IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND NOTICES
FOR FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP
Information and updates distributed to First Nations communities and leadership are available for download below.
The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to monitor and update this page as the situation continues to evolve.
January 25, 2021 - Appendix 10: Case & Contact Management COVID-19 Surge Support Model
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen sustained increases in case counts. This has made the implementation of the case and contact management (C&CM) standards identified in Ministry of Health (MOH) policy challenging for some public health units (PHUs). To support the C&CM program overall, the MOH has undertaken a number of initiatives to strengthen the program across a newly networked C&CM system.
January 22, 2021 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Newsletter
The Chiefs of Ontario Health Secretariat is here to support you in any way possible as we work through all of the uncertainties together.
January 15, 2021 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 39 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The 153 new positive results among First Nations people in the week ending Jan 10, 2021. This is 2.5 times the total for last week which, until this week, was the highest total to date. This increase is consistent with the fears that there was more socializing over the holiday season.
December 18, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 35 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The 44 new positive results among First Nations people this week is 70% more than last week. Relative increases in positive results were higher this week with 16% more in Northeast and Southeast.
December 10, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 34 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The total of 26 new positive results among First Nations people this week is about the same as the previous week. Like last week, most (20) were among people living OUTSIDE communities.
December 3, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 33 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The total of 27 new positive results among First Nations people this week is a small decrease from the previous week. The vast majority (22) were among people living OUTSIDE communities.
December 3, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Age-Group Analysis
Since the end of September 2020, the number of positive test results among First Nations people in Ontario has increased. The largest increases were among people 20-39 years and, to a slightly lesser degree, 40-64 years (red and green lines, respectively).
November 26, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 32 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The total of 33 new positive results among First Nations people this week is a small increase over the previous week. 12 of this week’s positive results were in communities.
November 25, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Communique – Health, Social and Education
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
November 22, 2020 - HELP PREVENT THE FLU WITH FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT
As your body responds to the weakened virus and begins to produce an immune response, you may experience some flu-like symptoms. If you work or live with people who have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before getting FluMist® Quadrivalent.
November 20, 2020 - COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open —Lockdown Measures
This document presents a summary of the zones in Ontario’s response framework. Please refer to O. Reg. 82/20, (Lockdown) O. Reg. 263/20 (Red-Control) and O. Reg. 364/20 (Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, and Orange-Restrict) or a full list of businesses and organizations permitted to operate, including the associated public health and workplace safety measures.
November 20, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 31 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The total of 31 new positive results among First Nations people this week is a small increase over the previous week. 11 of this week’s positive results were in communities.
November 11, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 30 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The total of 21 new positive results among First Nations people this week is a small increase over the previous week. 9 of this week’s positive results were in communities.
October 30, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 28 – COVID 19 Testing Data
The number of positive results remains high among First Nations people, with 38 new positive results in the past week. 17 were in communities.
October 29, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Communique – Health, Social and Education
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update October 16 , 2020
October 16, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 26 – COVID 19 Testing Data
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update October 16 , 2020
October 9, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 25 – COVID 19 Testing Data
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update October 9 , 2020
September 25, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 22 – COVID 19 Testing Data
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update September 25 , 2020
September 17, 2020 - COVID-19 Chiefs of Ontario Bi-Weekly Update
Greetings from the Health, Social and Education Sectors of the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat. We are resuming our bi-weekly communiques to you and your communities regarding specific COVID-19 related issues. As this virus continues to evolve and concerns increase about a second wave, we will continue to share technical highlights from each of our sectors.
September 10, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Report 21 – COVID 19 Testing Data
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update September 10 , 2020
AUGUST 18, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 19
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Monday, August 24, 2020 (covering tests completed August 16 - August 22)
AUGUST 17, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 18
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Monday August 17, 2020 (covering tests completed August 9 - August 15)
AUGUST 10, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 17
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Tuesday, August 10, 2020 (covering tests completed August 2 - August 8)
AUGUST 6, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 16
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Tuesday, August 4, 2020 (covering tests completed July 26 - August 1)
JULY 29, 2020 - WEEKLY PANDEMIC UPDATE: Day 141
Day 141, COVID-19 Pandemic Update - Summary of First Nations Cases in Ontario
JULY 28, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 15
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Tuesday, July 28, 2020 (covering tests completed July 19 - July 25)
JULY 21, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 14
Please find Report 14 for COVID-19 Testing data and results. You will notice that this report that the cases have risen by 23, the reason for this is that we are now using up to date data set from the Ontario Government called IPHIS – Public Health Information System data.
