COVID-19 Information

FNPSS COVID-19 Information and Resource Archive

As BC First Nation communities, administrators, businesses and individuals confronted and managed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, access to accurate information from multiple sources in a timely manner was essential. Financial, general, administrative, health and emergency response information from various trusted First Nation and government organizations are listed.

This resource is now an archive. This resource listing is for information only. The FNPSS makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any information in the listed materials, nor does it administer or deliver any programs or services detailed on this site.

Archive Contents

Financial Supports & Benefits | General Resources | Administration Resources | Health & Prevention | Emergency Response | Updates from ISC

Financial Supports and Benefits

COVID-19 at-a-Glance

In partnership with the BC Federal Council, FNPSS created a series of informational one-pagers that outlined useful supports and resources available on key topics related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Housing Resources for BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Resources for all BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Benefits & Personal Tax Returns for BC First Nation Individuals

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Resources for BC First Nation Post-Secondary Students

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Food Security for BC First Nation Communities

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Additional Disability Benefits and Supports

COVID-19 AT A GLANCE
Support for Indigenous Businesses

General Support and Information

Government of Canada / Services Canada

  • Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
    Categorized into support for individuals, businesses, sectors, organizations helping Canadians, support for provinces and territories (source: GoC, type: website, dated: updated regularly)
  • New Federal COVID-19 Supports
    Canada Response Benefits and Changes to Employment Insurance, presentation by Brenda Giesbrecht, Outreach Liaison, Service Canada, Dianne Stoesz, Outreach Liaison, Service Canada, Karen Martin, Outreach Manager, CRA and Saverio Desantis, Officer, CRA (source: Service Canada, type: webinar, dated: November 4, 2020) - Presentation materials

Indigenous Services Canada

Support for First Nation Band Administration

FNPSS

  • Accessing COVID-19 Supports for First Nations
    Presentation by Karen Martin, CRA, Saverio Desantis, CRA and Mary Leslie, Heiltsuk Nation (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 29, 2020)
  • Managing New Economic Realities
    Presentation by Chief Commissioner Manny Jules, First Nations Tax Commission and Chief David Jimmie, Squiala First Nation (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 15, 2020)
  • Secwepemc Nation’s Economic Impacts due to COVID-19
    Presentation by Councillor Jeanette Jules, Title and Rights, Legal (Day Scholars, DRI) and Community Services Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Greg Booth, Director, Indigenous Economic Opportunity, Secretariat to the Indigenous Investment Council, Innovation and Technology Division, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC and David S. Russell, Director, Lands and Economic Development, ISC (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 6, 2020)

BC First Nations Responding to COVID-19 – A series of presentations

  1. Chief Byron Louis, Okanagan Indian Band and Councillor Alison Trenholm, Homalco First Nation
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 2, 2020)
  2. Chief Chris Derickson, Westbank First Nation and Erik Blaney, Emergency Planning Advisor, Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 26, 2020)
  3. Rob Bullock, Band Administrator, Ahousaht First Nation and Collette Sunday, Band Administrator, Upper Nicola Band
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 25, 2020)
  4. Sandra Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Nak’azdli Whut’en and Councillor Deanna George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: March 20, 2020)

Support for First Nations Individuals

Government of Canada / Services Canada

Taxes

Canadian Revenue Agency

Support for First Nations Businesses

Government of Canada / Services Canada

BC Assembly of First Nations

Province of BC

  • COVID-19 Supports for Businesses
    (loans, grants, rent support, wage support, changes to taxes, bill relief and other) (source: Prov of BC, type: website, dated: December 22, 2020)

Contact Information

General Resources

First Nations Leadership Council

Province of BC

BC Assembly of First Nations

Indigenous Services Canada

Institute of Public Administration of Canada

Administration Resources

FNPSS

  1. Tool Box Talks: The 20/20/20 Rule (PDF)
  2. How to Make Your Computer Workstation Fit You (PDF)
  3. Department Workplace Scan and Contingency Planning Worksheet (PDF)
  4. Emergency Office Closure Workforce Planning Policy (PDF)
  5. Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Working at Home (PDF)
  6. Emergency Office Closure Temporary Teleworker Agreement (PDF)
  7. Workstation and Work Area Disinfecting Policy (PDF)

