FNHMA Health Bulletin: Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
Thanks for subscribing to our weekly health and wellness bulletin.
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 21, 2021
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"Indigenous Culturally-Aware Vaccine Clinics Underway Across Southwestern Ontario"
- "First Nations Leaders With Nokiiwin Tribal Council Encourage People To Get Their COVID-19 Vaccines"
- "COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: What You Need To Know This Week"
- "Enoch Cree Nation Shuts Down Non-Essential Services To Get Ahead Of Rising COVID-19 Cases"
- "Indigenous-focused COVID Clinic Helping Improve Vaccine Uptake Among Off-Reserve Residents"
- "Advocates Applaud Manitoba's Plan To Support Vaccinations For Urban Indigenous And Homeless People"
- ''Pandemic Has Increased Health-Care Inequity For Indigenous Women, Report Finds"
- "Vaccination Sites With Community Support Open For Indigenous People In Montreal"
Scroll down for these stories and more.
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Watch us this weekend on APTN!
We're so happy to be back doing what we do best - sharing information you can trust.
We would like to extend a big thank you once more to our guests for spending time with us and sharing such valuable information.
If you missed the show - don't worry! - you can now watch us this Saturday and every Saturday on APTN at 5pm EDT!
We are really excited to continue sharing important information on the pandemic, vaccines and other resources with you.
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Our Virtual Town Halls Are Now On IHToday and APTN!
Check out our brand new commercial below!
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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 21, 2021 |
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As of April 21, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) records indicate that there are 26,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on First Nations reserves, in 7 regions/provinces. There are 1,173 hospitalizations, 25,408 recovered cases, and 306 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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"Indigenous Culturally-Aware Vaccine Clinics Underway Across Southwestern Ontario"
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"Efforts are underway to help deliver vaccines to First Nation communities in familiar and culturally aware settings across southwestern Ontario.
Hosted by N’Amerind Friendship Centre, a special clinic is being held Friday and Saturday, with a goal to administer vaccines to Indigenous peoples, (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in the London area.
The Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC), N’Amerind Friendship Centre, Atlohsa Family Healing Services and the Middlesex-London Health Unit are partnering to assist with its rollout.
Brian Hill, from the Oneida of the Thames First Nation and board of directors' president for N’Amerind Friendship Centre, has been working on the ground to transform the support centre into a temporary vaccination clinic.
Hill says his goal is to help protect Indigenous community members, a population adversely impacted by COVID-19.
“The Indigenous people and people of colour have been identified as higher risk because it's in our nature to gather, it is not just a community it is a family.”"
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"First Nations Leaders With Nokiiwin Tribal Council Encourage People To Get Their COVID-19 Vaccines"
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"As the COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues for the Indigenous population in northwestern Ontario, a group of First Nations leaders have issued a video on Friday encouraging people to get their shot as soon as they can.
The video titled "A Message for our Future" included the chiefs of all five First Nations that are served by the Nokiiwin Tribal Council.
A common theme that ran through each of their messages: listen to the science and please get vaccinated.
The chief of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert), Johanna Desmoulin said it's "understandable to be afraid," comparing the situation to building a house.
"I'm going to say I know how a house looks, but I don't know how to build it, so I'm going to have to trust the carpenter. The same thing with the vaccine, you have to believe the scientists."
Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins added, "quit reading that propaganda that you're reading on Facebook, listen to the professionals.""
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"COVID-19 In Indigenous Communities: What You Need To Know This Week"
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"340,860 vaccine doses administered in First Nations and Inuit communities
While the number of active cases of COVID-19 has remained relatively stable in First Nations and Inuit communities for the past few months, new infections persist, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.
There were 736 active cases in First Nations as of April 19, an increase of 70 from a week prior according to the federal department.
As of April 20, the Government of Nunavut is reporting two active cases in Kinngait and 28 active cases in Iqaluit. For the third week in a row, there were zero active cases reported in the Nunavik region of Quebec."
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"Enoch Cree Nation Shuts Down Non-Essential Services To Get Ahead Of Rising COVID-19 Cases" |
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"Enoch Cree Nation is limiting operations to essential services only in an effort to get ahead of a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the community.
The nation, west of Edmonton, announced a plan to close non-essential services for 14 days on on Wednesday, after seeing a sudden spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Colleen McDonald, the nation's executive director for health services, said it's a precautionary measure in hopes of preventing variant strains of coronavirus from spreading throughout the community..
"This is an opportunity for Enoch Cree Nation to be proactive. We know that a number of our brothers and sisters from across Turtle Island and beyond have been exposed to the variant in other First Nations communities. We've seen how it sweeps right through the nation, and it's causing a lot of strain and stress on livelihoods," she said.
Turtle Island is what some Indigenous people call the continent of North America, while others use it to refer to the whole world."
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"Indigenous-focused COVID Clinic Helping Improve Vaccine Uptake Among Off-Reserve Residents" |
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"A vaccine clinic is providing hundreds of city-dwelling Indigenous people with COVID-19 shots in a place where they can feel safe and welcomed.
