(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 constitutional rights.
At the June 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly, Ontario First Nations Leadership established a clear mandate: to advance discussions on constitutional amendments that recognize First Nations as distinct orders of government, and enshrine, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) within section 35 rights.
The Chiefs of Ontario is calling for the establishment of a jointly governed national First Nations-Crown table on Confederation and constitutional change, with a clear commitment to sustained dialogue, accountability, and meaningful progress beyond October 26.
“First Nations are not asking for another meeting to restate our rights. We are calling on Canada and the provinces to take meaningful steps towards recognizing and implementing them,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “This historic gathering must be the beginning of a lasting process, not a one-time conversation without concrete action.”
The meeting also comes at a critical time as the federal government advances Bill C-39, which would further expand federal powers to fast-track major projects. Chiefs of Ontario warn that permanent changes to established review processes risks undermining meaningful consultation and section 35 rights, while creating greater legal uncertainty and project delays.
In addition to discussions surrounding constitution, FPIC, and the government’s duty to align itself with UNDRIP, Chiefs of Ontario also continues to push for concrete federal and provincial commitments to address urgent community priorities, including sustained investments in culturally safe mental health and addictions services, equitable First Nations policing recognized as an essential service, trilateral reform of the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement to protect services for First Nations children and families, and investments in First Nations-led early learning and childcare.
“Canada cannot build a stronger future by legislating around First Nations rights,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Meaningful progress requires respecting our jurisdiction, upholding our right to consent, and making lasting commitments to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities.”
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario
Media Contact
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
416-819-8184
isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
