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Recent Posts

First Nations rights cannot be ‘unleashed,’ say First Nations Leadership following province’s proposed development legislation
Chiefs of Ontario call for action following commitment to tough-on-crime policies
Federal Election 2025 – First Nations Candidate Biographies
Policy & Communications – Paid Student Internship for Investigative Reporting on First Nation issues (Two Positions Available)
Chiefs of Ontario Urge Premier Ford to Respect First Nations’ Rights in Mining Legislation

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First Nations rights cannot be ‘unleashed,’ sa

First Nations rights cannot be ‘unleashed,’ say First Nations Leadership following province’s proposed development legislation

The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement in response to Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, tabled last week by the Ontario government:

The Ontario government tabled new legislation last week aimed at speeding up mining and infrastructure development in the province. The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, if passed, will empower the government with a host of new tools including the ability to designate “special economic zones” that are linked to the province’s economy or security. It will also be able to amend current legislation and regulations it says are slowing projects.

“As we have said time and time again, any development or legislation that affects First Nations’ inherent or Treaty rights must have their free, prior and informed consent,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “The government says that this new legislation will not impact their duty to consult—I truly hope that is the case. First Nations are keen to uplift their communities and people, but it cannot come at the expense of their rights, wellbeing, or their environments.”

Read the full release via the link in our bio.
#onpoli #canpoli

The Chiefs of Ontario continue to compile a list o

The Chiefs of Ontario continue to compile a list of First Nations candidates running in the 2025 federal election. This candidate list is based off of publicly available information and was last updated on April 16, 2025.

Five additional First Nations candidates have since been added. If more candidates are announced, the Chiefs of Ontario will continue to highlight them.

To read the full biographies of each candidate, visit the biographies link in our bio.

Stay informed and engaged! #FederalElection2025

The Chiefs of Ontario and Hiawatha First Nation wi

The Chiefs of Ontario and Hiawatha First Nation will host the 50th Anniversary Annual Chiefs Assembly (ACA) from June 17 to 19, 2025. This three-day gathering will focus on key priorities for First Nations in Ontario and will feature a gala on June 18 to celebrate this historic milestone.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chiefs of Ontario, we reflect on the strength, resilience, and leadership that have guided our Nations for generations. “Pathways to Progress: Walking with the Wisdom of Our Ancestors” speaks to the journey of First Nations governance, self determination, and advocacy, rooted in the knowledge and teachings of those who came before us.

Location: Gathering Place, 431 Hiawatha Line, Hiawatha, ON K9J 0E6 (HYBRID)

Who Should Attend: First Nations Leadership, Technicians, Government Representatives & Agencies

Registration is now open!

For more information, including proxy letters, resolutions, and accommodations, please visit the assembly link in our bio.

The Chiefs of Ontario have compiled a list of Firs

The Chiefs of Ontario have compiled a list of First Nations candidates running in the 2025 federal election. This candidate list is based off of publicly available information and was last updated on April 14, 2025. If additional candidates are announced the Chiefs of Ontario will highlight them.

To read the full biographies of each candidate, visit the link in bio.

*Please note that the correct riding name in which Julian Moulton in running is Tobique-Mactaquac

Stay informed and engaged! #FederalElection2025 #onpoli

The Chiefs of Ontario are raising concerns about t

The Chiefs of Ontario are raising concerns about the Ford government’s proposed legislation to fast-track mining development by designating “regions of economic and security interest.”

First Nations across Ontario support economic reconciliation and recognize the role that responsible resource development can play in strengthening local and regional economies amid global trade challenges. However, this must not come at the expense of First Nations’ inherent Treaty rights, jurisdiction, and stewardship responsibilities.

“We are concerned that this legislation may directly or in-directly impact how mining companies interact with First Nations inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights. True economic reconciliation cannot happen through exclusion,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We urge the province and industry to work with First Nations as full partners from the outset, anything less is both unacceptable and could lead to extended delay and loss of opportunity.”

These processes exist to ensure projects are done responsibly and do not cause long-term harm. Consultation is not a barrier, it is a pathway to successful, respectful, and mutually beneficial development.