JULY 17, 2020 - Guidance on Re-Opening Northern, Remote, Isolated, and Indigenous Communities
This document draws upon the April 30, 2020, recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) Special Advisory Committee (SAC) on COVID-191 for Lifting of Restrictive Public Health Measures2 and provides additional guidance for adapting the recommendations in a northern, remote, isolated and Indigenous3 community context.
JULY 14, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 13
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (covering tests completed July 5 - July 11)
JULY 8, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 12
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Tuesday, July 7, 2020 (covering tests completed June 27 - July 4)
JULY 8, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health Communique: COVID-19 Weekly Update
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
A list of hand hygiene and hand sanitizer resources
JUNE 30 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 11
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Monday, June 30, 2020 (covering tests completed June 21 to June 26)
JUNE 22, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 10
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update Monday, June 22, 2020 (covering tests completed June 16 to June 20)
JUNE 24, 2020 - Ontario COVID-19 Education Update
Communique to First Nations Leadership. Education Updates including: First Nations IT Survey by the Ministry of Education, Province Releases School Safety Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year, Post Secondary E-Learning, 2020-2021 OSAP application and Resource - Planning for a Trauma-Informed Re-Opening of Schools.
JUNE 18, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 9
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Registered First Nations People in Ontario, Weekly Update
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 (covering tests completed June 9 to June 15)
JUNE 10, 2020 - Chiefs of Ontario Health, Social and Education Sector Updates: COVID-19 Weekly Update - (Broadband Connectivity)
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health, Social and Education Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
JUNE 4, 2020 - ISC Presentation: Emergency Management Assistance Program
Presentation to Leadership: The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) was established in 2014 as a single-window for First Nations partners to access federal support for emergency management
JUNE 1, 2020 - Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald marks the 11th anniversar
Today, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is marking the beginning of National Indigenous History Month. After continued calls by First Nations and Indigenous Peoples in Canada, in 2009, the House of Commons unanimously voted to designate June as National Indigenous History Month.
MAY 28, 2020 - Emergency and Pandemic Update Meeting Agena and ISC COVID-19 Indigenous Community Support Fund Presentation
Meeting agenda for the May 28, 2020 Emergencies and Pandemic Update Meeting as well as the presentation prepared by Indigenous Services Canada on the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
MAY 27, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH SECTOR - COVID-19 Weekly Update
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
MAY 27, 2020 - Summary of Federal Initiatives: Addressing Food Insecurity
As mentioned in the Chiefs of Ontario Weekly Communique posted May 27, 2020 this summary provides a summary of federal initiatives with the potential to address food insecurity in Indigenous and Northern Communities
MAY 27, 2020 - ISC Ontario Region: Food Security Funding - Update to Ontario Chiefs
As mentioned in the Chiefs of Ontario Weekly Communique posted May 27, 2020. This document provides information on funding options to address food security resulting from COVID-19
MAY 27, 2020 - First Nations COVID-19 testing in Ontario: Weekly Report 5
COVID-19 testing in registered First Nations People in Ontario weekly update.
MAY 27, 2020 - Chiefs Committee on Health: Infopoint - A COVID-19 "Helpful Desk"
In response to COVID-19, First Nations health managers need access to reliable and trustworthy information. InfoPoint is a phone/email "helpful desk", it is where busy First Nation health managers are provided with a single point of contact and links to useful information related to COVID-19.
May 22, 2020 - NAN Framework for Decision Making on Easing Restrictions in NAN Territory
The NAN Task Team has prepared the following framework to support communities as they begin the discussions on the next phase in responding to COVID-19. Part of this planning includes discussing when and how to ease public health restrictions and how communities should prepare for periodic “waves” of the virus, where COVID-19 infections rise and the risks to NAN communities increase.
MAY 19, 2020 - ISC Briefing to AFN CCOH - Preparedness in First Nation Communities Related to COVID-19
Indigenous Services Canada briefing to Assembly First Nation Chiefs Committee on Health - in English, and French.
MAY 14, 2020 - ISC Guidance for Re-Opening - Development Strategy
Based on public health principles and best practices: F/P/T/FN/M/I remote/isolated community working group of SAC (co-chaired by Regional Chief Adamek, Dr. Corriveau and Dr. Wong) starting to work on FN/I/M tools building on the PHAC general re-opening guidance.
