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
MEDIA ADVISORY: The Chiefs of Ontario will hold a press conference to discuss ongoing water issues plaguing First Nations, the 2021 class action drinking water settlement conditions and Bill C-61
(Ottawa, Ont.—Dec. 1, 2025) Nearly a third of First Nations in Ontario are currently under a short- or long-term drinking water
Ontario First Nations Demand Immediate Action to Address Jordan’s Principle Crisis Following Fall Chiefs Assembly
(Toronto, Ont. – November 26, 2025) Following the two-day Fall Chiefs Assembly on November 18-19, 2025, First Nation Leadership has formally
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Keepers of the Circle – 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council Release Joint Statement on Trans Day of Remembrance
(Toronto, Ont. – November 20, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Keepers of the Circle – 2S/LGBTQQIADP+ have released
Media Advisory – Chiefs of Ontario Host Fall Chiefs Assembly
(Toronto, Ont -- November 17 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario will host the Fall Chiefs Assembly (FCA) on November 18-19, 2025,