(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 Premiers and Prime Minister, and are looking forward to starting the real work as true, equal partners.

A central outcome of the meeting was Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to work with First Nations to establish a process to repeal the Indian Act and address the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights.

Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to abolishing the Indian Act and agreeing that there must be a process in which First Nations can participate on their own accord is an excellent and welcomed outcome from today. Hearing that this is a priority for the Prime Minister is very encouraging, but must include a process that is meaningfully developed and mutually agreed upon.

Other commitments coming out of the FNFMM from Prime Minister Carney include new investments in the next federal budget cycle, with commitments of $2.5 billion over five (5) years for emergency management, $650 million over four (4) years for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP), and to providing federal resources and personnel to begin developing a First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Leadership has been working on these files tirelessly, and it is reassuring to hear that new investment dollars are forthcoming to address many of the longstanding gaps affecting our Nations. While this funding is welcomed, it is merely a foundational step. The infrastructure gap continues to grow between First Nations and non-First Nations across Canada. Long-term and predictable funding into these programs and services is vital and must also be secured.

The Chiefs of Ontario is committed to working alongside the Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, and all other First Nation regions across the country to move forward on the commitments from the Prime Minister.

To give effect to the Prime Minister’s commitment, we are hopeful that Canada and First Nations will work together to develop the process for the abolishment of the Indian Act and the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ inherent rights, title and constitutional rights. This work will include identifying the appropriate political and technical mechanisms, participation arrangements, timelines, and resources necessary to advance these objectives, while respecting the distinct rights, title, Treaties, and jurisdiction of First Nations.

The real work doesn’t start with these commitments – it starts tomorrow, and the day after. The Chiefs of Ontario calls on all levels of government to follow through and prioritize these processes to establish a jointly governed process with us to secure a pathway forward to discuss constitutional amendments that recognize Ontario First Nations as distinct orders of government, enshrined in FPIC and our rights guaranteed under Section 35.”

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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