Health and Prevention of COVID-19

Prevention / Awareness / Planning Resources

FNPSS Webinars

  • COVID-19 Vaccination: The Realities of Community Roll-Out
    (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: January 20, 2021)
  • Outbreak! Lessons Learned from BC First Nations
    Presentation by Shannon Alfred, Health and Safety Manager, ‘Namgis First Nation Health Centre, Erik Blaney, Fire Chief, Tla’amin Nation, Chris Lewis, Spokesperson/Council Member, Squamish Nation Council, Kyle Marshall, Director, Emergency Operations Center, Skidegate Band Council (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: October 6, 2020)
  • First Nations Child and Family Services during the COVID-19 Crisis
    Presentation by Cheryl Casumer, Executive Task Group, First Nations Summit, Allison Bond, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children and Family Development and Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 8, 2020)
  • Wellness in a Time of Uncertainty
    Presentation by Babs Stevens, CAO, Skidegate Band Council and Healer, and Sandra Harris, Wet’suwet’en Trauma Practitioner (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: April 8, 2020)

First Nations Health Authority

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) plays a role within the provincial emergency management structure by providing health and wellness services to support BC First Nation communities. For COVID-19 response, FNHA (in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Office of the Provincial Health Officer and Regional Health Authorities) supports communities through direct coordination of response to medical and health-related requests.

Northern Health BC

Indigenous Services Canada

Government of Canada / Service Canada

Province of BC

Community Organisations

Health Care / Mental Health

FNPSS

  • Food Security During a Pandemic
    Presentation by Jeneen Hunt, Ditidaht First Nation, Anne Atleo, Ahousaht First Nation and Milica Nauman, ISC (source: FNPSS, type: webinar, dated: May 20, 2020)

First Nations Health Authority

Community Organisations

KUU-US Crisis Services

General: 1-800-588-8717

Adult/Elder: 1-250-723-4050

Child/Youth: 1-250-723-2040

Hope for Wellness

General: 1-855-242-3310

Chatbox to connect with a counselor online

FNHA Contact Information

For individual health care and COVID-19 questions call 8-1-1 or primary care provider.

Emergency Response

Emergency Management BC

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is the Province’s lead coordinating agency for emergency response to non-health related needs of COVID-19 impacts. This work is done in collaboration with local governments, First Nations, provincial and federal departments, industry, non-government organizations and volunteers. They also host regular regional coordination calls, which First Nations are invited to join. EMBC Regional Operations offices will function as universal entry for Indigenous communities seeking supports.

Indigenous Services Canada

Updates from ISC

ISC BC Updates

ISC BC Region supported First Nations on-reserve in coronavirus response through a number of programs and services, including the Emergency Management Assistance Program and Income Assistance. The department also played a role in delivering distinction-based funding as announced by the Prime Minister.

2021

September

  • Update #87 - September 15
    Frequently Asked Questions from the All Chiefs Town Hall on Wildfires | Indigenous Community Support Fund Allocations | Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program

August

  • Update #86 - August 10
    All Chiefs Town Hall on Wildfires | Emergency Management funding programs at ISC | What Should You Do If There Are Concerns About Potential Water Shortages

July

  • Update #85 - July 16
    Wildfire Information and FAQ | Health and safety around wildfire smoke | Culturally Sensitive Mental Health and Wellness Supports
  • Update #84 - July 2
    Wildfire Information | Legislation to implement UNDRIP becomes law | Action against hate speech and hate crimes

June

  • Update #83 - June 18
    2nd virtual session of Our Gathering 2021 | Indigenous Community Business Fund | Expanding shelters network for Indigenous peoples
  • Update #82 - June 11
    Indigenous Community Support Fund | Own-Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative | Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding
  • Update #81 - June 4
    Indigenous Community Support Fund | National Action Plan to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls And 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

