(Toronto, Ont.–March 22, 2025) On World Water Day, and with a federal election looming, First Nations Leadership in the Ontario region are calling on the next federal government to enact Bill C-61: First Nations Clean Water Act. “Every year on this day, the world is reminded of the importance of water. It is the very
(Toronto, Ont.–March 19, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement in response to remarks provided earlier today by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre that, if elected, his government will “unlock” the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario by green lighting all federal permits within six months. This morning during
(Toronto, Ont. – March 18, 2025) As the likelihood of an imminent 2025 federal election increases, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on federal leaders to prioritize policies that honour First Nations rights and foster collaborative solutions grounded in the spirit of reconciliation. “Ontario is home to the largest First Nations population in Canada. The
(Toronto, Ont. – March 8, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) and newly elected Chief, Tesha Rourke, have released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day: “With 'Accelerate Action' as the 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, we are reminded of the need to advance gender equity in Leadership
(Toronto, Ont. – Mar. 5, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler have issued the following statement regarding recently imposed tariffs on Canadian products: “The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation express our deep concerns regarding the recent announcement of tariffs imposed by the United States on
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement following Ontario’s 2025 election: “Yesterday, Ontarians cast their ballots and elected Doug Ford as premier for the third time. I congratulate Premier Ford on his win and look forward to our continued work together. Now is a time for us to
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a hybrid media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC). Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to
February 26, 2025 - In a display of unity, Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leadership voted by nearly-unanimous resolution to ratify the $8.5 billion Ontario Final Agreement on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. During today’s COO Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA), 76 chiefs and
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 26, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict congratulates Francis Verreault-Paul on his election as the Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL). His election marks a significant moment as he takes on the critical role of representing the voices and interests of First Nations communities within the
Warning: This statement discusses human trafficking, exploitation, and related issues, which may be distressing to some readers. Mental health counselling and crisis support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat. (Toronto, Ont. – February 22, 2025) The Ontario First Nations
