(Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, — October 26, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario provide a statement following the conclusion of today’s historic First Nations First Ministers Meeting (FNFMM) in Ottawa: "The meeting, which took place today was highly anticipated and long-awaited. We are extremely pleased to hear numerous commitments coming out of today’s meeting with the
(Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, -- October 26, 2026) Ahead of today’s historic First Nations-First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, the Chiefs of Ontario is calling on the Prime Minister and provincial and territorial leaders to commit to a new path forward that recognizes First Nations as distinct orders of government and upholds their inherent, Treaty, and
(Canada - October 8, 2026) - The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) are united in rejecting Bill C-39, Building Canada Strong Act, and are calling on Canada to withdraw it. Prime Minister Carney is weaponizing the
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)
(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. – July 30, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario stands with First Nations across Ontario in calling for an independent public inquiry into the provincial response to this year’s devastating wildfire season. This summer, at least 12 First Nations have been fully or partially evacuated due to wildfires this year. Some communities have been destroyed,
(Ottawa, Ont. – July 15, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the federal and provincial governments to immediately provide coordinated emergency support as escalating wildfires threaten First Nations across northern Ontario. As of July 15, First Nations Leadership from the Ontario region have held several meetings to discuss the emerging wildfire crisis in
(Toronto, Ont.–July 2, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario stands with Kashechewan First Nation and its citizens in Niagara Falls after insulting comments were made about evacuees in the area. “Many First Nations in the north are forced to evacuate their homes and communities every year due to wildfires, floods and failing infrastructure. When this happens, families
(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
