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.

The AFNQL defends the rights to full governance of communities in matters of legislation concerning their children, youth and families

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) will take a political stand this Tuesday, February 8, at 5:20 p.m. in the context of the specific consultations and public hearings on Bill 15, an Act to amend the Youth Protection Act of the Health and Social Services Commission. Read more: newswire.ca/news-releases/the-afnql-defends-the-right-to-full-governance-of-communities-in-matters-of-legislation-concerning-their-children-youth-and-families-823101565.html.

Canada has been discriminatory in its funding of Indigenous Policing Services

The Government of Canada is perpetuating systemic discrimination against First Nations by not adequately funding the Mashteuiatsh Police Service for many years. This is the conclusion of a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling rendered on January 31, 2022, regarding a complaint filed in 2016 by Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation Chief Gilbert Dominique, who denounced the chronic underfunding of the First Nations Policing Program. Read more: apnql.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20220207-Communique_support_Nation_Algonquine_V2_eng.pdf.

Discussion on the role of sport and physical activity

Participate in one of the discussions of approximately 60 minutes with other First Nations, Métis, Inuit women on the effect of sports and physical activity. Compensation is offered to participants. To register, visit cflri.ca/group-discussions-indigenous-women.     

First People Wellness Circle learning circle

 Decolonizing Health Care and Becoming a helper: Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety & Humility and exploring the new requirement for health equity. |Date: February 10, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. | Speaker: Dr Evan Adams. Click here to register.

Virtual Dialogue on First Nations Accessibility and the Accessible Canada Act

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will hold a session on empowering First Nations people of all abilities, as well as First Nations governments on February 10, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration is now open:  afn.ca/accessibility/.

AFN 5th Annual Water Symposium

The AFN is hosting the 5th Annual Water Symposium on February 16-17, 2022.  This virtual event will take place 11a.m. to 4p.m. ET each day.  Immediately prior to the Symposium, on February 15th, Special Topics Sessions will take place.  These sessions are part of AFN’s targeted discussions as part of its ongoing engagement activities.  The two sessions include: Women and Water Stewardship engagement and Technicians & Operators engagement. Registration: afn.ca/2022-annual-water-symposium/.

AFN on National Action Plan for First Nations Homelessness

The AFN invites participants to a focus group to contribute to the development of the Action Plan and other outreach efforts that will ensure that the specific needs, realities and priorities of regions and communities are reflected. Register now! *The meeting, which was scheduled for February 17, 2022, has been postponed.                                                                 

Webinar – Public Policy Skills for Public Health

By participating in this webinar, learn about the key public policy skills needed for public health work and how this work could be institutionally anchored. Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 1-2:15 p.m. EST. For registration click here.

Webinar on Indigenous Peoples, Food Safety and Security, and Climate Change in Canada

The National Collaborating Center for Indigenous Health (NCCAH) is hosting a webinar entitled Indigenous Peoples, Food Safety and Security, and Climate Change in Canada. |Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PST 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST. Click here to register for the webinar.

Sixième colloque international francophone sur le traitement de la dépendance aux opioïdes (TDO6)

The TDO6 conference regarding treatment for opioid dependence will take place on Zoom on February 24, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration (French only): eventbrite.ca/e/billets-colloque-tdo6-la-reglementation-des-tao-et-levolutions-des-politiques-227190802807.

Cerebral Palsy Fact Sheet

Senator Yvonne Boyer’s office has produced a fact sheet for parents with a child with Cerebral Palsy. Click here to access it: files.cssspnql.com/s/cSf8Z9YSH4jCQkf.

Youth Forums Canada — Exchanges Canada

Youth Forums Canada funds Canadian organizations that provide workshops and conferences that connect youth – generally between the ages of 14 and 25 – who share a passion for Canadian issues, institutions, history, official languages, sports or the arts. Application deadline: February 21, 2022. More info: canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/exchanges-canada/youth-forums.html.

New book “Social and professional insertion of Indigenous workers”

This book, written in collaboration with the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec and the Institut national des mines du Québec, provides solutions to the successful social and professional integration of Indigenous workers within Quebec businesses and suggests concrete tools to evaluate their achievement. More info: editionsjfd.com/en/shop/linsertion-sociale-et-professionnelle-des-travailleurs-autochtones-11190.

Canada’s Volunteer Awards

Nominate an individual, non-profit organization, social enterprise or socially responsible business that has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of others through volunteering. For more details, visit the Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2021 website.