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
First Nation Employment Services Framework Survey
First Nation Employment Services Framework Survey The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and
Chiefs of Ontario Respond to Auditor General’s Report Highlighting Ongoing Federal Failures to Support First Nations
(Toronto, Ont. - October 22, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario are expressing deep concern following the Auditor General of Canada’s latest
Chiefs of Ontario Call for Unity and Urgent Action to Protect First Nations Children
(Toronto, Ont. – October 14, 2025) – Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council are calling
Chiefs of Ontario Stand in Solidarity with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Demanding Urgent Action from Treaty Partners on Community Safety Crisis
(Toronto, Ont. -- October 10, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario stand in full support of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) as