Priorities

Ontario Regional Chief Benedict congratulates Nishnawbe Aski Police Service on agreement with province

(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Reginal Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service agreement with Ontario: “Earlier this week, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) announced that they have come to an agreement with the province to bring the service into the provincial policing framework. I congratulate NAPS—the

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00December 13th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Justice, Political|

Ontario Regional Chief Benedict issues statement on Minister Anandasangaree’s comments regarding Bill C-53

(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Benedict has issued the following statement in response to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirming that Bill C-53 will not move forward during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on Monday, December 9, 2024: “The Chiefs of Ontario have

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00December 13th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Justice, Political|Tags: |

First Nations Women’s Council Issues Statement on Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic and Bill 173

(Toronto, Ont. – December 10, 2024)  The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council has released the following statement acknowledging the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on December 10th and addressing the premature halt of Bill 173: This annual campaign, which runs from November 25th to December 10th, shines a

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00December 10th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Women's Initiatives|

Request for Proposals: Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council

You are invited to submit a proposal for Strategic Planning Services for the Chiefs of Ontario and Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council. The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking proposals from qualified consultants to assist in developing a 5-year comprehensive strategic plan for the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council. This plan will integrate the individual strategic

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 27th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Political|

Statement from Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Ontario First Nations Young People’s Council on Transgender Day of Remembrance

(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

2026-07-10T15:20:47-04:00November 20th, 2024|Categories: Communications, OFNYPC, Political, Youth|

Further revelations about Non-Insured Health Benefits mental health program illustrate need for systemic change

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

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 12th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Health, Political|

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict Honours Veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day

(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

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 8th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Political|

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Extends Support to Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Data Table

(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

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 7th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Political, Research and Data Management|

Chiefs of Ontario issue statement on the passing of Murray Sinclair

(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

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 4th, 2024|Categories: Communications, Justice, Political|

Chiefs of Ontario deeply concerned about mental health providers enrolled in the Non-Insured Health Benefits program

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

2026-06-18T16:36:03-04:00November 1st, 2024|Categories: Communications, Health|
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