The Chiefs of Ontario call on Premier Ford to ensure that any new mining legislation does not infringe upon the rights of First Nations. We urge the provincial government to commit to genuine, Nation-to-Nation dialogue grounded in the recognition of First Nations’ jurisdiction, consent, and shared prosperity.

https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/chiefs-of-ontario-urge-premier-ford-to-respect-first-nations-rights-in-mining-legislation/

The Chiefs of Ontario Research and Data Management

The Chiefs of Ontario Research and Data Management Sector were invited to attend the Global Indigenous Data Sovereignty (GIDSov) Conference in Canberra, Australia.

The GIDSov Conference 2025 brought together Indigenous Peoples from across the globe to reflect on the advances in Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) and Indigenous Data Governance (IDGov) and map future pathways and aspirations for the next decade. The Conference explored ways to move beyond principles and into practice.

This internationally significant event featured keynote speeches, presentations, workshops, and collaborative sessions, culminating with a Communique on the Conference resolutions.

Stay tuned for interviews from the event!

#FirstNationsDataSovereignty #FirstNationsDataGoverenace

First Nations people are resilient and strong. Fi

First Nations people are resilient and strong.
First Nations health practitioners continue to work tirelessly to support the wellbeing of their communities.

However, when it comes to mental health services, significant disparities and barriers remain between First Nations and non-First Nations populations across Canada, including unmet mental health needs, inadequate services, and experiences of discrimination when seeking the care they deserve.

According to a 2024 Statistics Canada survey of First Nations people living off reserve:

• Nearly half reported needing mental health care in the previous 12 months
• About a quarter said they experienced some form of unfair treatment, racism, or discrimination from a health-care professional
• Roughly one in three respondents said their mental health needs went unmet during the past year

Additionally, data from First Nations Information Governance Centre shows that nearly one-quarter of First Nations living on-reserve have reported that unavailability of a doctor or nurse was a barrier to receiving health care.

As Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Report from 2022-23 highlights, mental health counselling costs have grown by 131.8% over 5 years - indicating an ever-growing need for these critical services for First Nations both on and off reserve.

The next federal government must take action to ensure First Nations have access to safe, culturally grounded mental health services that are free from discrimination and systemic neglect.

To learn more, visit the link in bio.

“This new Métis National Council (MNC) report i

“This new Métis National Council (MNC) report into the validity of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) communities does not change the positions of either First Nations Leadership in Ontario or the Chiefs of Ontario. It is yet another misinformation campaign that has been happening for years. While the MNO is saying that it completely vindicates and legitimizes their so-called ‘new, historical communities,’ we have serious concerns. The report was not done in any arms-length manner. The report itself notes that most of the evidence it relied on came directly from the MNO,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.

The expert panel only reviewed five sources that challenged the MNO’s position; it reviewed more than 60 documents and submissions from the MNO.

The report concludes that the seven MNO communities in Ontario meet the MNC’s national definition of Métis communities. But several legitimate Métis governments have publicly disagreed. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) has said the MNO flies in the face of the accepted national definition and that it completely disregards the report’s findings.

In fact, the MN–S expert resigned from the panel just weeks after joining and subsequently published a scathing report questioning the legitimacy of MNO research and the MNO researcher on the expert panel.

The Manitoba Métis Federation called the report ‘questionable’ and ‘ludicrous,’ saying it perpetuates identity fraud. It speaks volumes that legitimate Métis governments have questioned the credibility of the report and its findings.

The MNC itself said in a statement that it cannot ‘approve or endorse’ the findings of the expert panel. Taken together, this report is dubious at best. At worst, it is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history.

“We are not just challenging a report, we are defending our ancestors, our oral histories, and our inherent rights, said Temagami First Nation Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier. “We will continue to push back against these manufactured claims of Indigeneity that erode the rights of First Nations in Ontario.”

Read the full statement via the link in our bio.

The Chiefs of Ontario have created a resource docu

The Chiefs of Ontario have created a resource document with essential information on the upcoming federal election. It covers how and where to vote, updates from Elections Canada for Indigenous voters, and key electoral ridings in Ontario where First Nations populations could significantly influence voting outcomes. These ridings have been identified based on research provided by the Assembly of First Nations, Census population data and Elections Canada information, and highlights areas with higher Indigenous populations.