MAY 14, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECTOR - COVID-19 Weekly Update
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
MAY 7, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECTOR - COVID-19 Weekly Update
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
MAY 7, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH SECTOR WEEKLY MEMO - Maps FN Communities and PHU’s
Click here for First Nation Communities and Public Health Units in Ontario - Northwestern Ontario, Southern Ontario and Northern Ontario inset.
MAY 7, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH SECTOR WEEKLY MEMO - Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic, Chapter 10: First Nations
This chapter provide information on the roles and responsibilities of health organizations that fund, coordinate and/or deliver health services for individuals living in First Nation communities during an influenza pandemic.
MAY 7, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH SECTOR WEEKLY MEMO - Relationship with Indigenous Communities Guideline, 2018
This guideline is intended to assist boards of health in implementing the requirements established in the Health Equity Standard and the requirement for boards of health to engage in multi-sectoral collaboration with municipalities, LHIN(s), and other relevant stakeholders in decreasing health inequities.
APRIL 29, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH SECTOR - COVID-19 WEEKLY UPDATES
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
APRIL 29, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - PASSING OF ELDER LOIS CORNELIUS
Chiefs of Ontario - Notice to leadership
APRIL 27, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - All Ontario Chiefs’ Conference Postponed
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Treaty #3 Chiefs, Youth and municipal leaders share the who, what, when, where and why of COVID-19 testing, and give words of encouragement. Full-length video in Anishinaabemowin and English.
APRIL 27, 2020 - Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Treaty #3 Chiefs, Youth and Municipal Leaders provide COVID-19 Update
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Treaty #3 Chiefs, Youth and municipal leaders share the who, what, when, where and why of COVID-19 testing, and give words of encouragement. Full-length video in Anishinaabemowin and English.
APRIL 23, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - COVID-19 INFORMATION CHART: FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please find the Chiefs of Ontario - COVID-19 Information Chart: Funding Announcements below. This Information chart reflects recent funding announcements and provides the most up to date information.
APRIL 23, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - HEALTH AND SOCIAL COMMUNIQUE - COVID 19 WEEKLY UPDATE
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas. This week we also have included an update from Ontario First Nations Young People’s Council.
APRIL 17, 2020 - Summary Report of the Ontario Regional Chief
Please find a summary of highlights from this week. Numerous conference calls were held with all levels of government including: Minister Indigenous Services Canada Marc Miller, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Minister of Energy, Mines, Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce; OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, COO Leadership Council, Ontario Ministry of Emergency Operations Centre, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and FNIHB.
APRIL 17, 2020 - ORC WEEKLY MEMO TO LEADERSHIP
We made it through another week during these trying and difficult times. Even though some of the statistics look disheartening across the country, First Nation communities continue to have lower rates of positive cases and overall transmission. Read more by clicking download.
APRIL 16, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - HEALTH AND SOCIAL COMMUNIQUE - COVID 19 WEEKLY UPDATE
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights and vital priority areas.
APRIL 15, 2020 - ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ROSEANNE ARCHIBALD: Day 36 - COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald provides information on keeping our communities safe, including tools we can use to stop/slow the spread of COVID-19
APRIL 13, 2020 - ISC BRIEFING TO AFN: COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
•As of April 11, 2020, 22,559 cases have been confirmed in Canada, with 600 deaths. This compares to an estimated 3000 - 4000 influenza-related deaths in Canada each year.
APRIL 9, 2020 - ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ROSEANNE ARCHIBALD: Day 30 - COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald provides an Easter video message and provides information on keeping our communities safe.
APRIL 8, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - HEALTH AND SOCIAL COMMUNIQUE - COVID 19 WEEKLY UPDATE
Chiefs of Ontario Health and Social Sectors will continue to provide weekly technical updates for your information during the COVID-19 crisis.
APRIL 4, 2020 - ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ROSEANNE ARCHIBALD: Day 25 COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald provides video message on how to avoid bringing COVID-19 into communities.
APRIL 1, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - HEALTH AND SOCIAL COMMUNIQUE - COVID 19 WEEKLY UPDATE
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Chiefs of Ontario Social and Health Sectors will be providing updates concerning technical highlights.
MARCH 31, 2020 - ISC: PREPAREDNESS IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES RELATED TO
COVID-19
Canadian Context: As of March 30, 2020, 7,437 cases have been confirmed in Canada, with 66 death. This compares to an estimated 3000 4000 influenza related deaths in Canada each year.
