(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
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, Ont – August 31, 2026) Today, Barbara Kentner's family and First Nations Leadership are standing together in Ottawa to demand accountability and systemic change following the decision to grant full parole to Brayden Bushby, who was convicted of manslaughter in Barbara's death. Barbara's family and community have carried the impacts of her death for
(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. – 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: 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
(Toronto, Ont.–Oct. 30, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the Independent Special Interlocutor’s Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials associated with Indian Residential Schools to Survivors. The final report represents the culmination of years of research and engagement
