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
British Columbia and Ontario First Nations Leadership Condemns Senate’s Rejection of Residential School Denialism Protections
June 4, 2026 — The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations and the Chiefs of Ontario are outraged and deeply disheartened
Ontario Regional Chief Benedict Marks National Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, and the 30th Anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day
(Toronto, Ont – June 1, 2026) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement regarding National Indigenous History Month and
Ontario Final Agreement Takes Effect, Advancing First Nations Jurisdiction in Child and Family Services
OTTAWA, ON — May 29, 2026 — Today marks a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario as the Ontario
Request for Proposals: Development of Strategic Resources – First Nations Business Directory (FNBD) Portal
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals for the development of strategic resources to support the