Edition 11 -- COVID-19 Bulletin for First Nations and Indigenous Peoples: Enjoy Summer, Stay Safe

#BreakTheChain Issue No. 11 June 4th 2020

COVID-19 Information for First Nations How To Enjoy Summer While Keeping Safe This is the eleventh in a weekly series, prepared as a free informational tool by Bimaadzwin Inc. Updated as of June 4th, 2020

COVID-19 and the ongoing outbreak..

International Update..

How Provinces are Opening..

Additional Supports to FNs for COVID-19..

Ontario’s FN COVID Support Program..

In this Issue…

Racism and COVID-19..

Some FNs Stay Closed to Visitors..

First Nations Checkpoints Prove Successful..

How to Beat-the-Heat this Summer..

Trying Camping During COVID-19?..

Summer 2020 Travel Plans..

Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreak

There have been over 6.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, with over 380,000 deaths.

In Canada, there are currently 86,939 confirmed cases– with 6,671 deaths across the country (June 3).

Cases: 06.03.2020

All regions of Canada are enforcing social distancing regulations. People are encouraged to stay home, except for going out for necessities like groceries or medication. While going outside to exercise, do not use parks or playgrounds – stick to trails and footpaths. Stay at least 2m (6ft) away from those who do not live with you while out exercising.

People are encouraged to not visit each other’s houses – and to not allow visitors into their own homes.

Although this distancing is difficult for everyone, it is a necessary step to protect the health and safety of everyone.

This is a challenging time for everyone. If you need to talk to someone – the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is also available for those 5-29 years old.

The number of people who have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide is 6.3 million, according to John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Over 380,000 people have died from the virus – however, over 2.7 million people have already recovered!

Update from Around the World

The spread of COVID-19 continues throughout the world, and the effects continue to ripple throughout communities – onethird of small businesses in India are reporting that they won’t be able to survive the crisis, and are shutting their doors for good.

Whereas other regions, like Spain, are seeing the impacts of their strict lockdowns – and are seeing people getting hired again for the first time since the start of the crisis.

With summer months coming – public health officials are reminding people that warmer weather is unlikely to slow the spread of the virus – and that, if more people spend time in parks and other public spaces, it might actually speed-up the spread of the virus. It’s critical that people keep to social distancing while out in public, and only use parks for walking or other mobile activities, like biking or hiking!

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island – most restrictions are continuing into the next month – with some gatherings being allowed to grow to 10 people, and some families encouraged to organize ‘bubbles’ with other families, to grow their social circle without risking spread. However, in New Brunswick – the province is moving towards it’s ‘yellow phase’ of opening – which will allow for hair dressers, churches, and some fitness facilities to open.

In Québec – social distancing recommendations will continue into the summer, and outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 10 people are allowed. Some retail businesses are reopened outside Montreal earlier in May – and after June 22nd, some summer camps will be allowed to operate.

How are Provinces Opening?

Ontario started its reopening process in mid-May, with some retail stores reopening and elective services allowed to start – however, sporadic surges in different regions have delayed this opening for now. Other businesses or services that can offer curbside pickup or delivery is able to operate.

Manitoba and Alberta have opened more than other provinces – allowing many businesses and services to reopen, but at half-capacity. Many playgrounds, golf courses, parks, and campgrounds have re-opened – and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people in both provinces; while indoor gatherings are 15 people in Alberta and 25 people in Manitoba.

Saskatchewan and British Columbia are taking a more staggered approach to reopening, starting a partial re-opening of some businesses and services in the middle of May. Plans in BC are contingent on organizations and businesses enforcing social distancing; and other businesses like hotels and parks might follow in June.

In the territories – opening plans are being considered, and will be more relaxed – so long as travel restrictions to and from the territory remain strict; and that travellers heading to those areas self-isolate before or after arriving. Nunavut continues to have no cases, due to self-isolation happening in the south, so there are little restrictions in Nunavut communities.

Additional Supports for FNs to Fight COVID-19

The Federal Government announced on May 29th that it is planning to put aside another $650 million dollars to help indigenous communities cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – after countless leaders from across the country said that the previous amount was inadequate.

