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 Honours Veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day
(Toronto, Ont. – November 8, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict issued the following statement in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day,
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Extends Support to Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Data Table
(Toronto, Ont. – November 7, 2024) In a landmark announcement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford endorsed the First Nations Data Table (FNDT)
Chiefs of Ontario issue statement on the passing of Murray Sinclair
(Toronto, Ont.–Nov. 04, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are mourning the loss of former senator and judge Murray Sinclair. He was
Chiefs of Ontario deeply concerned about mental health providers enrolled in the Non-Insured Health Benefits program
Trigger warning: This press release contains sensitive subject matter, including mental health challenges and Indian Residential Schools, that could be triggering