(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
(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
(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 27, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to Ontario’s 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, tabled yesterday at Queen’s Park: This year’s budget largely continues previous messaging focused on strengthening Ontario’s economy in the face of global economic uncertainty, including ongoing concerns related to tariffs from
(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
(Toronto, Ont. – March 26, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario is demanding an apology and federal action on widespread spying on First Nations by police and security forces in Canada. Earlier this week, CBC Indigenous revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spent decades spying on First Nations leaders and organizations whose only crime was advocating
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
(Toronto, Ont. – March 23, 2026) For World Water Day, First Nations leaders in the Ontario region are calling on the federal government to fulfill its commitment to reintroduce Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, and address ongoing drinking water advisories in First Nations communities. A 2025 Auditor General report rated Indigenous Services
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
