This scholarship is awarded to a grade 12 First Nation, Métis or Inuit student who is working to preserve indigenous languages and culture. The $10,000 scholarship will help that student start their post-secondary education with meaningful financial support. If you know of a grade 12 indigenous student making a difference...
COVID-19 – Economic Support Update
“Second Wave” Funding for Indigenous Communities On May 29, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau announced an additional $650 million of funding to support Indigenous communities’ response to COVID-19. This brings the total federal investment for Indigenous communities for pandemic-related needs to $1.3 billion. Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller has stated...
2020 Virtual Elders Gathering
Background: As per the recommendation of the Health/Social Advisory Board (H/SAB) and the approval of the AIAI Chiefs Council, the 2020 Annual Elders Gathering has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In order to continue to engage the Elders and ensure their input can continue to guide...
JUNE IS INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH
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...