(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
OTTAWA, ON — May 29, 2026 — Today marks a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario as the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) officially takes effect, advancing a new era of First Nations-led child and family services, grounded in inherent rights, jurisdiction, and the well-being of children and families. Leadership from the Chiefs of
(Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2026) On Red Dress Day, the Chiefs of Ontario stand in remembrance and solidarity with families, survivors, and communities impacted by the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Observed annually on May 5, Red Dress Day is a National Day of Awareness and Action, honouring the lives taken and
(May 1, 2026) – On March 30, 2026, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) approved the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (Ontario Final Agreement or OFA) in Ontario. Canada has decided to file a limited judicial review of the Tribunal’s decision with the Federal Court of Canada, asking the court to review the decision
(Toronto, Ont. — March 30, 2026) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) are pleased to announce a monumental turning point for First Nations children and families. Following years of advocacy and the conclusion of hearings in Ottawa, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) has formally issued its decision to approve
(Toronto, Ont.–March 27, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to Ontario’s 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, tabled yesterday at Queen’s Park: This year’s budget largely continues previous messaging focused on strengthening Ontario’s economy in the face of global economic uncertainty, including ongoing concerns related to tariffs from
(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
