(Ottawa, Ont – August 31, 2026) Today, Barbara Kentner's family and First Nations Leadership are standing together in Ottawa to demand accountability and systemic change following the decision to grant full parole to Brayden Bushby, who was convicted of manslaughter in Barbara's death. Barbara's family and community have carried the impacts of her death for
June 4, 2026 — The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations and the Chiefs of Ontario are outraged and deeply disheartened by the Senate's decision to vote down the amendments to Bill C-9 that would have recognized residential school denialism as hate propaganda under the Criminal Code. Canada continues to neglect their legal obligation to
Please find attached the Winter 2026 edition of the COO Women’s Initiatives Newsletter for your information and reading. In this edition, you will find updates on the First Nations Women's Council, the COO Calls for Justice Report Card, the First Nations Intimate Partner Violence Toolkit: Safety Assessment and Risk Management, contributions to the Pathways to
The Chiefs of Ontario Women’s Initiatives sector is seeking proposals for the design and development of two online training (e-learning) modules. The modules will provide a supplementary learning aid to facilitate access to a First Nations toolkit on safety and risk in intimate partner relationships. The successful proponent will work collaboratively with the Chiefs of
The Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat is requesting that all delegates of the Fall Chiefs Assembly 2025 complete the survey linked below to share their experiences. Your feedback is valuable and will help guide the planning of future assemblies. Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=uN4borQm40O0cNlIdPOD605lbosHaNVEnfB4_-vjs6ZUMVJaRU1BTjBSNjlORTJCRFNFUUZWU0RFQi4u If you have any questions about this survey, please contact meetingsupport@coo.org
(Toronto, Ont. – November 20, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Keepers of the Circle – 2S/LGBTQQIADP+ have released the following joint statement: On Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we honour the Two Spirit and trans people who have faced disproportionate violence and systemic inequities. We also acknowledge the teachings that affirm their
(Toronto, ON—November 7, 2025) Yesterday, the Ford government tabled its 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The update focused heavily on economic impacts from tariffs and Ontario’s investments in economic development, critical minerals, and mining sectors. Support for economic development, along with expanded loan guarantees, has the potential to
(Toronto, Ont.–May 15, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to the 2025 Ontario budget, tabled today at Queen’s Park: Today’s budget is largely a response to the ongoing economic concerns stemming from U.S. tariffs with a heavy focus on mineral development in Ontario. The word “reconciliation” only appears twice
WARNING: Sensitive subject matter. (Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2025) On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve as a powerful reminder of the violence that has and continues to disproportionately impact First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. “Today we pause to honour and remember the First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people
The Chiefs of Ontario have compiled a list of First Nations candidates running in the upcoming federal election. You can find the full list and additional details below. NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) Tania Cameron: Kenora—Kiiwetinoong (ON) Tania Cameron is a proud member of the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3, with a strong commitment to
