(Toronto, Ont.–May 26, 2025) First Nations Leadership from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park today to voice their opposition to the Ford government’s omnibus Bill 5, warning that it threatens inherent rights, Treaty obligations and sovereignty. They are calling on the province to immediately halt the legislative process for the bill until meaningful consultation with
(Toronto, Ont.—May 22, 2025) On May 26, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to express First Nations’ concerns and opposition to Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. At 9 a.m. ET, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict will deliver a verbal submission to the Standing Committee on the Interior
(May 22, 2025 – Toronto, Ont.) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict issued the following statement in support of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s (SON) new research, Assessing Métis Historical Claims to Rights in SON Territory, released today: “The Chiefs of Ontario stands in full support of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation in their release of Assessing Métis
May 20, 2025 – Last week marked one year since the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, co-hosted the Summit on Indigenous Identity Fraud, a landmark gathering that brought together First Nation, Red River Métis, and Inuit Leadership from several regions across the
(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
