Rick Garrick

The provincial government recently announced about $6 million in funding for 3,170 kilometres of winter roads to Moosonee and 31 remote First Nation communities for the 2020-2021 winter season.

“This funding can also be used to support special projects, which includes bridge improvements, maintenance of crossings and repairs,” says Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox. “We know that the Ministry of Energy, Northern
Development and Mines (ENDM) has confirmed that they are able to provide a three per cent increase in base funding across the board this year for winter roads.”

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler stressed the importance of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 after his mother was the first resident to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the William A. George Extended Care Facility in Sioux Lookout.

“This is my mom — the one who has held me and kept me safe,” Fiddler says in a Jan. 7 tweet. “And she is still looking out for me and for all of us in our community by being one of the first in NAN (Nishnawbe Aski Nation) to roll up her sleeve and get vaccinated against COVID-19. This is how we will end this pandemic.”

In addition to providing COVID-19 testing for Matawa citizens and staff, the Matawa Health Cooperative is also partnering with the Thunder Bay International Airport and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service to do COVID-19 testing.

Lac Seul had the appeal of its claim against the Government of Canada for the illegal flooding of more than 11,000 acres of reserve land heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Brayden Bushby, 21, was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of the late Barbara Kentner on Dec. 14 by Ontario Superior Court Justice Helen M. Pierce. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2021.