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Indigenous leaders adopt declaration condemning identity theft

Indigenous leaders adopt declaration condemning identity theft

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:36:00-04:00

Latest Updates

  • Chiefs of Ontario Responds to the 57th Permanent Peoples’ Tribuna…
    October 22, 2026
  • First Nations Leaders Reject Bill C-39 and the Rush to Force it T…
    October 8, 2026
  • Chiefs of Ontario Calls for Action to Confront Residential School…
    September 30, 2026
  • Chiefs of Ontario Launches Open Letter Calling for Respectful Ret…
    September 23, 2026

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Welcome back to Season 2 of the Voices of Sovereig Welcome back to Season 2 of the Voices of Sovereignty Podcast Series! For our first episode, we welcomed Dr. Benjamin Wald, who is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Scarborough at the Philosophy and Computer and Mathematical Sciences departments. Benjamin shared his experiences in working with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and First Nations communities, and what AI can mean for the future of First Nations Data Sovereignty and governance. We explored the potential harms and benefits of AI for First Nations communities, and addressed some common AI-related concerns, such as bias and privacy. To listen to this podcast episode, visit the link in the bio
First Nations are not barriers to economic develop First Nations are not barriers to economic development. They are rights holders, governments, and Treaty partners. Responsible development must be built on meaningful partnership, consultation, and consent, not at the expense of First Nations rights. Withdraw Bill C-39. Rights cannot be fast-tracked. #Billc39 #canpoli
(Toronto, Ont. – October 22, 2026) The Chiefs of O (Toronto, Ont. – October 22, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario express support for the final judgement and recommendations of the 57th session of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing and Disappeared Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves in Canada. Through extensive Survivor testimony, historical evidence, and international legal analysis, the Tribunal presents profound and harrowing findings concerning the atrocities of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system, Canada’s failures to uphold its international legal obligations, and the enduring consequences experienced by Survivors, families, and First Nations. The Tribunal’s findings identify substantial gaps in Canada’s domestic legal and institutional frameworks, including mechanisms for addressing genocide, enforced disappearances, and crimes against humanity. They further expose the persistent divide between the recognition of historical injustices and the implementation of meaningful remedies, reparations, and accountability. Decades of inquiries, commissions, and documented findings have established extensive obligations, yet Survivors and First Nations continue to face a spectrum of persistent barriers in their pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability. Recognition without corresponding action is insufficient, and repeated commitments without tangible outcomes perpetuate further harm across generations. Of particular importance to the Chiefs of Ontario is the Tribunal’s recommendation to criminalize IRS denialism when it crosses into hate speech. This recommendation closely reflects the legislative approach advanced by First Nations, through proposed amendments to Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, which were adopted by the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights before being defeated by the full Senate. The Chiefs of Ontario urge Canada to revisit these efforts and advance government-sponsored legislation co-developed with First Nations, consistent with the Assembly of First Nations Emergency Resolution 01/2026... The read the full release, visit the link in bio.
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) will be collaborating The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) will be collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) staff to host a Virtual Information Session on the new Federal Food Security Strategy and the accompanying Food-Link Fund. As part of ongoing efforts to address food security and sustainable food systems, this session serves as a vital platform for informing First Nations leadership and technicians on current federal initiatives and relevant opportunities. Participants will receive overviews covering the key components of the new strategy and funding options, featuring presentations from AAFC staff, including Robert Ransom. Date and Time: November 6, 2026 - 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Location: Online via Microsoft Teams Registration available in bio For more information, please visit chiefsmeeting.com/food-security-session
243 pages of legislation. Two parliamentary commit 243 pages of legislation. Two parliamentary committees. A rushed timeline. Canada is pushing Bill C-39 through Parliament without allowing sufficient time to properly examine its implications for First Nations rights. Legislation of this magnitude demands scrutiny, not shortcuts. Withdraw Bill C-39. #canpoli #billc39
