(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
(Toronto – Ont, Dec. 15, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement following Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin’s (Un)Making of Metis Claims in Ontario conference held in Sault Ste. Marie on December 13-14, 2025: The Chiefs of Ontario affirm our support for the (Un)Making of Metis Claims in Ontario conference held in Baawaating
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 10, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario has released the following statement regarding the provincial government’s recent proposal to remove the requirement for mining companies to get permits to use water in early exploration phases: “We’re deeply concerned with the approach that this government is taking in response to economic threats from abroad,” said
(Toronto, Ont -- November 17 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario will host the Fall Chiefs Assembly (FCA) on November 18-19, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario. The two-day assembly will include critical updates on a variety of issues and priorities for First Nations in Ontario. Toronto is the ancestral territory of many nations, including the Anishnabeg, Chippewa,
(Toronto, Ont. -- November 14, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict extends their deepest condolences to Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, and to the family and friends of Chief Lorraine Cobiness, on her recent passing. Chief Cobiness was a dedicated and respected leader whose decades of service strengthened her community and contributed
