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Recent Posts

Chiefs of Ontario Respond to Newly Introduced First Nations Water Legislation
Media Advisory: Chiefs of Ontario Respond to First Nations Water Legislation
Economic Development – Part-Time IT Specialist
Chiefs of Ontario Extend Welcome to FIFA World Cup 2026

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Day 2 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly wrapped with i

Day 2 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly wrapped with important discussions on justice, governance, infrastructure, and the protection of First Nations rights.

Chiefs and delegates received updates on the enforcement of First Nations laws, policing, Métis rights assertions, housing and infrastructure needs, water legislation, mine development mapping, and preparations for the upcoming First Nations–First Ministers Meeting.

Resolutions were passed throughout the day as leadership continued advancing priorities that support strong, self-determining First Nations across Ontario.

See you for Day 3 tomorrow!

“One designed by First Nations for First Nations.

“One designed by First Nations for First Nations. Waasekiwaat Land watch, the eyes in the sky. We’re watching what’s happening to our land, and we have the decision-making power to be that authority. We don’t have to wait on them anymore; this is a platform that will give us that power." said Walter Mainville, Mineral Sector Specialist at Grand Council Treaty #3.

To learn more about the platform, please visit: https://wlw-univmb.hub.arcgis.com/ #COOACA2026

“We are honoured to be here today and to recognize

“We are honoured to be here today and to recognize the hard work of the Ontario Chiefs. Water is life, for all of us, not merely a resource or commodity to be traded; it is a gift from Creator [...] Ontario Chiefs know this better than anyone. First Nations are united in the belief that water is a fundamental human right,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak while addressing the Assembly.
#COOACA2026

“We are working to deliver results that our commun

“We are working to deliver results that our communities will see at the grassroots level. This region is home to the most First Nations in the country, most communities, most citizens, and for far too long, programs and services have not adequately met that. In Ontario, we also champion our remoteness quotient for our northern Nations [...] Nation-driven support through advocacy will allow us to have access to our own data from a collective view. Done right, it would highlight the unique needs of all First Nations in our region, [...] collectively we are here for our nations,” said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige during the Ontario Housing Infrastructure Needs Assessment discussion. #COOACA2026

“We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the An

“We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the Anishinabek Nation for being one of the first PTOs to host a two-spirit conference targeted towards education for leadership and service providers. This gathering creates an important opportunity for chiefs, councilors and front-line workers to deepen their understanding through culturally grounded teachings,” said Mallory Solomon, Co-Chair of the 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council

“When Murray Sinclair delivered the calls to action, he said we have to learn how to talk to and about each other with greater respect than has been the case in the past. This message delivered wasn’t just for the settlers, the newcomers, it also included us, said NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun, member of the 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council

#COOACA2026

Day 1 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly has wrapped up

Day 1 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly has wrapped up!

Chiefs and delegates heard updates on federal major projects legislation, the Major Projects Office, Chiefs of Ontario accountability and governance matters, resolutions, and received updates from the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council and Knowledge Keepers Council.

See you tomorrow for Day 2.

For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026

“One of our Knowledge Keepers relayed that we must

“One of our Knowledge Keepers relayed that we must be the driver of the bus, especially in the current political landscape we find ourselves in with Ontario and Canada. When we assert ourselves, we drive discussions with the government while working together. When we work together and support each other, we have more strength, said Don Jones from the COO Knowledge Keepers Council. #COOACA2026

“I want to highlight some amazing work that 5 Firs

“I want to highlight some amazing work that 5 First Nations youth from Ontario did this past May, by attending the United Nations meeting that happened. I'm so proud of these 5 youth, 4 from NAN, and my fellow co-chair Hanna Sewell for representing us at a global forum, said Carter Carpenter, Co-Chair of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. #COOACA2026

Chiefs of Ontario hosted a press conference today

Chiefs of Ontario hosted a press conference today in response to the federal government's reintroduction of legislation respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on First Nations lands.

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of Anishinabek Nation, and Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, shared their perspectives on the proposed legislation and the importance of ensuring First Nations rights, jurisdiction, and priorities are reflected in any path forward.

We extend our gratitude to Knowledge Keeper Sally Gaikezheyongai for opening the press conference with prayer and helping to ground the discussion in a good way.

For more information, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/chiefs-of-ontario-respond-to-newly-introduced-first-nations-water-legislation/

Be sure check out the many lovely vendors and orga

Be sure check out the many lovely vendors and organizations outside the main assembly hall here at the Annual Chiefs Assembly in Chippewas of Rama First Nation!
#COOACA2026

Today, the Chiefs of Ontario are responding to the

Today, the Chiefs of Ontario are responding to the tabling of An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands from the Government of Canada.

“The re-introduction of this legislation is a significant step, and we will be looking closely at whether it delivers the protections, recognition, and commitments First Nations have long called for,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “While there are notable stipulations included that show Canada’s commitment to addressing the full costs of drinking water and wastewater systems in First Nations across Canada, there remains some concern surrounding sections that have weakened the recognition of our inherent rights.”

The Chiefs of Ontario note that the new legislation reflects a shift away from explicit recognition of First Nations rights and instead toward a framework more closely tied to provincial economic concerns and jurisdictional alignment.

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

“This past year, we had to battle new challenges i

“This past year, we had to battle new challenges in our treaty rights, our inherent rights, our title, and jurisdiction. This is the case of what is old but sadly is new again. The crown is trying to access our resources in our traditional territories by [...] taking shortcuts. We will continue to insist that free prior and informed consent and implementation of our constitutional treaty rights are paramount,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict during welcome remarks to the Assembly. #COOACA2026

“On behalf of my community, The Chippewas of Rama,

“On behalf of my community, The Chippewas of Rama, my council, we want to extend a warm welcome to all of the chiefs, to all of the citizens of our strong First Nations represented here in the province that we call Ontario,” said Chief Ted Williams during welcoming remarks to the Assembly. #cooaca2026

“I wanted to offer my prayers as well, but I know

“I wanted to offer my prayers as well, but I know that you all have a big job and I know everyone wants to be heard — they're counting on each of you to do what is best for our communities,” said Nookomis Stephanie Sandy during territorial remarks to the Assembly. #COOACA2026

This morning kicks off day one of the Annual Chief

This morning kicks off day one of the Annual Chiefs Assembly 2026 with the Grand Entry.

Join us on the 2026 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly livestream at:
https://www.youtube.com/@ChiefsOfOntario/streams

For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026

#COOACA2026

As we gear up for our 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly,

As we gear up for our 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly, which starts tomorrow, we want to thank our Gold Tier sponsor, the @ontarioieso !

For more information about the Assembly, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026

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