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Recent Posts

The Chiefs of Ontario responds to the tabling of 2025 Ontario budget
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict Responds to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet Appointments
Three quarters of First Nations police in Ontario report facing mental health challenges on the job

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The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following sta

The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to the 2025 Ontario budget, tabled today at Queen’s Park:

Today’s budget is largely a response to the ongoing economic concerns stemming from U.S. tariffs with a heavy focus on mineral development in Ontario.

The word “reconciliation” only appears twice in this year’s budget, both in reference to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. The word “mineral” is repeated 63 times, and “Ring of Fire” is repeated 16.

Among the key investments announced in today’s budget is $70 million over four years into the Indigenous Participation Fund (formerly known as the Aboriginal Participation Fund), as well as $10 million for scholarships for First Nations students interested in working in resource development. The budget also commits to tripling loan guarantees through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program to $3 billion, up from $1 billion.

“I am incredibly encouraged to hear that Ontario is acting on its commitment to invest $70 million into the Indigenous Participation Fund. The Chiefs of Ontario played a large role in advocating for this funding over the past year and we are very pleased to see it come to fruition,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “This funding will allow First Nations to extend employment and hire First Nations people with experience in the mining sector who can provide technical and traditional-knowledge oversight over projects.”

The program has proven to support First Nations capacity growth in the mining sector, particularly in regulatory process and environmental monitoring.

“As we have said time and time again, First Nations cannot meaningfully engage or consent to any developments on their lands if they are unequipped to do so. They also can’t participate in the process if they are dealing with crises in their communities. We hope that this is the beginning of a new chapter for First Nations participation in the mining industry,” said Regional Chief Abram Benedict...

To read the full press release, visit the link in bio.

Grand Chief Linda Debassige joined 350 members of

Grand Chief Linda Debassige joined 350 members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in Milwaukee for the signing of a historic Declaration to protect our shared waters and regional economy.

The Declaration commits to preserving the U.S.-Canada relationship and safeguarding the Great Lakes St. Lawrence watershed for future generations.

#GreatLakes #FreshwaterProtection

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the Chiefs of O

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the Chiefs of Ontario is proud to host a commemorative golf tournament on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Quarry Golf Club! ⛳️

Join us on the green as we celebrate 50 years of supporting all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood.

Date: Monday June 16, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM shotgun start
Location: Quarry Golf Club | 447 Tara Rd. Ennismore, ON K0L 1T0

For sponsorship information, contact Megan Logan at Megan.Logan@coo.org
Proceeds will go to Hiawatha First Nation community initiatives.

To register, contact Julie Hill at COS.Julie@coo.org

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement following the announcement of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly appointed Cabinet:

Prime Minister Carney’s announcement today marks several significant changes within Cabinet. With a shift in key portfolios, we remain committed to working with each of the appointed ministers to advance the priorities of First Nations in Ontario, as outlined before and after the election.

While some minsters are returning, many new appointments have been made to critical portfolios, such as Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations, Justice, Environment and Climate Change, Health, and Housing and Infrastructure. These ministers play a central role in on going Chiefs of Ontario files and we look forward to continuing this important work with the new ministers and their teams.

We are incredibly proud to see two Indigenous Members of Parliament appointed to Cabinet. Our sincere congratulations and well wishes are extended to Mandy Gull-Masty and Rebecca Chartrand on their appointments as Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, respectively.

Minister Gull-Masty, the former Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, becomes the first Indigenous person to lead Indigenous Services Canada. We welcome her leadership, lived experience, and knowledge and look forward to her contributions in Parliament.

We also welcome Rebecca Alty as the new Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. As the former Mayor of Yellowknife, we are eager to see how her experience will help strengthen resiliency among First Nations across both the North and South.

We thank former Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and former Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree for their work and contributions, and we look forward to working with them in their new Cabinet positions.

It is clear that Prime Minister Carney is prioritizing Canada’s most pressing issues, particularly the ongoing trade and tariff war with the United States and...

Read the full statement via the link in bio.

The Chiefs of Ontario Food Sovereignty Forum broug

The Chiefs of Ontario Food Sovereignty Forum brought together First Nations Chiefs, technicians, economic development officers, academics, and government representatives to share powerful stories, innovative practices, and pathways to reclaiming Indigenous food systems. Watch the post-conference video to see the wisdom and collaboration that shaped this important gathering.

Video link in Bio

#ChiefsofOntario #foodsovereignty

Don't forget to register! The Chiefs of Ontario E

Don't forget to register!

