b'FROM THE COOS DESKHunting,Gathering &Reconnectingto the LandDuring COVID-19TRACY ANTONEChief Operating Officer, Chiefs of Ontario S hekoliOn behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat, I would like to welcome you to the ninth edition of the official Chiefs of Ontario magazine, Advocate. Like many Indigenous peoples across the country, First Nations people have drawn on cultural strengths to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities across Ontario are finding creative ways to take care of each other, despite limited resources, preparedness and vulnerability. This edition of Advocate showcases the vital work carried out by First Nations leadership in recent months, with an in-depth exploration into a few of the many First Nations communities who mobilized to protect their citizens amidst the COVID-19 pandemic through the revitalization of trad-itional harvesting practices, food security and conservation. This edition also features the stories, knowledge and leadership of First Nations educators, who have embraced land-based learning as a way to balance education with minimal disruptions while following COVID-19 public health recommendations in their back-to-school plans.It is remarkable to see our communities come together during a time like this. Our leadership has been proactive in educating their communities, mobilizing social and economic solidarity and being present where they are most needed. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic within our communities, we are committed to working Keep the circle STRONG together with our Board of Directors, Leadership Council, First Nations leadership and intergovern-mental partners to ensure all First Nations in our region have the resources they need to respond to DO YOUR PARTCOVID-19 and continue their essential work. We KEEP THEare also ensuring a tailored approach to communi-STAYSTAYCOMMUNITY SAFE cation by working hand in hand to ensure our advocacy work and development of effective 2 METERS6 FEETunified strategies and strength-based approaches APART APART For COVID-19that address First Nations key priorities. information andBy working together, staying connected and ensuring proper engagement, we will continue updates visit: this momentum of moving critical priorities to the forefront and ensuring First Nations have a https://www.coo-covid19.com full equitable recovery post-pandemic. 10l I ssue2 2020/21C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'