One portion of the funding will go to help the public health responses in Indigenous communities; including more nurses, medical supplies, mental health support, and support for community-driven responses. Another will go to individuals and families who rely on the on-reserve income assistance program, so that they don’t have to make difficult decisions between food, rent, or others necessities during the crisis.

Additionally – since the pandemic began, groups and shelters that work with indigenous women have seen a spike in domestic violence; and there continues to be a lack of safe shelter space in many communities. The government has committed $44 million dollars to build 10 new shelters, and another $40 million to fund them for ten years – however, many still believe that this isn’t nearly enough to actually serve the needs of communities.

Ontario’s FN COVID-19 Support Program

Ontario has made funding available to First Nations communities in the province to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Funding can include additional support for emergency needs like food, water, and other necessities; support for on-the-land food security programs; transporting and distributing goods to the community; and providing additional medial programs in the community, or transporting members elsewhere.

Additionally, funding is available to build regional and community capacity through community planning and additional pandemic planning – and can include community health coordination measures, or supports to implement the existing community plans.

The funding application period closes on June 12th, 2020 – more information can be found here: Gov't Ontario

The incredible protests against anti-Black racism in police forces across the United States – sparked by the death of George Floyd – has almost taken the world’s attention away from the coronavirus, even just for a moment.

Thousands of people came to the streets to protest the treatment of Black people in the United States – despite the risk that COVID-19 presents to people gathering in crowds. For many, there wasn’t any other choice.

COVID-19 and the Conversation on Racism

However, people argue that the COVID-19 crisis is just another part of anti-Black racism in the US; and racism in general in the western world. In the regions of the US that track COVID-19 cases by race, it is always Black or LatinX individuals and communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In Toronto – although there are no statistics linking race to COVID-19 cases; breaking neighbourhoods down by race and COVID-19 cases shows a striking resemblance.

First Nations in Canada know first-hand that there are incredible inequalities in how their people experience the healthcare system – and that COVID-19 can have a particularly hard impact on indigenous communities. There are a high number of indigenous people with other health conditions like COPD or Diabetes that can be hit harder by COVID-19; and many communities simply lack the infrastructure to keep their houses clean, or to social distance from one another.

However, eleven weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario is still not tracking the spread of COVID-19 by race – even though many researchers argue that this information is essential. The provincial government argues that this will take some procedural changes that are complex – however, health units in Ottawa, Toronto, Middlesex-London, and Sudbury are already tracking this data.

City of Toronto

Some First Nations Stay Closed to Visitors

While many provincial governments are putting forward their plans for re-opening – First Nations leaders across the country have been saying “not yet”. In one case, the Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council on the BC Central Coast – a community of 1,400 which is only accessible by boat or air – says that her community is still not open to visitors and the public, for the time being.

The community opening it’s first Big House to be built in 200 years in 2019, and has been celebrating a resurgence of the nation’s unique culture and traditions. Like many communities, the Heiltsuk Nation takes lessons from its past – and knowledge keepers and Elders play an important role in passing down the stories and the language.

However, there are only 30 fluent Haihzaqvla-speaking Elders left in the community – so the threat that COVID-19 presents, particularly on older individuals – is especially scary. Guardian Watchmen are watching checkpoints on the roads into normally tourist-friendly First Nations communities; and guardians are even using automatic tracking systems to monitor boat traffic along their coasts.

It has been identified that the priority for many of these nations is the protection of its most important resource – its people – and that by making its own decisions, the nation will be stronger in the future – and better able to welcome tourists and visitors once the time is right.

First Nations Blockade Proving Successful

Across Canada, remote First Nations communities have out in place community-led checkpoints and non-essential travel bans to protect their members from the spread of COVID-19. By screening potential visitors to the nation’s territory, and ensuring that only those who have not yet come into contact with the virus can enter – many communities have not seen any cases yet in this epidemic.

Although many communities have seen cases – including those with checkpoints – leaders across the country are complimenting the coordinated approach to these checkpoints, and are applauding them as having helped to slow the spread into indigenous communities. Although members of the media started calling these checkpoints ‘blockades’ – most communities checkpoints were considered helpful by the nation’s members, and by the neighbouring communities.

