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
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
Statement from Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation regarding Caring Society Motion at the CHRT
Statement from Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation regarding Caring Society Motion at the CHRT January 16, 2025 - Ontario
Request for Proposals: COO Education Sector - First Nations Adult Education Program Delivery and Cost Analysis Project
You are invited to submit a proposal for a project by the Chiefs of Ontario for the First Nations Adult Education
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict Releases a Statement About the Prime Minister’s Resignation and First Nations Priorities
(Toronto, Ont. – January, 8, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Prime Minister's resignation