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.–Dec. 10, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario has released the following statement regarding the provincial government’s recent proposal to remove the requirement for mining companies to get permits to use water in early exploration phases: “We’re deeply concerned with the approach that this government is taking in response to economic threats from abroad,” said
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 9, 2025) The Federal Court handed down two decisions on Friday that make clear the federal government has a fiduciary and legal duty to provide safe drinking water and adequate housing to First Nations. The decisions are related to two class action lawsuits, one about drinking water launched by Shamattawa First Nation and
(Ottawa, Ont.–Dec. 3, 2025) After years of unacceptable delays, Chiefs of Ontario is demanding the Government of Canada stop delaying implementing the 2021 First Nations class action settlement agreement. First Nations Leadership collectively representing tens of thousands of First Nations people and hundreds of thousands of kilometres of Treaty lands went to the House of
The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for ORIC Implementation Committee Members. The Ontario Reform Implementation Committee (“ORIC”) is the central oversight body responsible for monitoring and guiding the implementation of the Reformed First Nations Child and Family Services (“FNCFS”) Program in Ontario. The role of the ORIC and each of its members is pivotal
(Ottawa, Ont.—Dec. 1, 2025) Nearly a third of First Nations in Ontario are currently under a short- or long-term drinking water advisory. On Wednesday, December 3, Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to draw attention to this troubling and ongoing national scandal. The press conference will also serve as an opportunity to highlight
(Toronto, Ont. – November 26, 2025) Following the two-day Fall Chiefs Assembly on November 18-19, 2025, First Nation Leadership has formally called upon the Government of Canada to take immediate action to rectify the operational failures of the Jordan’s Principle program and that Indigenous Services Canada’s February 2025 Operational Bulletin be revised to support and
(Toronto, Ont. -- November 14, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict extends their deepest condolences to Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, and to the family and friends of Chief Lorraine Cobiness, on her recent passing. Chief Cobiness was a dedicated and respected leader whose decades of service strengthened her community and contributed
(Toronto, ON—November 7, 2025) Yesterday, the Ford government tabled its 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The update focused heavily on economic impacts from tariffs and Ontario’s investments in economic development, critical minerals, and mining sectors. Support for economic development, along with expanded loan guarantees, has the potential to
