Pathways to Prosperity: First Nation Priorities for Sustainable Development – Provincial Election Priorities

Pathways to Prosperity: First Nation Priorities for Sustainable Development is a product that is intended to support its predecessor report from 2022, titled “Creating a New Legacy: Building a Strong Foundation for Future Generations.” As we know, centuries of colonization and chronic underfunding have led to the various systemic issues still existing today that directly affect and cause harm to First Nations. This document is a call to action to address these injustices, and highlight the many opportunities in which the Ontario Government and First Nations can work in a collaborative manner toward prosperity for all. It is a call to heal past harms in the spirit of peace, friendship, and recognition of First Nations inherent and Treaty-protected rights.

The priorities outlined in this document are not new and have been articulated by First Nations through countless election cycles. The first step to addressing these oftentimes neglected priorities is to continue to build a renewed relationship consistent with First Nations sovereignty and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. First Nations priorities are Ontario’s priorities. No longer can governments quietly make decisions that affect the rights and interests of First Nations people without their permission. It is time for us – both First Nations and the Government of Ontario – to embark upon the various pathways to prosperity that are outlined throughout this report that embrace effective, self determined and First Nations-led solutions.

First Nations leadership are seeking a commitment from the next provincial government to act on the five following priority areas:

A Renewed Relationship
Sustainable Community Development and Environmental Protection
Health and Emergency Preparedness
Community Well-being
Indian Residential School Investigations

We urge you, as leaders of Ontario’s major provincial parties, to take account of the priorities outlined in this document when delivering your message to the citizens of Ontario this election season. We ask that you commit to careful consideration, concrete action, and an all-of-government approach to lead the charge in advocating for and actively developing prosperous pathways ahead for First Nations and all Ontarians.

Disclaimer: Pathways to Prosperity: First Nation Priorities for Sustainable Development was created by the Chiefs of Ontario. The issues outlined in this document are reflective of preexisting resolutions and mandates given to the Chiefs of Ontario by the Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly, as well as discussions held prior to the 2025 general election with First Nations’ leadership, namely, the Chiefs of the 133 First Nations in Ontario. The issues identified in this document are not intended to reflect the full range of First Nation priorities and are without prejudice to any current or future priorities, initiatives, requests, and work being undertaken by First Nations and First Nations organizations in Ontario region and to the inherent and Treaty rights of all First Nations. It is critical that the Ontario government work directly with First Nations leadership in Ontario to develop solutions that meet their individual and diverse needs.

Download Pathways to Prosperity: First Nation Priorities for Sustainable Development here.