COVID-19 Testing
There were 179 new positive results among First Nations people over the past week ending Mar 21, 2021, down from 224 last week. This is a 20% decrease and the third week in a row with decreasing totals. The number of positive results among First Nations to date is 2,664.
The cumulative positivity rate among First Nations of 4.8% is only slightly higher than in previous weeks. The Ontario rate stayed relatively steady.
The rolling two-week average of new COVID-19 positive test results among FN decreased for the third week in a row. The Ontario rate increased for the second week in a row. A clear difference remains in the two trends.
Check out the full report below.
COVID-19 Pandemic Update 26MAR21
Ontario Cases ranged between 1,500 and 2,300 daily.
The highest number reported this week was 2,380 on Thursday, March 25th.
The weekly 7-day average reported was 1,794 cases.
Ontario is seeing a trend of increasing cases, similar to the surge that began in November
As of March 25th: 1612 cases have been confirmed to be one the known VOCs
The following map highlights COVID-19 activity within First Nation communities since the beginning of the pandemic.
See the full report below.
The Anishinabek reps argued that climate change disproportionately affects our communities, traditional ways of life, and the ability to assert and exercise jurisdiction in relation to environmental issues that directly impact our lands and people. As the quality and quantity of natural resources and medicines continue to diminish with the effects of climate change, it is vital that First Nation voices are heard and that their rights are respected.
The Anishinabek Nation is pleased to share that its arguments were heard and the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada has sided with the First Nation position.
It is especially significant that the court recognized that climate change has the effect of “threatening the ability of Indigenous communities in Canada to sustain themselves and maintain their traditional ways of life”
To read the full statement, click the download button below.
As of March 23, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada is aware of:
610 communities with vaccinations underway (for either priority groups or all adults) in:
First Nations and Inuit communities in provinces
communities in territories
226,790 doses have been administered.
Vaccine Misinformation
We understand that some inaccurate information has been circulating to certain Indigenous communities about the vaccine that includes false and distorted information about potential side effects. The spread of misinformation can have real consequences and can affect people’s behaviours and decision-making.
It is important to obtain information from trusted sources. These sources include federal, provincial, and territorial health authorities, community health centres, nursing stations, or local healthcare providers. Please 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.
How are these vaccines are developed so fast? Watch this 3-minute video
Moderna Vaccine – Reduce YOUR risk for infection and spreading! Check out another 3-minute video to watch…
COVID-19 Variants of Concerns
As Variants of Concern (VOCs) continue to spread in Ontario, it remains vital to continue following public health measures to prevent their spread. Because VOCs spread the same way as the “original” virus, the same actions can be effective. These include avoiding close contact with anyone outside of your household, wearing a good fitting 3-ply mask in indoor public spaces, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.
Anyone with even a very mild symptom of COVID-19 should stay away from others and get tested. We know from what we have learned that often people have such a mild symptom that they think it can’t be due to COVID-19! By the time they get tested, they have exposed other people.
Even after being vaccinated, people should continue to practice public health measures. Until enough people are vaccinated, the virus will continue to circulate and can cause severe illness.
Do I have COVID-19, a Cold, the Flu or seasonal Allergies?
Here are some great links to more reading material!
Below are a few highlights from the Newsletter. To read it in its entirety scroll to the bottom of this page and click the PDF.
COVID-19 has had a big impact on how we have felt and has caused an increase in stress, anxiety, and worry. Things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress and worry, related to COVID-19:
Webinars
Topic: COVID-19 Variants of Concern
Offered by: Public Health Ontario
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Time: 10:00am – 11:00 am (EST)
About the Webinar:
This rounds session will cover an overview of the evidence to date on COVID-19 variants of concern with respect to their epidemiology and their influence on the pandemic and disease control. We will present some of the methods that are used to screen and test for variants of concern, as well as the results of targeted and surveillance testing for variants in Ontario. Finally, we will present updates from the Provincial Advisory Committee on Infectious Diseases – Infection Control regarding the evidence and recommendations for infection control measures related to variants of concern. Click here to register in advance.
Understanding Wellness in Indigenous Wisdom – Series of webinars (02MAR21)
During the presentations, participants will:
Share the importance of language – what your language says about being well
Discuss how your culture helps maintain being well
Discuss the vision of a healthy community/healthy peoples
Discuss the importance of the caregiver role and how much they are appreciated and valued by communities
To watch the series click here.
The Chiefs of Ontario are looking for individuals, youth, and Elders/First Nation Knowledge Keepers that have knowledge and experience in First Nation health research, research practices, community-based research, experience with the Regional Health Survey (RHS), reviewing and writing research projects, knowledge of First Nation research ethics to sit on the First Nation Data Governance Committee. If interested in this exciting opportunity check out the COO March newsletter
Thank you so much for all your help in organizing and operating the Clinic! The Public Health Nurses said,
“Our clinic was the best one yet” They sung everyone’s praises and send their thanks.
On behalf of our community, WE thank each and every one of you. You are all our very own heroes.
Magnetawan First Nation’s Vaccine First Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is complete!
A total of 76 Doses of Moderna were given out.
61 were Magnetawan residents and members. That’s 70% of our in-community residents over 18!
15 were Magnetawan employees who reside off territory.
Stay tuned for the date for our second dose. Once the date is set, those that were not able to receive the vaccine at the first clinic will have the opportunity to receive their first dose at the next clinic! Consent forms are available at the Health Centre.
It has been a full year since COVID-19 changed the world as we knew it. The pandemic has taken a toll on each of us in different ways and poses challenges that can be overwhelming. The Hope for Wellness Helpline is there for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering mental health counselling & crisis intervention.
1 855-242-3310 No one has to battle alone.
Good news to all Magnetawan citizens. Thanks for the participation in moving Magnetawan in achieving another stage towards self-government for our community.
Results show we strongly believe in our natural birthrights to self-governance and independence. We are proud of our culture, traditions, language, and the community we have built; and will preserve our freedom to live our lives the way we choose!
This report represents unofficial results of the Magnetawan First Nation ratification vote of the Anishinabak Nation Governance Agreement (ANGA).
Your invited to join a “Come Play Outside” series via Zoom Thursday, March 25th from 6pm – 8pm. YOU could WIN a Chromebook, Gift Cards & More! Let’s get comfortable and talk about #WeMatterCampaign, Self-Care, Land as Strength, Emotional Regulation Tips, Overcoming Mental Health & Environmental Barriers. Email Sally Dokis to register mwtn@wasauksing.ca.
Magnetawan First Nation citizens say “yes” on the Governance Agreement ratification vote which concluded on Saturday, February 27. The results of Magnetawan First Nation’s successful ratification vote on the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement were 54 yes and 20 no, with no spoiled ballots. While the results are unofficial until a 10-day appeal period is over on March 9, 2021, Chief William Diabo and the First Nation Ratification Officer, Jennifer Tagliabracci, are confident that there are no technical grounds upon which an appeal could successfully put the vote aside.
Read more below …