(June 16, 2026 – Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Ont. ) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario are responding to the tabling of An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands from the Government of Canada. “The re-introduction of this legislation is a significant step, and we will
June 4, 2026 — The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations and the Chiefs of Ontario are outraged and deeply disheartened by the Senate's decision to vote down the amendments to Bill C-9 that would have recognized residential school denialism as hate propaganda under the Criminal Code. Canada continues to neglect their legal obligation to
(Toronto, Ont – June 1, 2026) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement regarding National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, while also recognizing the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which will be marked on June 20. “National Indigenous History Month, alongside the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, is
OTTAWA, ON — May 29, 2026 — Today marks a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario as the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) officially takes effect, advancing a new era of First Nations-led child and family services, grounded in inherent rights, jurisdiction, and the well-being of children and families. Leadership from the Chiefs of
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals for the development of strategic resources to support the First Nations Business Directory (FNBD) Portal and its associated verification, certification, and procurement support functions. This Project will focus on the creation of strategic documents, operational guidelines, and resource materials that will support the
(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, 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