However, as a second wave of COVID-19 is expecting in the later months of the summer and into the fall – communities are encouraged to prepare themselves now for what that might look like. So many of these checkpoints were improvised, and set-up with really short notice. It will be important to evaluate what happened, what worked, and prepare ourselves for what might come next.

June, July, and August is expected to be very warm and sunny across the country this year – which might make staying inside and at home a little more difficult. Remember that going outside is still considered safe – as long as you stay more than six feet away from people from outside of your household.

Here are some tips to keep you cool during COVID-19, courtesy of the World Health Organization: Keep out of the heat.

Avoid going out and doing strenuous activity during the hottest time of day. Take advantage of special shopping times for vulnerable groups whenever available.

How To Beat The Heat This Summer

Stay in the shade, do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles and, if necessary and possible, spend two to three hours of the day in a cool place while respecting physical distancing of at least six-feet apart from others who are not in your household.

Keep your home cool.

Use the night air to cool down your home.

Reduce the heat load inside the apartment or house during the day by using blinds or shutters and turning off as many electrical devices as possible.

Keep your body cool and hydrated.

Use light and loose-fitting clothing and bed linen, take cool showers or baths, and drink water regularly, while avoiding sugary, alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

Avoid exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25°C as there is no evidence that this prevents or cures COVID-19, and it increases your risk of sunburn and heatrelated illness.

You can catch COVID-19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is, so protect yourself and others by washing your hands regularly, coughing into your folded elbow or a tissue, and avoiding touching your face.

Trying Camping During COVID-19?

Camping out on the land, in our provincial and national parks, and in our own backyards is a tradition across the country – and many people are hoping that the COVID-19 crisis doesn’t impact their camping plans this summer. Other people are thinking that because most travel will be cancelled this summer – it might be the right time to try out the camping tradition for themselves! Many provinces are opening some camp spaces – and backcountry camping areas (with social distancing recommendations) – but it’s important to be ready before heading out!

Tents – if you like camping in a tent, make sure to set it up at home to get rid of any old dust or creepy crawlers – do quick inspection to make sure there is no holes, and that your poles are in good working order!

Cooking – If you’ve got a canister-powered stove, most likely no maintenance in required – but do test it out, and make sure that you’ve got enough propane or other gas tanks!

Sleeping – Air out your sleeping bags before going, if you want them to feel fresh – and give them a quick spot clean with soap and water if needed – finish by turning it inside out and laying it out in the sun for a little while.

First Aid / Lights – Make sure your first aid kit includes everything you’ll need, and that things are not expired – if you wear glasses, consider bringing a repair kit. Check the batteries in your flashlights for corrosion, replace new batteries, and check the lights to see that they’re working.

Campground – Double check with the park, or with the recreation department of your nation’s administration to see where camping is permitted – or if there are any restrictions. Make sure to stay within your own household while out camping, and put enough space between your group and other campers that might be out!

Summer is usually a time for travel and adventure – visiting and exploring new places – meeting new people – and trying new things. However, 2020 feels very different – and many of us are missing the feeling of getting ready for an existing trip. Except, it doesn’t entirely have to be this way!

Summer 2020 Travel Plans

Internationally, travel is going to be extremely limited in 2020 – but, some countries are opening themselves up to certain travellers. Portugal, for example, is allowing tourists to visit – and has put strict social distancing rules on hotels and restaurants – but only if they come from Canada, the United States, or elsewhere the Schengen Europe except Spain and Italy.

Mexico is hoping to draw back tourists this summer – and is even giving away 200 free trips to Cancun! However, anyone who travels outside of Canada will have to prepare to self-isolate for 14 days when they get back home.

So, many people are looking to other areas of Canada for their travel plans this summer. Maybe it’s time for a stay-cation at home, or a mini-vacation to neighbouring towns to see what your region has to offer. Travel between provinces will slowly become more normal – but, like Revelstoke in British Columbia – while many communities are going to be happy to see their visitors return, it’s important that they respect the rules on social distancing while they’re there.

Miigwetch This information has been brought to you as a free public service by:

The content of this presentation is for informational purposes only.

Those who may have come into contact with COVID-19, or who have symptoms must self-isolate and call their health authority.

This presentation was developed to assist First Nation citizens and governments in understanding and responding to the growing crisis.

Information contained in this presentation is accurate as of June 4th, 2020.