COVID-19 UPDATES:
As our Chiefs and Councillors, health leaders, and community members work diligently through the second wave of COVID-19, we ask everyone to take precautions whenever possible to help reduce the spread of this coronavirus.
First Nation people aged 75 and older are now eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine!
You must call 1-844-626-8222 to book an appointment in order to be vaccinated. Call centre is open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Family members and caregivers can make an appointment for you. You will be asked to self-identify as First Nation as part of the appointment-booking process.
For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page.
Provincial cases as of February 25, 2021:
New Cases: 70
Total Cases: 31,657 Active Cases: 1,206 Recovered: 29,563
In hospital: 75 In ICU: 10
First Nation cases as of February 24, 2021:
New Cases: 21 On Reserve: 16 Off Reserve: 5
Total Cases: 9,879 Active Cases: 833 On Reserve: 720 Off Reserve: 113
In hospital: 24 On Reserve: 13 Off Reserve: 11 30% of total hospitalizations
ICU Patients: 6 On Reserve: 4 Off Reserve: 2 55% of total ICU Patients
Total doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered to First Nation people in Manitoba as of February 19, 2021: 7,023
On reserve: 5,422 - 6% of on-reserve population immunized with 1 dose
Off-reserve: 1,304
The entire province of Manitoba is at Critical level (red) on the Pandemic Response System.
- allowing restaurants to reopen at 25% capacity, with patron groups limited to members of the same household only
- allowing gyms, fitness centres, and yoga studios to reopen at 25% capacity
- allowing museums, art galleries, and libraries to operate at 25% capacity
- allowing personal services businesses (nail, cosmetic, tanning, tattooing or massage services) to reopen at 25% capacity
Protect Yourself: COVID-19 Vaccine
Got questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine? We have answers!
SCO has a Frequently Asked Questions Factsheet & Resource page to help our community members navigate all the information coming about the vaccine.
When the vaccine is available to you, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated. First Nation health experts tell us it is our best defense against this deadly virus.
How much do you know about the COVID-19 vaccine? Take this short quiz to find out!
HAVE YOUR SAY! SURVEY ON RACISM IN POLICING
COLD WEATHER RESOURCES
Extreme cold temperatures in Manitoba bring extra risks for the health and safety of people who experience homelessness. Below is a list of resources for Winnipeg and Brandon, including resources for us all to better help and support people living outdoors.
- Winter Weather Resource Guide lists shelters and safe spaces, outreach vans, drop-ins, meals, and washrooms
- Safety tips while outdoors
- Recognizing Cold Illness - frostbite, hypothermia
- What to Do when encountering someone who may be experiencing unsheltered homelessness
- Safe & Warm Shelter Brandon, MB
- Brandon Housing First
Call for Advisory Members for the NIHB’s Medical Supplies and Vision Care Advisory Committees
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program had previously announced a call for membership for their Medical Supplies and Equipment and Vision Care Advisory Committees (MSEAC). At this time, they have begun a non-competitive (sole source) approach to fill the remaining vacant positions. For your information, please find attached the Terms of Reference for this committee.
For more information check out the full posting.
CALLING ALL SOUTHERN FIRST NATION FOODIES AND CHEFS!
What are your favourite Anishinaabe and Dakota recipes?
SCO is collecting recipes to create an SCO-community traditional cookbook, and we need your help!
Share your favourite recipes and photos of your delicious creations! Tag @SCOIncMB on social media or email your recipes with your name and community to media@scoinc.mb.ca and we will send you a $25 gift card for your contribution. You will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
MEET FAITH!
Our next #BlackHistoryMonth SCO Community Profile, Faith Campos, is Afro-Indigenous with roots from Swan Lake & Long Plain #FirstNations. She attends @umanitoba with goals to become a landscape architect to help her #Indigenous Relatives! 👏
#BHM2021
CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE ✊ 🪶
Today is #AboriginalJusticeAwarenessDay—that’s why we want to highlight a few of our Community Justice Workers for the amazing work they do.
Click the link below to learn more!
