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 Benedict congratulates Nishnawbe Aski Police Service on agreement with province
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Reginal Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service agreement
Ontario Regional Chief Benedict issues statement on Minister Anandasangaree’s comments regarding Bill C-53
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Benedict has issued the following statement in response to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
First Nations Women’s Council Issues Statement on Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic and Bill 173
(Toronto, Ont. – December 10, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council has released the following statement acknowledging the
Request for Proposals: Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council
You are invited to submit a proposal for Strategic Planning Services for the Chiefs of Ontario and Chiefs of Ontario Leadership