(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. – 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
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
(Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 24, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the relationship between Canada and the United States: “I wish to congratulate President Donald Trump on his recent election and inauguration. I also want to make clear to his government, all levels of Canadian governments, and to Ontario First Nations
(Toronto, Ont. – January, 8, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Prime Minister's resignation and future priorities for First Nations in Ontario: “On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his public service. His commitment to advancing reconciliation has helped
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Reginal Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service agreement with Ontario: “Earlier this week, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) announced that they have come to an agreement with the province to bring the service into the provincial policing framework. I congratulate NAPS—the
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Benedict has issued the following statement in response to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirming that Bill C-53 will not move forward during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on Monday, December 9, 2024: “The Chiefs of Ontario have