#FirstNations #Manitoba #RestorativeJustice
https://scoinc.mb.ca/aboriginal-justice-awareness-day-2021/
CALLING ALL #FIRSTNATIONS PEOPLE::
How have your experiences been when dealing with police in #Manitoba?
Let us know in our quick 10 min survey!
Participation is anonymous. No identifying information will be collected & all responses are confidential.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2X23B3R
“It is about reclaiming & reframing our history."
Former Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Jerry Fontaine wrote Our Hearts Are As One Fire to explore #Indigenous leaders Obwandiac, Tecumtha, & Shingwauk & the history of Manitou Aki.
#ILovetoRead #FirstNations
https://www.ubcpress.ca/our-hearts-are-as-one-fire
The new First Nations vaccine dashboard in Manitoba https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/the-new-first-nations-vaccine-dashboard-in-manitoba-1.5322765
#FirstNationsData
#Partnerships
#Manitoba
COVID-19 Pathfinders
Need help navigating COVID-19 financial supports for you or your business and/or government benefits? Contact our COVID-19 Support Pathfinders today!
Call them at 204-946-1869 or toll-free at 1-866-9701 or send them an email by clicking here.
COVID-19 Benefits
Did you know you can access financial benefits and support during the COVID-19 outbreak? All First Nations people have access to these financial benefits, regardless of where you live.
Find out more visit COVID-19 Financial Supports
More information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
More information specific to COVID-19 and Indigenous Communities
If you are experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone and online counselling are available in English and on request, in Anishinaabe.
Kids Help Phone: offers professional counselling, information, referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support for children and youth. Text CONNECT to 686868.
Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605.
Get Your Benefits!
You may be eligible for extra money from the government and not even know it! Individuals and families with a lower to middle income level are eligible for a number of different financial benefits from the Canadian and Manitoban governments, but as many as 40 per cent of eligible First Nation Families do not currently access useful benefits. It’s time to change that!
By being aware of what is available and making use of these benefits, you can have extra cash in your pocket to help support yourself and your loved ones.
For more information visit our Get Your Benefits page.
Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator
The SCO Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigator is here to help:
- Provide support and advocacy for community workers in assisting their clients accessing NIHB
- Advocate with the federal government & health professionals on behalf of First Nations to resolve NIHB issues
- Support leadership in the work of advocating for policy change within NIHB
- Work to strengthen relationships with health providers, provincial & federal partners
- Improve awareness of the NIHB program & provide information to clients and service providers on the eligible benefit areas and how to address denials and appeals
To contact our NIHB Navigator, click here for email or call 204-946-1869, extension 120. For more information, visit Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator.
First Nations Health Services Navigator
The SCO First Nation Health Services Navigator serves all First Nation children and their families accessing the Specialized Services for Children and Youth Centre (SSCY) and helps families in the following ways:
- Serves as a culturally appropriate point of contact for children with disabilities and their families
- Provides navigation to appropriate programs, departments and/or agencies
- May attend medical appointments and/or case conferencing with families on request
- Provides culturally safe drop-in and/or meeting space for First Nation families
- Collaborates with appropriate service providers and/or programs, both within SSCY Centre, as well as externally
- Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Personal Health Information Act standards to ensure personal information is kept private, safe, and secure
To contact our First Nations Health Services Navigator, click here for email or call 204-946-1869, extension 120.
For more information visit the Health Services Navigator page.
Child and Family Services Navigator
SCO’s Child and Family Services System Navigator provides support and guidance for First Nation families in southern Manitoba that are navigating the Child and Family Services (CFS) system. The Navigator can offer support and guidance in the following ways:
- Provide guidance and understanding of their rights to families and communities that need help navigating the CFS system.
- Ensure families understand the CFS policies and laws i.e.: case plans, terminology, court orders, etc.
- Assist families with identifying short and long-term goals that are realistic and achievable.
- Refer families to workshops, programs, funding and other suitable resources for their wellbeing and success, both within in Winnipeg, and in their communities.
- Establish positive working relationships with families, CFS agencies, and other family service organizations.
The CFS System Navigator is available from 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday to Friday. To contact the Navigator, please call 204-946-1869, extension 103 or click here for email.
For more information check out our CFS System Navigator page.
