(May 14, 2025—Toronto, Ont.) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement following the announcement of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly appointed Cabinet: Prime Minister Carney’s announcement today marks several significant changes within Cabinet. With a shift in key portfolios, we remain committed to working with each of the appointed ministers to advance the
WARNING: Sensitive subject matter, including suicide and self-harm, that could be distressing for some. (Toronto, Ont.–May 2, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply troubled by the serious and persistent challenges faced by many First Nations, particularly the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. The Nation has been in a state of emergency since 2014 due
(Toronto, Ont.—April 29, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney and to new and returning Members of Parliament in the 45th General Election: “I wish to extend my most sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney on a successful campaign and his election as Canada’s 25th
(Toronto, Ont.–April 17, 2025) Chiefs of Ontario is deeply concerned over recent tough-on-crime rhetoric from political leaders at both the provincial and federal levels, including Premier Ford and Conservative Leader Poilievre. Recent commitments such as mandatory minimum sentences and the appointment of judges and justices of the peace who align with these regressive perspectives, reflect
(Toronto, Ont. – April 14, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario are raising concerns about the Ford government’s proposed legislation to fast-track mining development by designating “regions of economic and security interest.” First Nations across Ontario support economic reconciliation and recognize the role that responsible resource development can play in strengthening local and regional economies amid
(Toronto, Ont.–April 4, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the release of the long-delayed expert panel’s report into Métis Nation of Ontario communities: “This new Métis National Council (MNC) report into the validity of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) communities does not change the positions of either First Nations Leadership
(Toronto, Ont. – March 8, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) and newly elected Chief, Tesha Rourke, have released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day: “With 'Accelerate Action' as the 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, we are reminded of the need to advance gender equity in Leadership
(Toronto, Ont. – Mar. 5, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler have issued the following statement regarding recently imposed tariffs on Canadian products: “The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation express our deep concerns regarding the recent announcement of tariffs imposed by the United States on
February 26, 2025 - In a display of unity, Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leadership voted by nearly-unanimous resolution to ratify the $8.5 billion Ontario Final Agreement on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. During today’s COO Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA), 76 chiefs and
(Toronto, Ont. – February 24, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting a hybrid media event following the Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario on the ancestral territory of many nations, including the Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat peoples. Toronto is also part of Treaty 13, signed by
