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
The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) releases a statement on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Warning: This statement discusses human trafficking, exploitation, and related issues, which may be distressing to some readers. Mental health counselling and
Chiefs of Ontario Seek Party Status in Landmark Ontario Land Tribunal Case
Chiefs of Ontario Seek Party Status in Landmark Ontario Land Tribunal Case (Toronto, Ont.–February 20, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario (COO)
Request for Proposals: Indigenous Videographer Species at Risk Conference Video Report
You are invited to submit a proposal to support the Ontario Chiefs' project to develop a high-level, professionally made 15-20-minute video
Request for Proposals: COO Environment – Analysis and Options regarding the Canada Water Act
You are invited to submit a proposal for Analysis and Options regarding the Canada Water Act First Nations in Ontario have