The clinic, set up inside the Best Western Premier in northeast Calgary, includes Indigenous greeters and staff, as well as displays of local Indigenous history and artifacts.
It's designed to be a safe space to increase the numbers of urban Indigenous people getting vaccinated.
It runs for eight days and involves partnerships between several Indigenous organizations in the city."
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"Advocates Applaud Manitoba's Plan To Support Vaccinations For Urban Indigenous And Homeless People" |
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"An advocate for people who are unsheltered or homeless applauds the province’s plan to vaccinate vulnerable Manitobans but hopes the strategy will be expanded to have immunizers meet people living in encampments, along river banks or staying in bus shelters.
The province announced Wednesday it will be opening community-led clinics in four communities—Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Thompson and two in Winnipeg—aimed at supporting access and vaccine uptake among urban Indigenous people and people who are precariously housed or homeless.
The province also announced that in the coming weeks, focused immunization teams will be visiting shelters to offer immunizations to people who are homeless who are over 18-years-old."
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"Pandemic Has Increased Health-Care Inequity For Indigenous Women, Report Finds" |
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"Women said they lacked access to mental health support and other medical services
A new report into the barriers facing Indigenous women trying to access health care during the pandemic describes serious issues including racism and lack of access to mental health services.
The report titled In Her Circle also suggests ways to provide better health-care services.
About 43 indigenous women and two-spirit individuals spoke about their experiences through telephone and online interviews in November 2020.
Researchers found many Indigenous women said changes to services because of the COVID-19 pandemic led to "limited access to mental health care, medical services, and other health-related programming, including face-to-face appointments.""
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"Vaccination Sites With Community Support Open For Indigenous People In Montreal" |
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""There’s a need for culturally safe vaccination clinics, especially here in this province where we’ve seen that Indigenous people have been, time and time again, faced with systemic racism, direct racism, in different health-care situations," said Philippe Tsaronséré Meilleur, the general director of Native Montreal, one of the groups involved in the project. "Of course, the story of Joyce Echaquan can echo that."
Three COVID-19 vaccination sites for Indigenous people ages 18 and over are opening in Montreal with the goal of offering safe spaces adapted to the needs of the community."
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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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National Volunteer Week - THANK YOU |
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Did you know that April 18-24, 2021 is National Volunteer Week?
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.
To our fantastic FNHMA board members and other volunteers, we extend a sincere thank-you. Each of you makes the world better and your people stronger through your efforts.
You show us what’s possible when you lead with your heart, and although we honour you this week, we appreciate you every minute of every day of the year.
THANK YOU!
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NIB Trust Fund Announces 2021-2022 Call For Applications |
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The NIB Trust Fund is now accepting applications for funding from individuals for the 2021-2022 year. Individuals may apply for funding in the form of a scholarship, bursary, or award from the NIB Trust Fund through the online application accessible at nibtrust.ca.
The NIB Trust Fund supports a wide range of activities for First Nations and Métis applicants to pursue, including but not limited to:
- Programs which promote the preservation, reclamation, development or understanding of First Nations or Métis history, cultures, or languages
- Cultural education (traditional teachings, workshops, ceremony, etc.)
- Healing programming
- Post-Secondary Education
- Training
- Certification
- Professional Development and Job Skill Training
- Capacity Building Workshops
- And more!
Deadline to apply: June 4, 2021 at 5:00pm EDT.
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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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Employment Opportunity - The Ottawa Hospital |
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The Ottawa Hospital is currently looking to hire an "Indigenous Cancer Program Coordinator" at the General Campus.
The Program Coordinator will support the work of the Champlain Regional Indigenous Cancer Program in the successful implementation of the First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMuI) Cancer Strategy 2019-2023 in the Champlain region.
First Nations, Inuit, and Metis candidates are encouraged to self-identify through the application process.
Submit your online application including a cover letter and resume (single document) by May 3, 2021.
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IPAC Town Halls: "Anti-Indigenous Racism In Healthcare - A Canadian Perspective During COVID-19" |
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Date: Tuesday May 4, 2021
Time: 3:00-5:00pm PDT
About:
Systemic Anti-Indigenous racism, The Opioid Crisis, and COVID-19 have Indigenous doctors in Canada working around the clock. We have seen both tragedy and promise. Join IPAC President, Dr. Nel Wieman; Chair of the National Consortium on Indigenous Medical Education, Dr. Marcia Anderson; and Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, Dr. Evan Adams, as they share an overview of what’s been happening in Canada, and how Indigenous physicians and organizations are making positive change. Q & A to follow the panel discussion.
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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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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: How Vaccines Are Developed |
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Have you wondered how vaccines are developed?
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious disease, but developing one can be costly, long, and complex.
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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Download Our Social Media Policy Template |
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Social Media is a powerful force that brings people together; however, it can also be used improperly by employees.
There are potential risks in the health field where confidential client information may be compromised. Especially as we continue to navigate our way through COVID-19, having a policy in place helps alleviate some stress.
We can help. Use our sample Social Media Policy Template to develop the perfect policy for your own organization.
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Accessing Additional Funding |
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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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