May 20, 2025 – Last week marked one year since the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, co-hosted the Summit on Indigenous Identity Fraud, a landmark gathering that brought together First Nation, Red River Métis, and Inuit Leadership from several regions across the
Twenty-five years after Walkerton, a water crisis persists (Toronto, Ont.–May 20, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the Walkerton water crisis: “The Walkerton water crisis was a preventable tragedy. We remember and honour those who died or became ill. This horrific event has had a profound
(Toronto, Ont.–May 15, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to the 2025 Ontario budget, tabled today at Queen’s Park: Today’s budget is largely a response to the ongoing economic concerns stemming from U.S. tariffs with a heavy focus on mineral development in Ontario. The word “reconciliation” only appears twice
(May 14, 2025—Toronto, Ont.) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement following the announcement of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly appointed Cabinet: Prime Minister Carney’s announcement today marks several significant changes within Cabinet. With a shift in key portfolios, we remain committed to working with each of the appointed ministers to advance the
(Toronto, Ont.–May 12, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement (OFNPA), are releasing a report highlighting the dire situation faced by First Nations officers in Ontario and the urgent need for increased resources to support their mental health. The study surveyed the
(May 9, 2025–Toronto, Ont.) On Monday, May 12, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement, will unveil the results of a first-of-its kind study that highlights the urgent need for increased resources to support the mental health of First Nations officers in Ontario. Independent
You are invited to submit a proposal for COO Education Sector: First Nation Post-Secondary Transition Intervention Supports. The project will aim to: Research and gather existing age-appropriate intervention strategies across the lifelong learning journey and where the learner is at. This research will examine (but not limited to) effective ways to communicate with various age
WARNING: Sensitive subject matter. (Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2025) On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve as a powerful reminder of the violence that has and continues to disproportionately impact First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. “Today we pause to honour and remember the First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people
WARNING: Sensitive subject matter, including suicide and self-harm, that could be distressing for some. (Toronto, Ont.–May 2, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply troubled by the serious and persistent challenges faced by many First Nations, particularly the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. The Nation has been in a state of emergency since 2014 due
(Toronto, Ont.—April 29, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney and to new and returning Members of Parliament in the 45th General Election: “I wish to extend my most sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney on a successful campaign and his election as Canada’s 25th
