(Toronto, Ont. – June 15, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting a press conference in response to the “An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nations lands” which will be reintroduced by the Government of Canada. Speakers include (subject to change) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict,
(June 12, 2026 – Toronto, Ont.) On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict extends a warm welcome to the athletes, supporters, and visitors arriving for the FIFA World Cup 2026: “This global event brings people together through sport, celebration, and shared respect. As guests gather on the traditional territories of
(Toronto, Ont. – June 10, 2026) Chippewas of Rama First Nation will host the 2026 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly (ACA) from June 16-18, 2026, at Casino Rama Resort in Rama, ON. The three-day assembly will bring together hundreds of First Nations Leadership, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and delegates from across Ontario to advance shared
(Toronto, Ont – June 1, 2026) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement regarding National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, while also recognizing the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which will be marked on June 20. “National Indigenous History Month, alongside the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, is
(Toronto, Ont.—May 8, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2026 Powering Up Data Sovereignty Conference from May 12-14, 2026, at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, bringing together First Nations Leadership, technicians, data professionals, and researchers from across the region. The three-day conference will build on the momentum since the inaugural 2023 gathering,
(Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2026) On Red Dress Day, the Chiefs of Ontario stand in remembrance and solidarity with families, survivors, and communities impacted by the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Observed annually on May 5, Red Dress Day is a National Day of Awareness and Action, honouring the lives taken and
(Toronto, Ont. — March 30, 2026) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) are pleased to announce a monumental turning point for First Nations children and families. Following years of advocacy and the conclusion of hearings in Ottawa, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) has formally issued its decision to approve
(Toronto, Ont.—March 26, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation will host a joint press conference following the release of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision on Monday, March 30, 2026. The press conference will provide First Nations leadership an opportunity to respond to the decision related to the Final Agreement on
Content Warning: This release discusses the death of a First Nation woman and references systemic racism in healthcare. (March 25, 2026 – Toronto, Ont.) As the coroner’s inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein approaches, Chiefs of Ontario stands in solidarity with her family and Six Nations of the Grand River. Heather Winterstein was a
Content Warning: A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for Survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419. More resources are available through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. (Toronto – Ont. Dec 16, 2025) On the