The Chiefs of Ontario Economic Development Sector, alongside consultants from BDO Canada will be conducting two (2) virtual engagement sessions.

The sessions will build on previous engagement sessions and support the development of Partnership Assessment Guidelines by gathering perspectives on what makes partnerships beneficial or harmful, what values or outcomes should guide partnership decisions, and what tools or processes would help strengthen First Nation business decision-making. The guidelines will empower First Nation business owners to critically assess potential partnerships, avoid exploitative arrangements, and engage in ventures that align with both individual entrepreneurial goals and broader community interests.

The Chiefs of Ontario will be offering two identical virtual engagement sessions covering the same topic. Please select the meeting date that works best for your schedule.

Date and Time: May 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ET
May 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ET

Locations: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Who should attend: First Nation Entrepreneurs, Community leaders, First Nation Economic Development Officers, First Nation Economic Development Corporation leads, Consultants

Registration link available in bio

During National Nurses Week, we celebrate and hono

During National Nurses Week, we celebrate and honour the dedicated nurses who provide essential care to our most cherished community members.

Their hard work, compassion, and commitment are vital to building inclusive and equitable healthcare systems.

The Chiefs of Ontario acknowledge the profound impact nurses have in improving the health and well-being of our communities, and the transformative role they play in advancing community health.

Photos from today's press event announcing the rel

Photos from today's press event announcing the release of a new report highlighting the dire situation faced by First Nations officers in Ontario and the urgent need for increased resources to support their mental health.

The Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement (OFNPA), surveyed the OFNPA police services that are administered by the OPP and found that three quarters of officers have experienced a mental health issue on the job.

Learn more or to read the full report via the link in our bio.

#onpoli #canpoli #cdnpoli

The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2nd annual Fir

The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2nd annual First Nations Community Wellness Conference on August 19-21, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

This conference provide a collaborative forum for all sectors to come together towards the united goal of improving community wellness among First Nations in Ontario.

Please note we are currently accepting applications for vendors (crafts, artwork, beadwork, clothing) and exhibitors. This includes organizations or service providers showcasing programs, services, or information.

Applications can be completed by visiting the First Nations Community Wellness Conference page and clicking the link to vendor/exhibitor applications. Link to the conference is in our bio.

This education week, the Chiefs of Ontario is dedi

This education week, the Chiefs of Ontario is dedicated to continued advocacy through the work their education committees are doing for First Nations. Working to continue building positive relationships with First Nations, education partners, and all levels of government in the spirit of reconciliation with First Nations peoples to help create opportunities and empower the success of future generations through education.

To learn more about the Chiefs of Ontario's education resources please visit the education portal link in our bio.

Mental Health Week 2025 is an important time to re

Mental Health Week 2025 is an important time to reflect, raise awareness, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and well-being across our Nations. This week, we come together to foster open conversations that help break down the barriers to understanding mental health challenges.

As First Nations peoples, we know that mental wellness is deeply connected to culture, land, and relationships with each other. Healing is not just an individual journey, but a shared one—guided by the strength of our collective spirit and the teachings of our Elders.

Let us use this time to walk forward, strong and united, creating a culture of compassion, understanding, and support. Through this connection, we can build spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. Together, we heal, and together, we thrive.

Mental wellness is a journey, not a destination. Let's break the silence, not the spirit.

#EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthWeek2025

The Chiefs of Ontario Economic Development Sector,

The Chiefs of Ontario Economic Development Sector, alongside consultants from BDO Canada will be conducting two (2) virtual engagement sessions.

The sessions will build on previous engagement sessions and support the development of Partnership Assessment Guidelines by gathering perspectives on what makes partnerships beneficial or harmful, what values or outcomes should guide partnership decisions, and what tools or processes would help strengthen First Nation business decision-making. The guidelines will empower First Nation business owners to critically assess potential partnerships, avoid exploitative arrangements, and engage in ventures that align with both individual entrepreneurial goals and broader community interests.

The Chiefs of Ontario will be offering two identical virtual engagement sessions covering the same topic. Please select the meeting date that works best for your schedule.

