Each week, we gather various news related to health and social services, as well as to First Nations. Below you will find some information and publications that may interest you.
Public Health Measures in Indoor Public Settings to Support First Nations Communities in Response to Omicron, Delta and Other Highly Transmissible Variants of Concern (COVID-19)
This interim public health advice is intended for ISC-FNIHB health workers who provide services to First Nation communities and is to be adapted based on local context. It is being developed to reiterate the importance of being fully immunized and maintaining basic public health measures given the increased transmissibility and severity of the Delta VOC, emergence of the new variant Omicron, and the existing factors that contribute to the disproportionate risk of COVID-19 for First Nations living on-reserve: files.cssspnql.com/s/e4jag5NIibY6rgQ.
Quebec Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing Annual Forum
You are invited to the Quebec Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing Annual Forum, which will be held on February 17, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. This event aims to create a space for key actors in primary and community healthcare in Quebec to share their concerns about their ability to provide equitable and culturally safe health services to Indigenous peoples in their healthcare settings, as well as discuss tools that could strengthen their capacity to do so. Information and registration (before December 17, 2021): files.cssspnql.com/s/CfRqmX4syUpoWmX.
Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Funds
Employment and Social Development Canada has launched a Call for Proposals through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to fund new construction, renovation, and/or retrofit projects that will improve access to child care facilities in Canadian communities by enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities. The deadline to submit a proposal is January 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.: canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-early-learning-child-care.html. An information session will be offered on January 13, 2022 to support organizations wishing to apply. Registration: ESDC.ELCC.EAF-FA.AGJE.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Hydro-Québec launches calls for tenders prematurely while the Régie de l’énergie deliberates on the necessary approvals
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) deplores Hydro-Quebec’s decision to hastily announce the launch of calls for tenders for a block of 480 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy sources, in addition to a block of 300 MW of wind energy. These calls for tenders are being launched while their components are currently subject to a decision by the Régie de l’énergie (Régie), in which the AFNQL is one of the interveners. Read more: apnql.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Press-Release-HYDRO_Dec-15-2021_Final.pdf.
Launch of an official First Nations brand
The FNQLEDC team, in collaboration with the Council of Elected Women of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, is proud to announce the launch of an official brand to identify products and services delivered by Indigenous artisans and businesses. More info: files.cssspnql.com/s/WqB0j4uAUnJ3Nvv.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 5th National First Nations Housing Forum and Tradeshow (March 22-23, 2022) Survey Input
AFN will host the 5th National First Nations Housing Forum and Tradeshow (the “Forum”) virtually on March 22-23, 2022. This event will bring together delegates from a diversity of sectors across Canada to support closing the gap in housing while advancing First Nations control and self-determination. Your early input will help AFN to make the upcoming Forum interesting, relevant, and useful to a range of participants. A survey for input on this event will be open until Dec 31, 2021: surveymonkey.com/r/NVD3LKP.
Reminder: Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National First Nations Homelessness Action Plan Survey
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is seeking input on the development of a National First Nations Homelessness Action Plan to ensure programs and services better address the needs of First Nations experiencing homelessness within or away from their First Nation. The following survey is an opportunity to hear from First Nations, First Nations leaders and staff, and service providers to strengthen understandings of First Nations experiences of homelessness and identify how the Action Plan can advocate for improved or redesigned programs and services: afn.ca/national-first-nations-homelessness-action-plan-survey/.
Economic and Fiscal Update 2021
The Economic and Fiscal Update provides information on the current state of the economy and the Government of Canada’s continued support for Canadians and Canadian businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic measures for First Nations should be announced later. More info: budget.gc.ca/efu-meb/2021/home-accueil-en.html.
NCCHPP December e-Bulletin
The National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP) has just released its December e-Bulletin. Click here to read it: ccnpps-ncchpp.ca/subscribe-ncchpp-e-bulletin/?_ga=2.191847279.413088927.1639605563-641100844.1639605563.
Moose Hide Campaign Day 2022 – Indigenous Community Champions Training Registration (Anglais seulement / English only)
The Moose Hide Campaign is building up to its 11th Annual Moose Hide Campaign Day and this year training for Indigenous Community Champions are offered. Your role as a Community Champion includes helping coordinate outreach activities and volunteers in your community to encourage participation in the Moose Hide Campaign. The training sessions are free and will be offered virtually. Please complete the registration form to sign-up for the training session of your choice: cognitoforms.com/MooseHideCampaign/MooseHideCampaignIndigenousCommunityChampionTraining.
Journée des maladies rares (Français seulement / French only)
Une demi-journée d’activités où vous pourrez en apprendre davantage sur la recherche qui se déroule actuellement sur certaines maladies rares aura lieu le 24 février 2022 en personne à l’Hôtel Chicoutimi et en virtuel sur la plateforme Zoom, de 13 h à 18 h. Le programme détaillé ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription seront diffusés en janvier 2022.