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
Media Advisory – Positive collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a hybrid media event to discuss collaboration
Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Commit to a Better Future for Children
February 26, 2025 - In a display of unity, Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leadership voted by
Ontario Regional Chief Congratulates Francis Verreault-Paul on Election as Regional Chief of AFNQL
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 26, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict congratulates Francis Verreault-Paul on his election as the Regional Chief for the
Media Advisory – Special Chiefs Assembly: Ontario Final Agreement and Trilateral Agreement
(Toronto, Ont. – February 24, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting a hybrid media event following the Special Chiefs