MARCH 26, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - MARCH 2020 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL UPDATE
Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips delivered the March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update in the Legislature on March 25, 2020. Attached is a briefing outlining the key points in announcement.
MARCH 25, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - COVID-19 HEALTH SECTOR WEEKLY UPDATE
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, Chiefs of Ontario Health Sector will be providing weekly updates concerning technical highlights.
MARCH 24, 2020 - ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ARCHIBALD SUPPORTS AFN’S CALL FOR A COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald supported the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) motion yesterday which led to the COVID-19 Declaration of a State of Emergency for First Nations across the country.
MARCH 24, 2020 - COVID-19 – EMERGENCY MEASURES UPDATE – CHIEFS OF ONTARIO
As announced by the Provincial Government on essential businesses, the Chiefs of Ontario Office will now be closed until April 17, 2020. We will again monitor things at that time.
MARCH 24, 2020 - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO - FINANCIAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE DURING COVID-19
As of March 23, 2020, provincial and federal financial benefits are available to First Nations to support health and wellbeing needs during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
MARCH 24, 2020 - ORC POLITICAL OFFICE: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Health care workers require masks, gloves and gowns to treat patients and test patients for COVID-19 which are called Personal Protective Equipment, and recently officials warning inventory in the province of Ontario is now “critically short.”
MARCH 24, 2020 - DEPUTY RICHARDSON – OUTGOING LETTER TO STAKEHOLDERS
As Ontario continues to take action to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are making further changes to protect our frontline corrections workers, inmates and our health care system from the burden an outbreak in our correctional system could cause.
MARCH 20, 2020 - SUMMARY REPORT FROM ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF
Please find a summary of highlights from this week. Numerous conference calls were held with all levels of government including Indigenous Services Canada, AFN Executive Committee, Ministry of Health, COO Leadership Council, and FNIHB. Although these were separate conference calls there was recurring topics throughout all of the calls. These will be highlighted throughout this summary.
MARCH 20, 2020 - ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF - WEEKLY UPDATE
As of today’s date, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in our First Nation communities. We are only slightly ahead of the curve and our vigilance and quick action will keep our citizens safe in the months ahead. Meegwetch for taking the necessary precautions to protect your communities.
MARCH 18, 2020 - COO: COVID-19 INFORMATION AND PANDEMIC PLANNING
As COVID-19 continues to evolve with the potential to impact our communities several concerns and opportunities have been raised.
MARCH 18, 2020 - ONTARIO HEALTH PLAN FOR AN INFLUENZA PANDEMIC
Objective: to provide information on the roles and responsibilities of health organizations that fund, coordinate and/or deliver health services for individuals living in First Nation communities during an influenza pandemic.
MARCH 18, 2020 - INFLUENZA PANDEMIC PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS IN ON RESERVE FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
Date of latest version: June 2009 - The format of the annex has changed to reflect the main body of the CPIP, and links to other annexes have been incorporated.
MARCH 17, 2020 - ISC: PREPAREDNESS IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES RELATED TO COVID-19
As of March 16, 2020, 424 cases have been reported in Canada, with one death. This compares to an estimated 3000 - 4000 influenza-related deaths in Canada each year.
MARCH 14, 2020 - ISC: BULLETIN TO FIRST NATIONS IN ONTARIO
The situation is rapidly evolving and Public Health Ontario, along with the Ministry of Health, is closely monitoring the outbreak, conducting surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and providing public health and infection control guidance.
MARCH 12, 2020 - DRAFT MEETING NOTES: LEADERSHIP COUNCIL CONFERENCE CALL REGARDING COVID19
Highlights of what a pandemic is and advised that the Chiefs of Ontario Health sector will be sending another communique that will have more details on general pandemic plans and some paths forward.
MARCH 12, 2020 - ISC: PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PLACEMAT
Provinces and territories provide direct health care services to all Canadians, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is engaged with provinces and territories to ensure that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are well covered by public health measures.
MARCH 12, 2020 - OKT: RESOURCES TO ASSIST FIRST NATIONS IN RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is rising across Canada, First Nations are responding to protect their community members and encourage actions to prevent the spread to their communities. We have prepared this blog in an effort to provide general assistance to First Nations seeking information about pandemic planning, funding considerations and some legal issues to keep on top of.