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
Request for Proposals: COO Environment – Pre-engagement on the Canada Water
You are invited to submit a proposal for Pre-engagement on the Canada Water Act First Nations in Ontario have an inherent
Two-day event brings First Nations together for sacred work of returning Ancestors
(Caldwell First Nation, Ont.–Feb. 5, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Caldwell First Nation have issued the following joint press release:
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict issues statement on potential discovery of unmarked graves near Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation)
Warning: This statement contains details of experiences at residential schools. (Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict issues statement on Canada-U.S. relations
(Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 24, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the relationship between Canada and the