While the federal government says the COVID-19 curve is continuing to flatten in Indigenous communities, their leaders and allies are keeping pressure on Ottawa for more support. Day attributed that success to First Nations leaders who made efforts to close down community borders to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. "This is a wake-up call for Minister [Marc] Miller and Indigenous Services Canada," Day said. The ISC said it's committed $285.1 million "to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities." Dr. Anna Banerji, an infectious disease specialist, has been working with the coalition of Indigenous leaders on the petition.

Source: CBC News July 18, 2020 00:33 UTC