Items

• 
  2021-03-10

  #KeepOurLanguagesStrong: Indigenous Language Revitalization on Social Media during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

  This is a paper by Kari A. B. Chew at the University of Oklahoma that reviews language revitalization efforts during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper focuses on revitalization efforts among Indigenous groups in the United States and Canada.
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  2021-03-03

  Bodies Needed

  This is an image of a protest blockade in support of a jailed Indigenous elder, who was arrested for protesting at the Trans Mountain pipeline construction sites in Burnaby, BC. The elder, Stacy Gallagher was arrested while preforming a smudging ceremony. This blockade was organized by the Braided Warriors, calls on their social media platforms brought more bodies to help maintain the barracade against the agents of the Canadian state and the Crown. The post's description stated, "BODIES NEEDED AT CLARK AND HASTINGS: 6:22AM, MARCH 3RD. Bodies needed ASAP to protect our Indigenous youth, elders, mothers, and children. We saw what happens when youth put a call out for support and nobody showed up - Indigenous youth, mothers, and elders were violently attacked - left with concussions and lasting injuries we are still recovering from. Numbers are low and early morning is typically when police move in. People have been holding it down here all night, and need bodies down here immediately. When our numbers dwindle, we are in danger. The Crown will not hesitate to criminalize Indigenous peoples. Your inaction is complacency, and complacency is violence. Put your body on the line. PROTECT OUR INDIGENOUS CHILDREN, YOUTH, MOTHERS, AND ELDERS. PROTECT THE SACRED FIRE." The comments of this post have messages of solidarity, people organizing for food and water, and those stating they would be arriving on the scene to help.
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  2021-04-12

  Solidarity with Tiny House Warriors

  An image of land defenders and their blockade on Secwepemc territory. These land defenders are calling for a cessation of the construction on the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which runs through unceded Secwepemculecw and Wet'suwet'en territories. While these piplines represent a threat to the ecology of the region, the construction represents the continuation of Canada's colonial reality into the years of pandemic. Furthermore, the construction of this pipeline has resulted in the creation of several work camps for transient labourers which have been called 'man camps.' These camps have been identified as a threat to indigenous communities, with particular threat of violence against First Nations women in the areas surrounding these camps, they have also been linked to the perpetuation of one of Canada's greatest crimes, MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). As identified by the supplementary report on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in 2019, the perpetuation of this crisis and the lack of action on behalf of the Canadian state is a genocide, according to the U.N.'s definition of genocide. In truth, it is continuation of the genocidal campaigns against First Nations peoples across North America, the pursuit and extraction of capital by exploiting the land and the peoples who walked upon it first. These Tiny House Warriors in the comments call for land back, and a general campaign to shut down Canada. As of now, construction on the TMX continues unabated, the government of Canada shows no sign of upholding the call to Truth and Reconciliation.
• 
  2021-04-12

  Vancouver Island's Food Service Industry

  In this podcast, Philip Wolf discusses how COVID-19 has impacted the food service industry with restaurant owners Oura and Kymon Giakoumakis. Their restaurant resides at a golf course, so during the winter they saw a drop in patronage and are hoping to start patio service soon so business can pick up again. They did adapt to take-out service and a "parking lot patio" in order to provide service in safe ways, but they still struggled with the requirements and monetary challenges that the pandemic has caused. In this podcast they also discuss other local restaurants, layoffs, and closures, giving a clear view of how Vancouver Island, and specifically the district of Saanich, has adapted during this time.
• 
  2021-04-10

  Gargle Test Provided to Vancouver Schools, Easy & Accessible Testing at Home

  In order to relieve some stress for COVID-19 testing, the BC Children's hospital in Vancouver, Canada is supplying 1,200 testing kits to 1,000 schools. It's supposed to be replenished as needed. However, the main purpose is to make testing more accessible (without medical facility visitations). Those who show symptoms, or simply get a runny nose, may be sent home.
• 
  2020-07-17

  Haida Woman Tells Queen Charlotte Lodge They Do Not Have Consent to Continue Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Haida woman Leeann Brown, reminds Queen Charlotte Lodge that they are not welcome on Haida Gwaii island during the pandemic. Many of the lodge’s boats are venturing too close to Haida fishing nets and traps which threatens their food supply. With such disregard to health of the Indigenous on the island, Brown explains how the Haida show their disagreement with lodge operations and reminds them that this land is sovereign to Haida Gwaii.
• 
  2020-07-10

  Queen Charlotte Lodge Endangering Indigenous Peoples of Haida Gwaii

  The Haida are at risk for Covid-19 exposure by Queen Charlotte Lodge and West Coast Fishing Club, both of which reopened without Haida consent.
• 
  2020-07-10

  Haida Matriarchs Occupy Ancient Villages to Protect Against Covid-19

  Eight to 95 percent of the Haida people were wiped out by the smallpox epidemic purposely introduced to Haida Gwaii to destroy our people. We plan to survive this pandemic at all cost.
• 
  2020-05-11