Date and Time: May 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ET
May 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ET

Locations: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Who should attend: First Nation Entrepreneurs, Community leaders, First Nation Economic Development Officers, First Nation Economic Development Corporation leads, Consultants

Registration link available in bio

#ChiefsOfOntario #FirstNationsLeadership #PartnershipGuidelines #FirstNationsEconomy #CommunityDriven #FirstNationsEntrepreneurs #EngagementOpportunity

On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve a

On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve as a powerful reminder of the violence that has and continues to disproportionately impact First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

“Today we pause to honour and remember the First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been taken from their families and the earth far too soon. The Chiefs of Ontario and the First Nations Women’s Council are committed to working toward the full implementation of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice. We will continue to advocate for solutions that protect the safety of those vulnerable to targeted acts of violence to ensure that no more lives are stolen through violence and systemic neglect.” Said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.

The First Nations Women’s Council reminds us that each red dress whispers the name of a loved one — a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend — whose life was precious and irreplaceable. Today, we stand in solidarity with the families and survivors who continue to advocate for truth, justice, and systemic change.
“The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls called this ongoing violence what it is: a genocide.” Said First Nations Women’s Council member Sandra Montour.

“Despite the release of the Inquiry’s Final Report and Calls for Justice, there is so much action still needed across all levels of government to address this violence and take the necessary steps to ensure that First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are protected and supported. Too many are familiar with stories of lost loved ones or live them firsthand.” Montour explained.

The Chiefs of Ontario and the First Nations Women’s Council remain committed to advancing the full implementation of the Calls for Justice.
As Canada heads into a new government, we call on the federal leadership to act with urgency. The Calls for Justice have laid out a clear framework—now it’s time for full implementation. We hold the new government accountable for addressing this ongoing genocide.
Let the symbol of red dresses remind us of the lives we honour, the spirits we call home, and the action we must...

Full statement: Link in bio

Episode 9 of the Voice of Sovereignty podcast is h

Episode 9 of the Voice of Sovereignty podcast is here!
Diane Jacko joins us from Naandwechige-Gamig Wiikwemkoong Health Centre, who shares how her team is leading community surveys while respecting OCAP® principles.This episode also features Michael McCormick, IT Supervisor for Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, on managing community health data. We also speak with Michael Staruck, Director of Education for Chiefs of Ontario, on how data shapes First Nations education's future. This episode celebrates powerful strides in First Nations data sovereignty and governance - tune in and be inspired!

https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/priorities/research/#podcast

#DataSovereignty #FirstNations #OCAP® #VoiceOfSovereignty

The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply troubled by the s

The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply troubled by the serious and persistent challenges faced by many First Nations, particularly the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation.

The Nation has been in a state of emergency since 2014 due to a suicide crisis among youth, substance abuse issues, untimely deaths in the community and the pervasive and insidious impacts of colonization. And while Onigaming walks the path of healing, they have been met with unacceptable disrespect and dismissal from some mining companies.

The Ojibways of Onigaming are a prime example of how community wellbeing, inherent and Treaty rights, and environmental stewardship intersect with development and resource extraction. While the community grapples with a crisis that has claimed many young lives, external pressures from speculative mining companies further exacerbate their struggles. Recent actions by Golden Rapture, a relatively unknown speculator with claims within the Onigaming’s territories, have been particularly appalling.

Onigaming Chief Jeffrey Copenace told the company that the Nation could not engage with consultations due to the ongoing state of emergency and concerns about the environmental impacts on the Nation’s lands and waters. Representatives for Golden Rapture replied to the Chief with offensive insults, blaming him for the deaths in the community, demonstrating total disregard and a lack of respect for the situation facing the community and the dozens they have lost. This behaviour undermines trust and sets a troubling precedent for First Nations and industry relations.

The company must publicly apologize and make amends with Onigaming.

“It is impossible to speak about prosperity and economic development when our youth are dying, and communities are fighting to survive,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We cannot ignore the historical context that has led us here. Colonization and its ongoing effects continue to erode our peoples’ mental, physical, and cultural well-being. To face these challenges, we need the genuine respect and support of governments and industries—but we often encounter derision instead.”

Read the full statement via the link in our bio.

The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2nd annual Fir

The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2nd annual First Nations Community Wellness Conference on August 19-21, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.

This conference will be a collaborative forum for all sectors to come together towards the united goal of improving community wellness among First Nations in Ontario.

Registration is coming soon!

Please note we are currently accepting presentation abstracts from all sectors that look at wellness from a holistic community lens, recognizing the important role that each sector plays in providing quality of life for First Nations across Ontario.

Abstracts should be submitted to FNWellnessConference@coo.org with subject line “2025 Community Wellness Abstract” and presenters name.

Deadline for submissions: May 23, 2025

For more information, please visit the First Nations Community Wellness link in our bio.

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