Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood.
Guided by the Chiefs-in-Assembly, we uphold self-determination efforts of the Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, and Lenape Peoples in protecting and exercising their inherent and Treaty rights. Keeping in mind the wisdom of our Elders, and the future for our youth, we continue to create the path forward in building our Nations as strong, healthy Peoples respectful of ourselves, each other, and all creation. The activities of the Chiefs of Ontario are mandated through and guided by:
- Resolutions passed by the Chiefs in Assembly of the 133 First Nations in Ontario.
- The Leadership Council (formerly known as the Political Confederacy) made up of the Grand Chiefs of Political Territorial Organizations (PTOs) and Independent First Nations.
- The elected Regional Chief for the Chiefs of Ontario.
Chiefs of Ontario Charter
The Chiefs in Ontario affirm that the First Nations possess the inherent right of self-determination. This is the defining measure of nationhood. It is the responsibility of individual First Nation governments to exercise this jurisdiction through the passage of laws, development of program and other initiatives.
The Chiefs of Ontario shall support First Nations in the exercise of their inherent right.
The international Treaties entered into by First Nations shall be respected. This includes Treaties entered into before first contact with the European settlers, and Treaties entered into after first contact. The Treaties are the foundation of a harmonious relationship between First Nations and Canadian governments.
There is a sacred trust and fiduciary relationship between First Nations and the Crown in right of Canada.
Our Mission
The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood.
Our Vision
First Nations in Ontario are united towards self-sufficiency and vibrancy while never forgetting who we are; this unity is facilitated through the Chiefs of Ontario. We envision a future where our inherent laws, lands, and traditions are recognized and respected by governments, industry and the general public.
THE LATEST FROM CHIEFS OF ONTARIO
Media Releases
The Chiefs of Ontario Express Support for Matawa Chiefs Council in Their Response Against Ontario’s Bill 71: Building More Mines Act
(Toronto, ON – April 12, 2023) The Chiefs of Ontario express their full support of the Matawa Chiefs Council and their
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare Offers Condolences to the Family of Linda Mary Beardy and Calls for Full-Scale Searches of Landfills in Winnipeg, Manitoba
(Algonquin Unceded Territory, Ontario – April 6, 2023) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement offering condolences to the
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare Stands in Support of Ontario First Nations Police Chiefs in their Human Rights Complaint with Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) Due to Chronic Underfunding of Police Services
(Algonquin Unceded Territory, Ontario – April 6, 2023) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement in support of the
COO Environment Newsletter – Spring 2023
Please find attached the Spring 2023 Edition of the COO Environment Newsletter for your information and reading. This edition of the