For those who choose to vote, this resource provides guidance to ensure your voice is heard in the election process.

To access the resource, visit the link in bio.

First Nations are the original peoples of what is

First Nations are the original peoples of what is now called Ontario.

However, in an attempt to atone for some of the harms caused by colonialism, Canada has prematurely tried to grant Section 35 rights to a group that falsely claims to be Métis.

This group’s claims have not been adequately verified and there is a wealth of evidence available refuting their claims.

The previous federal government’s failed attempt to grant Section 35 rights to this group through Bill C-53 was met with controversy and criticism from legitimate Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Bill C-53 posed a threat to legitimate Indigenous groups nationwide and would have undermined their inherent and Treaty rights.

The next federal government must listen to the concerns of legitimate Indigenous Peoples and stop recognizing false claims to Indigeneity.

Ontario First Nations Leadership call on the next federal government to:

1. Pause all current and future financial and legal entitlements for the Métis Nation of Ontario and immediately take steps to verify the MNO’s legitimacy with robust input from First Nations and other legitimate rights-holders.

2. Cease any ongoing or future negotiations of asserted Métis rights with the Métis Nation of Ontario until such consultation and verification takes place.

To learn more, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/resources/first-nations-federal-priorities-2025/

April 2nd is World Autism Acceptance Day. In some

April 2nd is World Autism Acceptance Day.

In some First Nations, autism is seen as a gift, not something to be fixed. The Cree word pîtoteyihtam means "he/she thinks differently," reflecting the value of diverse ways of thinking.

First Nations teachings inherently value Autistic individuals, recognizing their gifts and contributions to the community. This understanding shifts the narrative from autism as a ‘disorder’ to be ‘cured’ to one of acceptance, inclusion, and celebration.

To learn more about the Chiefs of Ontario's Special Education advocacy work, please visit: https://education.chiefs-of-ontario.org/priorities/specialeducation/

On March 28th, 2025, a hybrid meeting of the Prosp

On March 28th, 2025, a hybrid meeting of the Prosperity Table was held, with the Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER) Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) and members of the COO Chiefs Committee on Economic Development in attendance.

The meeting included presentations and discussions on several key topics, such as the current tariff threat and its potential impact on the forestry industry. Additionally, the Trade Team from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade delivered a presentation.

📣 The Chiefs of Ontario is seeking a dynamic in

📣 The Chiefs of Ontario is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Communications Officer!

The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that promote the work of the Justice and Environment Sector, ensuring effective internal and external communication, and overseeing digital and print marketing efforts.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, creative, and committed to advancing advocacy efforts for First Nations in Ontario.

To learn more about this role, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/justice-environment-communications-officer/

On March 31, we celebrate Indigenous Languages Day

On March 31, we celebrate Indigenous Languages Day—honouring the voices of the past, empowering the speakers of today, and advocating for a future where First Nation languages thrive.
#IndigenousLanguages #LanguageMatters

The Chiefs of Ontario recognize March 31 as Transg

The Chiefs of Ontario recognize March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)🏳️‍⚧️, a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of transgender people while raising awareness of the discrimination and challenges they continue to face. We stand in solidarity with Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals across our Nations and remain committed to advocating for safety, inclusion, and equality for all. #TDOV #TDOV2025 #TransgenderDayofVisibility

Borders may define modern life, but First Nations

Borders may define modern life, but First Nations have lived on these lands since time immemorial.

Our traditional territories stretch beyond international boundaries, rooted in centuries of trade, knowledge-sharing, and movement across the continent.

First Nations Leadership in Ontario call on the next federal government to continue to:

1. Support the Jay Treaty Border Alliance’s advocacy
2. Send senior officials and ministers to the Jay Treaty Border Alliance Governance Table
3. Support the exploration of legislative, regulatory and policy changes to support the right-of-entry for American-born First Nations, travel identification documentation for First Nations, entry of goods and safety and security of First Nations along the border
4. Commit to including First Nations in talks related to the Canada-U.S. border

To learn more, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/resources/first-nations-federal-priorities-2025/

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