  The Masked (Alphenhorn) Man

  The Alpenhorn Man statue, affectionately known as "Alpine Al", has welcomed visitors to Smithers, British Columbia since 1979. The statue sits at the intersection of Highway 16 and Main Street, the entry point to the heart of downtown Smithers. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the statue has been "masked" several times by anonymous local residents, in the hope of generating a smile or two - a rare case of Covid humour?
• 
  2020-05-28

  Covid-19 highlights lack of connectivity in first nations communities

  This article speak about the ‘digital divide’ in Canada; a reality in Canada where rural and First Nations communities don’t have access to the sufficient technology or infrastructure to use online platforms, or just the internet in general. This particular article tackles how the pandemic has exacerbated this divide, and has shown the need to give these communities access to high-speed internet. These communities often are left to ask private enterprises to provide these services, and these corporations which are profit oriented as all telecommunications giants often ignores these calls, as they would not see a financial return. Essentially, profits are being placed over people, which in turn breaks apart the social solidarity of these communities and complicates communication between First Nations communities and the Canadian state, as well as community organization at large. However, this article states that the government will be actively attempting to incentivize these private corporations to build telecommunications infrastructure as a means to abide by the UN’s declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. While progress is being made, this article nevertheless identifies the material and logistical disparities between First Nations communities throughout the nation; which have been highlighted by the pandemic.
• 
  2020

  Caulfield Elementary School

  A socially distanced classroom at Caulfield Elementary School in British Columbia, where in-person classes are allowed to take place in a modified fashion
• 
  2020

  British Columbia Mask Mandate

  Sign outside a Chilliwack business stating that masks must be work upon entry
• 
  2020-05-27

  Together for What's to Come

  A mural painted in Vancouver, British Columbia, that was meant to maintain a sense of morale during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 
  2021-02-03

  Masks mandatory inside middle and high schools in B.C.

  Masks are now mandatory inside middle and high schools in British Columbia, Canada. Elementary students are currently not required to. Schools are also asking for more money in order to help with improving safety for returning staff. While much of the population is currently wearing masks, the government has been relatively laissez-faire compared to the United States on compliance.
• 
  2020-11-11

  Just One Positive Wedding Guest

  What started with one positive wedding guest, led to 50 infected guests, 10 infected households, and a deadly outbreak in a long-term care home which resulted in 81 cases. In total, this large outbreak triggered three hospitalizations and one COVID-19 death.
• 
  2020-04-20

  The Pandemic Is Slicing Away Indigenous Sovereignty in Canada

  This news article outlines how COVID-19 is undermining Indigenous sovereignty in Canada, with a focus on the Wet’suwet’en pipeline protests in British Columbia, Canada.
• 
  2020-12-11

  Province-wide restrictions

  By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel.
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  2020-12-14

  B.C. looks at speedy increase in fines for repeat COVID-19 offenders

  Following several incidents where groups of people refused to obey orders banning in-person religious gatherings, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth asks to increase fines for those people breaking COVID-19 laws multiple times.
• 
  2020-09-09

  Crisis Line in a Pandemic

  An article from the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) about the importance of crisis phone lines to mental health in Indigenous communities
• 
  2020-06-03

  Social graduation: UBC virtual graduation ceremony

  Here is how UBC's personal invitation to their virtual graduation ceremony from the summer of 2020.
• 
  2020-10-17

  Social anti-mask: Anti-mask protesters, conspiracy theorists march through downtown Vancouver

  This article shows anti-mask protesters march through downtown Vancouver in mid-October.
• 
  2020

  Contact Tracing Explained

  An infographic of how and why contact tracing is done.
• 
  2020-12-02

  Social negative response: Family seeking COVID-19 is 'playing with a loaded gun' in B.C. city discouraging visitors: mayor

  This article discusses one family seeking COVID-19 exposure to improve their immunity to the virus.
• 
  2020-11-29

  Social negative gatherings: ‘Learn from our story’: How a B.C. birthday became a COVID-19 superspreader event

  This article includes a video on how a birthday became a COVID-19 superspreader event.
• 
  2020-04-06

  Anxieties over COVID-19 and possible PPE shortages prompting some health care workers to draft wills

  Discussion with Dr. Michelle Cohen about the dangers of working in the hospitals during COVID and her concerns over PPE shortages.
• 
  2020-12-11

  British Columbia Support

  This release is an example of the kinds of minor financial supports provinces offered during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-12-01

  Wet'suwet'en women urge B.C. to declare oil and gas work non-essential amid COVID

  Article discussing the Wet'suwet'en women petitioning for the oil and gas industry to not be considered "essential"
• 
  2020-11-19

