In March of 1975, at the First Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference, a joint First Nations Association Coordinating Committee was formed, constituting an unincorporated federation of the four major Ontario First Nation organizations. The purpose of the committee was to provide a single Ontario representative to the Assembly of First Nations (then, the National Indian Brotherhood). From this committee emerged the Chiefs of Ontario office whose basic purpose is to enable the political leadership to discuss and to decide on regional, provincial and national priorities affecting First Nation people in Ontario and to provide a unified voice on these issues.
Former Ontario Regional Chiefs, from left to right: Grand Council Chief Pat Madahbee, Deputy Grand Chief Gord Peters, Angus Toulouse, Charles Fox, Chief Tom Bressette.
About the Logo
The circle and the map represents the continuity, strength and harmony of the First Nations peoples of Ontario; the five feathers signify the four political organizations of the Chiefs of Ontario; the fifth feather represents the independent nations and First Nation peoples living off reserve, First Nations who are not forgotten. The overall symbol represents the continuance of the First Nations peoples of Ontario struggle for pride, culture, self-determination and spirituality.
THE LATEST FROM CHIEFS OF ONTARIO
Media Releases
Chiefs of Ontario Support Joint Police Operations Against Organized Crime, Reiterate Call for Federal Recognition of First Nations Policing as an Essential Service
(Toronto, Ont.–October, 1 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario express strong support for recent investigations between First Nation police services and the
Chiefs of Ontario Releases a Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
(Toronto, Ont.–Sept. 30, 2025) On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Chiefs of Ontario and its Leadership reflect on
Chiefs of Ontario to Launch Business Directory in 2025 to Protect and Promote First Nation Businesses
With support from Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (Timmins, Ont. – September, 11, 2025) – Today,
Media Advisory: Joint Announcement – Chiefs of Ontario & Government of Ontario
(Toronto, ON – Sept 10, 2025) On Thursday, September 11, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Government of Ontario will host