a need, more than ever, for reliable information on these vaccines and the vaccination plans.
We would like to invite you to an information session about COVID-19 vaccination and public health measures with:
Dr. Howard Njoo, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada.
When: April 16, 2021 at 2 pm - 3 pm. EDT
This session will include a brief presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.
This session is organized in an effort to respond to the need of health professionals and key health partners to have credible information on COVID-19 vaccines and continued public health measures. The intention is to help equip you as leaders in your organizations and communities to share reliable information with your networks, in recognizing the important role you all play in your communities.
If you have questions that can inform the Question and Answer period for the event, we ask that they be submitted by Thursday, April 8th 12:00 PM (EDT) to:
with the subject line: PHAC info session- health- April 16-question.
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Moderna Presents: Important Information For Healthcare Providers About COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna |
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Moderna Presents: Important Information for Healthcare Providers about COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
Join Moderna for a webinar to learn about COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna, which has been authorized for use under an interim order in Canada.
There will be a live Q&A with the presenter following the presentation.
Please register at the link below.
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WEBINAR - Inequities Laid Bare: Responding To Challenges Of COVID-19 And Beyond |
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Date: April 14, 2021
Time: 8:10 AM – 9:00 AM EST
A side event of the 64th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CCSA) has partnered with Health Canada, the Community Addictions Peer Support Association, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, the HIV Legal Network, the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation to present the panel, Inequities Laid Bare: Responding to Challenges of COVID-19 and Beyond.
The panel will explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequities and negatively affected marginalized populations, and how we can lessen these effects in the future.
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COVID-19 Vaccines And Indigenous Peoples |
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The Government of Canada is working to secure safe and effective vaccines to prevent COVID-19. This is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and resuming normal life.
This page has resources COVID-19 vaccines from various sources around the country.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation And Fraud |
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It's understandable that some inaccurate information has been circulating to certain communities about the vaccine that includes false and distorted information about potential side effects.
The spread of misinformation can have real consequences and can distort people's behaviours and decision-making.
It is important that everyone obtain information from trusted sources. That includes federal, provincial and territorial health authorities, community health centres, nursing stations or local healthcare providers. The federal government encourages people to consider the source of information before spreading or sharing articles or facts.
Vaccination is a choice. Vaccines used in Canada must be approved by Health Canada and the COVID-19 vaccine is held to the same safety standards as other vaccines to make sure it is safe and effective.
For information on COVID-19 Fraud and Scams, click here.
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COVID-19 Vaccines: Get The Facts |
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COVID-19 Vaccines - Get the facts
Have a question like:
"Once I receive both doses of the vaccine, can I stop wearing a mask and expand my social circle?"
FACT: Even after being vaccinated, everyone must continue to follow public health measures, including minimizing in-person interactions with people from outside your immediate household, avoiding crowded places, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
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Job Opportunity - COVID-19 Immunizers |
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Job Opportunity – COVID-19 Immunizers
Are you interested in a meaningful job that makes a difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples and northern residents?
The deadline to apply is: April 8, 2021
Indigenous Services Canada (FNIHB) is looking for:
Nurses / Doctors / Nurse Practitioners / Registered Psychiatric Nurses / Registered Practical Nurses / Licensed Practical Nurses / Pharmacists / Paramedics / Dentists / Veterinarians / Medical Laboratory Technicians / other health professionals
who are licensed to practice, including to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, in the following areas:
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
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Accessing Additional Funding |
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Federal Funding Available For Vaccine Confidence Initiatives |
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A number of federal departments have recently launched funding opportunities for vaccine confidence-focused initiatives in Canada. These opportunities will support a broad range of research, communications and interventions initiatives, and may be of interest to you and your organization. These funding opportunities complement funding available through the Immunization Partnership Fund, which recently closed its call for letters of intent.
Vaccine Community Innovation Challenge (VCIC) – Public Health Agency of Canada
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Brief description: The VCIC encourages individuals and/or groups across Canada to help promote vaccine confidence in their communities. Twenty finalists will each receive $25,000 to create and implement a creative and innovative communications campaign over twelve weeks in Summer 2021. At the end of the campaign, one winner will receive a grand prize of $100,000.
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Proposal deadline: April 9, 2021
Emerging COVID-19 Research Gaps and Priorities Funding Opportunity (Operating grant) – Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
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Brief description: CIHR is funding research on a number of priority sub-topics, including on the “drivers of vaccine hesitancy and approaches to improve vaccine confidence”. The funding is meant to (i) accelerate the availability and use of high-quality evidence and/or solutions to support Canada’s pandemic response; and (ii) generate evidence related to diverse populations.
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Deadline: March 15, 2021 (letter of intent); April 15, 2021 (full application)
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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Of Canada |
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Up to $50,000 available | Encouraging Vaccine Confidence in Canada PromoScience Grants
Deadline: April 5, 2021 before 8pm ET.
Support for orgs with track records of science/health promo to deliver evidence-based, vaccine-promoting info or build capacity to promote vaccine confidence
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Indigenous Services Canada - New Financial Support |
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Indigenous Services Canada has a list of financial supports for:
- Indigenous individuals
- Indigenous students
- Indigenous organizations and communities
- Indigenous businesses
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A number of Partner and National Indigenous Organizations are and have been producing webinars in order to continue supporting First Nations in a changing landscape.
To view more please follow the links below and be directed to that organization's webinar page.
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Supports & Regularly Updated Resources |
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The following organizations have resources to combat COVID-19. These resources are regularly updated and are available to view at any time.
Please click below to be directed to more information.
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Indigenous Health Today houses many different resources and provides recent news updates via email.
Please subscribe to their health brief as a valued FNHMA Partner.
Click the link to subscribe today!
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Please note that service hours for InfoPoint have been updated.
InfoPoint will now be available from 9am until 5pm EDT, Monday to Friday.
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Previous Health Bulletins |
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If you missed or would like to see any of our weekly health bulletins, we have included a link to all of our previous volumes.
Click Here to see all previous Health and Wellness Bulletins.
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