Content Warning: This release discusses the death of a First Nation woman and references systemic racism in healthcare. (March 25, 2026 – Toronto, Ont.) As the coroner’s inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein approaches, Chiefs of Ontario stands in solidarity with her family and Six Nations of the Grand River. Heather Winterstein was a
March 3, 2026 - The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) have concluded oral submissions before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) regarding the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) Approval Motion, with final hearings held February 26-27, 2026. While these historic hearings have concluded, the CHRT is expected to release its decision in
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. – 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
(Toronto, Ont. – Nov 5, 2025) The Chiefs are Ontario are calling for stronger, distinctions-based investment following the release of Canada Strong: Federal Budget 2025, tabled yesterday by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of National Revenue Canada François-Philippe Champagne. While the 2025 federal budget outlines over $141 billion in new spending and ambitious commitments
(Toronto, Ont. - October 22, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario are expressing deep concern following the Auditor General of Canada’s latest report, which exposes the federal government’s ongoing failure to meet even the most basic standards of service delivery for Nations across the country. Despite nearly a decade of audits and billions of dollars in
