(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
You are invited to submit a proposal for Analysis and Options regarding the Canada Water Act First Nations in Ontario have an inherent responsibility to preserve and protect water, not as a commodity or economic driver, but as a living, life-providing entity. These responsibilities were established prior to contact with settler governments and form the
You are invited to submit a proposal for Pre-engagement on the Canada Water Act First Nations in Ontario have an inherent responsibility to preserve and protect water, not as a commodity or economic driver, but as a living, life-providing entity. These responsibilities were established prior to contact with settler governments and form the foundation of
(Caldwell First Nation, Ont.–Feb. 5, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Caldwell First Nation have issued the following joint press release: More than 100 representatives from organizations and First Nations across southern Ontario gathered in Windsor to discuss the repatriation of Ancestors and sacred items that are currently in the care of the provincial government
(Toronto, Ont. – January, 8, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Prime Minister's resignation and future priorities for First Nations in Ontario: “On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his public service. His commitment to advancing reconciliation has helped
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Reginal Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service agreement with Ontario: “Earlier this week, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) announced that they have come to an agreement with the province to bring the service into the provincial policing framework. I congratulate NAPS—the
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Benedict has issued the following statement in response to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirming that Bill C-53 will not move forward during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on Monday, December 9, 2024: “The Chiefs of Ontario have