  British Columbia Introduces Mask Mandate and Lockdown

  The province has introduced sweeping measures in order to curb the rise of Covid-19 cases. This has included a mask mandate, which is a reversal from previous policy. Other restrictions introduced encompass lessening the time spent in public indoor spaces or events.
• 
  2020-11-15

  Stranger intentionally coughed on 4-month-old baby at Victoria hospital

  According to Vancouver Island Mother, a man purposefully coughed on her and her 4-month-old baby while at the hospital. This comes as BC Covid-19 cases have been at an all time high.
• 
  2020-11-10

  Covid-19 Test Timeline in Victoria BC

  Timeline for Covid-19 testing from Island Health in Victoria, BC. Supposedly it's a very quick turnaround, taking under 24 hours.
• 
  2020-11-02

  Masks now required in all City of Victoria buildings

  Masks are now required in all buildings owned by the City of Victoria. Compared to the United States, Canada has not required masks in many municipalities.
• 
  2020-10-22

  Epoch Times found in Mailbox

  The front page literally only covers China and Covid-19 conspiracies. The Falun Gong own and run the Neo-Conservative paper. This and the Shen Yun dance trope appears to be apart of the continuous push to reach non-chinese North Americans.
• 
  2020-10-06

  Snowbirds are going to Vancouver Island due to US-Canada Border being closed

  Because Vancouver Island has the most moderate and mild weather in Canada during winter, Canadian snowbirds flocking there to avoid the harsh winters. This is due to the United States-Canada border being closed to tourism due to Covid-19 concerns. Many of these snowbirds are from Northern BC or the Prairies.
• 
  2020-07-13

  B.C. Indigenous groups keeping borders closed to limit COVID-19 spread, despite growing economic impact

  "Indigenous bands along the west coast of British Columbia say their borders will remain closed to tourists and non-residents, despite the economic impact, as they work to raise awareness about the threat COVID-19 poses to their communities." "'A lot of our communities are remote and testing is not easily available,' she said. 'If you’re in Port Alberni, or Nanaimo, or Victoria, or somewhere (else), you can get testing and get results in 24 hours. It’s not the same with our communities.' "The closures have resulted in disputes between Indigenous groups and local businesses. "The Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii have turned away non-residents at the ferry terminal, discouraged leisure travel and called on two local fishing lodges to rethink their reopening plans."
• 
  2020-07-09

  She was watching another racist incident on a Vancouver bus. And then, something different happened

  "As she boarded a bus Monday after a morning of classes at a downtown Vancouver campus, Tina Hoang was pleased to see that most passengers were physically distancing. "She sat down at an empty area near the middle of the bus. "But soon, a white man got on board and walked by a row of people who were all wearing masks, who all happened to be people of colour. "'Jesus Christ! Everyone is wearing a mask. It’s the f---ing Chinese virus,' he ranted loudly. "Hoang, who is 21, said she snapped at that moment after enduring months of dirty looks from people in Vancouver, which she attributed to scapegoating for the coronavirus outbreak."
• 
  2020-07-06

  Vancouver is honouring its health-care heroes with these public works of art

  "And as B.C. settles into Phase 3 of its economic recovery plan, with businesses reopening and residents getting out in the summer weather to meet one another and enjoy the city, the boards — no longer needed to protect shuttered storefronts — live on as an open-air gallery in the same neighbourhood that inspired them." A gallery of photos depicting an exhibit of works of art on wooden panels, some of which previously boarded up businesses during the total shut-down, dedicated to health care workers and hope during the pandemic. The exhibit was organized by the Vancouver Museum and is located in the popular Gastown neighbourhood.
• 
  2020-07-06

  Indigenous overdose deaths jumped drastically from January to May as COVID-19 crisis hit

  'Many of our community members have very specifically said they don’t feel safe going to the hospital or even calling for an ambulance for the fear that they will be treated badly and not receive any kind of support beyond the immediate need of treating an overdose,' Shannon McDonald, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health Authority, said Monday on a video-conference to discuss the data."
• 
  2020-06-19

  Pandemic underscores a lack of affordable housing, homeless issues in B.C.

  News article discussing the issues around providing safe and equitable housing the homeless people of BC during the pandemic, from tent cities to block booked hotel rooms and the effect they have had on the homeless population and neighbours. "The B.C. government’s effort to get people off the street has meant profound changes for hundreds of people, including Mr. LeBlanc. The process has also resulted in anger and dismay from neighbourhood residents wondering whether the solution put together in response to a pandemic has resulted in new problems. The process has also underscored the dire shortage of affordable housing throughout the province, a problem that existed long before the pandemic and has become more visible as people are being urged to stay home even though some may not have that option."
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  2020-04-24

  School District 52 Bags of Goodness

  A post with photos of the food program implemented to supply food to kids in School District 52, Prince Rupert, BC. Photos show volunteers preparing over 200 hundred bags of food and gift cards for families struggling amidst school closures and stay-at-home orders. The post appeared on the Prince Rupert School District website.