OTTAWA, ON — May 29, 2026 — Today marks a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario as the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) officially takes effect, advancing a new era of First Nations-led child and family services, grounded in inherent rights, jurisdiction, and the well-being of children and families. Leadership from the Chiefs of
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals for the development of strategic resources to support the First Nations Business Directory (FNBD) Portal and its associated verification, certification, and procurement support functions. This Project will focus on the creation of strategic documents, operational guidelines, and resource materials that will support the
(May 1, 2026) – On March 30, 2026, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) approved the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (Ontario Final Agreement or OFA) in Ontario. Canada has decided to file a limited judicial review of the Tribunal’s decision with the Federal Court of Canada, asking the court to review the decision
March 3, 2026 - The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) have concluded oral submissions before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) regarding the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) Approval Motion, with final hearings held February 26-27, 2026. While these historic hearings have concluded, the CHRT is expected to release its decision in
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for ORIC Implementation Committee Members. The Ontario Reform Implementation Committee (“ORIC”) is the central oversight body responsible for monitoring and guiding the implementation of the Reformed First Nations Child and Family Services (“FNCFS”) Program in Ontario. The role of the ORIC and each of its members is pivotal
(Toronto, Ont. – November 26, 2025) Following the two-day Fall Chiefs Assembly on November 18-19, 2025, First Nation Leadership has formally called upon the Government of Canada to take immediate action to rectify the operational failures of the Jordan’s Principle program and that Indigenous Services Canada’s February 2025 Operational Bulletin be revised to support and
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals for Off-Reserve First Nation Representative Services Delivery Pathway. The work being requested is to use the research expertise of the candidate to create a pathway to ensure First Nation Representative Services cover funding for off-reserve First Nation children and families, provide analysis for
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals to create an updated Second Edition of the 2006 Report by Judith Rae, “The 1965 Agreement: Comparison & Review.” The new report should examine and evaluate the four program areas currently covered by the 1965 IWA, evaluate and compare how the other regions
First Nation Employment Services Framework Survey The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), invites First Nation community members to take part in the First Nation Employment Services Framework Survey. This survey will help identify barriers to employment, the supports and services communities need, and
(Toronto, Ont. – October 14, 2025) – Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council are calling for unity among First Nations leaders and organizations to support the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) and move forward with long-overdue child welfare reform. “The Chiefs in our region have been clear: our children cannot
