(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
(Toronto – Ont. Feb. 23, 2026) – The Chiefs of Ontario is calling on the federal and provincial governments to take steps to improve safety along critical northern highways following a several recent deadly collisions. On January 31, 2026, a collision on Highway 11 west of Hearst tragically claimed the lives of Darrel (Jackboy) Taylor,
Content Warning: A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for Survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419. More resources are available through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. (Toronto – Ont. Dec 16, 2025) On the
(Toronto – Ont, Dec. 15, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement following Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin’s (Un)Making of Metis Claims in Ontario conference held in Sault Ste. Marie on December 13-14, 2025: The Chiefs of Ontario affirm our support for the (Un)Making of Metis Claims in Ontario conference held in Baawaating
