(Toronto, Ont.–Oct. 26, 2026) Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Chiefs of Ontario (COO) will hold a hybrid joint press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, following the release of a new documentary and launch of an advocacy campaign on the airport infrastructure crisis at remote First Nations airports in northern Ontario. For the more than
(Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, -- October 26, 2026) Ahead of today’s historic First Nations-First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, the Chiefs of Ontario is calling on the Prime Minister and provincial and territorial leaders to commit to a new path forward that recognizes First Nations as distinct orders of government and upholds their inherent, Treaty, and
(Toronto, Ont. – October 22, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario express support for the final judgement and recommendations of the 57th session of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing and Disappeared Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves in Canada. Through extensive Survivor testimony, historical evidence, and international legal analysis, the Tribunal presents profound and harrowing findings
(Canada - October 8, 2026) - The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) are united in rejecting Bill C-39, Building Canada Strong Act, and are calling on Canada to withdraw it. Prime Minister Carney is weaponizing the
Content Warning: This release discusses the Indian Residential School system, including its ongoing impacts on Survivors, families, and First Nations, as well as Residential School denialism. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. (Toronto, Ont. – September 30, 2026)
(Toronto – Ont. – September 23, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario (COO) have launched an Open Letter to All Ontarians: Help Us Bring Our Ancestors Home, calling on people and institutions to come forward if they are holding or have information about, First Nations Ancestors, sacred items, burial belongings, or other culturally significant items. This initiative
(Toronto, Ont. – September 4, 2026) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict stands firmly with Mississauga First Nation following its rejection of territorial and harvesting assertions made in connection with the recent purchase of approximately 320 acres of private property along the Mississagi River by the Métis Nation of Ontario-affiliated “Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community”. “Mississauga First
(Ottawa, Ontario – Aug 27, 2026) First Nations Leadership and members of Barbara Kentner's family will hold a press conference and march on Parliament Hill on Monday, August 31, 2026, to demand accountability following the decision to grant full parole to the man convicted of manslaughter in her death. Barbara Kentner, a member of Wabigoon
(Toronto, Ont. – July 30, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario stands with First Nations across Ontario in calling for an independent public inquiry into the provincial response to this year’s devastating wildfire season. This summer, at least 12 First Nations have been fully or partially evacuated due to wildfires this year. Some communities have been destroyed,
(Ottawa, Ont. – July 15, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the federal and provincial governments to immediately provide coordinated emergency support as escalating wildfires threaten First Nations across northern Ontario. As of July 15, First Nations Leadership from the Ontario region have held several meetings to discuss the emerging wildfire crisis in