May

  • Update #80 - May 5
    Mental Health Week | Registration and Status Card Updates | Budget 2021

April

  • Update #79 - April 21
    Income Assistance Information | Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program | Emergency Assistance for Post-secondary Students in the North
  • Update #78 - April 8
    COVID-19 vaccination | First Nations Well-Being Fund | Tax Filing Tips

March

February

January

  • Update #74 - January 26
    Details of new funding through the Indigenous Community Support Fund | Income Assistance changes
  • Update #73 - January 15
    Announcement of the release of the funding through Indigenous Community Support Fund | Update on funding for food security for Indigenous communities
  • Update #72 – January 11
    Updates on Indigenous Community Support Fund, Province of BC support of Tourism sector, and 'CleanBC Better Homes'

2020

ISC BC Town Halls

  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Rick Milone, FNHA, Dr. Shannon McDonald, FNHA, Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, David Russell, Director Lands and Economic Development, Wendy Rogers, Director Programs and Partnerships, and Jody Kaden, Director Funding Services (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: September 16, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, and members of the ISC BC Region Executive Leadership Team (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: August 4, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall with FNSA and FNESC
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), Edith Loring-Kuhanga, President of the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA), and representatives of the BC Ministry of Education (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: May 1, 2020)
  • ISC BC Region Town Hall
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, members of the ISC Executive Leadership Team, and representatives of the FNHA (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: April 16, 2020) - Webinar coming soon
  • ISC BC Response to COVID-19 for BC First Nations
    Presentation by Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC BC Region, members of the ISC Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Shannon McDonald, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, FNHA (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: April 3, 2020)
  • ISC BC Response to COVID-19 for BC First Nations
    Presentation by Bill Guerin, Associate Regional Director General, ISC BC Region and Leah George-Wilson, Co-Chair, First Nations Summit and Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (source: ISC BC, type: webinar, dated: March 27, 2020)

ISC National Updates

ISC Contact Information

Social Feeds

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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #DRIPA # LGMA ... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Darcy Lindberg will be leading a session on the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council. FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #DRIPA # LGMA
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Chief Ken Watts will be leading the 'Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning ... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Chief Ken Watts will be leading the Examples of Local Government & First Nations Partnerships in Land Use Planning session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council. FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Dr. Aftab Erfan will be leading the 'Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change' session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council Basin Council.

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicEducation #Engagement ... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Dr. Aftab Erfan will be leading the Public Education and Engagement in the Face of Resistance to Change session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council Basin Council. FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicEducation #Engagement
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! Ron Mattiussi will be leading the Local Government Land Management session. Register before Nov. 4 to secure your spot! Bursaries available for First Nation staff. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg In collaboration with the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia and with support of the Fraser Basin Council FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
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First Nations Public Service Secretariat
1 month ago
First Nations Public Service Secretariat

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations!

The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: ow.ly/Uy6e50TVUAT

Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics.

Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg

FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC.

#firstnations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less

Are you a planner or administrator from the Vancouver Island and Coast region? Join us for a 2.5-day workshop designed to enhance collaboration between local governments and First Nations! The workshop will begin with Jenelle Greenway leading the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop on November 12. Learn more about the Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop: https://ow.ly/Uy6e50TVUAT Jenelle Greenway, a Two-Spirit Tahltan-Kaska writer, podcaster, and Indigenous Rights activist, will lead this session, focusing on decolonizing education and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and Settler communities. Her approach centers on creating inclusive spaces, guiding organizations in adopting reconciliatory practices, and offering tools for supporting the LandBack movement and Reconciliation. Through her work, Jenelle highlights the impact of lateral violence on creativity and performance, offering participants spiritual self-care techniques and insights into managing team dynamics. Bursaries available for First Nation staff. Register before Nov 4. https://ow.ly/jYiL50TVUWg FNPSS and LGMA gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FortisBC. #FirstNations #LandUsePlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment
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