(Thunder Bay, Ont.–Nov. 20, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) have issued the following statement in recognition of Trans Day of Remembrance. “Today we remember the lives of transgender individuals who have been lost to violence and discrimination. This day is a reminder of the work we
Trigger warning: This press contains sensitive subject matter, including suicide and self-harm, that could be triggering for some readers. Resources are available below. (Toronto, Ont.–Nov. 12, 2024) The federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) mental health program is harming First Nations people, according to another damning media report published last week by the Toronto Star and
(Toronto, Ont. – November 8, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict issued the following statement in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day, extending deep respect and gratitude to First Nations veterans and those currently serving: “On Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8, we honour the incredible courage, resilience, and sacrifice of First Nations veterans and active-duty service
(Toronto, Ont. – November 7, 2024) In a landmark announcement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford endorsed the First Nations Data Table (FNDT) initiated by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO). The FNDT brings together First Nations Leadership and Ontario government officials to address First Nations data sovereignty. It will be a forum for mutual learning and discussion
(Toronto, Ont.–Nov. 04, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are mourning the loss of former senator and judge Murray Sinclair. He was 73 years old. “All First Nations across Turtle Island owe a deep debt of gratitude to Murray Sinclair, who spent his life fighting for justice for all First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram
Trigger warning: This press release contains sensitive subject matter, including mental health challenges and Indian Residential Schools, that could be triggering for some readers. Resources are available below. (Toronto, Ont. – November 1, 2024) Chiefs of Ontario are demanding urgent changes to the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) mental health program after concerning revelations in
(Toronto, Ont. – October 29, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario stand in support and solidarity with Kimberly Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, as she releases her final report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework today at the 7th National Gathering on Unmarked
(Treaty No. 7 Territory, Calgary, AB. – October 18, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to fight for on-reserve children facing systemic discrimination through First Nations Child and Family Service Program. Chiefs and Proxies from across Canada voted against a resolution supporting the $47.8 billion Final Agreement aimed at reforming the discriminatory program funding
(October 7, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario) The Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting a media event following the Chiefs of Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on Thursday, October 10, 2024 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,
(Toronto, Ont.–Sept. 30, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: “The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a stark reminder of what First Nations children endured at residential schools. These institutions caused unimaginable harm to entire generations of First Nations people that