Bill C-39 would make Bill C-5's fast-track approac Bill C-39 would make Bill C-5's fast-track approach permanent, putting development timelines ahead of First Nations rights, consent, and environmental protections. As Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier makes clear: “Ottawa wants to move at the speed of business. We're going to move at the speed of trust.” First Nations are not against development. But our rights are not red tape. Withdraw Bill C-39. Rights cannot be fast-tracked. To learn more, please visit the link in our bio.
This morning in Toronto, Ontario Regional Chief Ab This morning in Toronto, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict joined the Chiefs of Ontario Knowledge Keepers Council for a Pipe Ceremony ahead of the upcoming First Nations First Ministers’ Meeting. Through ceremony, the Knowledge Keepers lifted up Ontario Regional Chief Benedict with prayers, teachings and guidance to help him remain grounded, focused and clear as he carries forward the collective priorities and direction of Ontario First Nations leadership. Their guidance supports him in moving forward with a clear mind, a strong heart and a clear sense of direction.
This week, the Chiefs of Ontario were honoured to This week, the Chiefs of Ontario were honoured to attend a very special signing ceremony at Hiawatha First Nation, where the First Nation and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen and formalize cooperation on community safety and well-being. In many First Nations, policing responsibilities are shared among multiple parties. This MOU is intended to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks by bringing everyone together around the community’s safety priorities, establishing a process to assess progress and strengthening accountability and collaboration. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the highest possible standard of policing to protect the safety of Hiawatha First Nation Citizens while also supporting the health and well-being of the Hiawatha Officers. This groundbreaking MOU could also serve as a model for other First Nations across the province to explore. It was developed collaboratively by Hiawatha First Nation and the OPP, with coordination and technical assistance from the Chiefs of Ontario. Now, the hard work begins: putting the words, spirit and intent of this MOU into action to build safer, healthier, and stronger communities. *Pictured signing this historic document are Ogimaa Kwe Laurie Carr, Superintendent Marcel Beaudin, and Inspector Galeazza.
During RSV Awareness Week, the Chiefs of Ontario H During RSV Awareness Week, the Chiefs of Ontario Health Sector would like to share information and resources on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common but potentially serious respiratory infection. As we enter RSV season, we remind one another how easily it spreads through coughing, sneezing, and contact with surfaces. While symptoms often resemble a mild cold, children under two, especially newborns and those with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk. Immunization is the best way to keep children and adults safe. Vaccines help the immune system build protection, and when combined with handwashing and staying home when sick, they provide layered protection for our families and communities. To learn more about RSV, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/respiratory-syncytial-virus #FirstNationsHealth #RSVAwareness
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Assembly of First The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) are united in rejecting Bill C-39, Building Canada Strong Act, and are calling on Canada to withdraw it. Prime Minister Carney is weaponizing the parliamentary process and his majority to force the bill through Parliament, override the inherent, Treaty, and constitutionally protected rights of First Nations. As written, Bill C-39 would overhaul how major projects are assessed and approved, imposing a one-year project timeline, changing federal impact assessments and regulatory processes, and allowing regions to be designated for accelerated development. First Nations have repeatedly told Canada that economic development must proceed through meaningful partnership with rights holders. First Nations support job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development; however, these opportunities cannot come at the expense of First Nations’ rights. The Crown's duty to consult and accommodate is protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and cannot be sidelined for federally imposed project timelines. First Nations must have sufficient time, information, and capacity to understand potential impacts on their territories, engage their citizens, undertake technical and legal review, and make decisions according to their own laws and governance processes. Free, prior, and informed consent cannot be squeezed into a predetermined federal project timeline. If meaningful consultation and accommodation require additional time, the timeline must be adjusted. COO, AFNQL, BCAFN, and NAN are also warning that Bill C-39 will weaken environmental oversight and strip away First Nations ability to influence decisions affecting their territories. First Nations rights and responsibilities are inseparable from the health of the lands, water, fish, wildlife, and ecosystems that have sustained First Nations peoples since time immemorial. Read the full joint press release via the link in bio. #canpoli #BillC39
Today in Ottawa, Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier of th Today in Ottawa, Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier of the Teme Augama Anishinabek joined NDP Leader Avi Lewis and representatives from labour and environmental organizations at a press conference to voice their opposition to Bill C-39. Speaking to the impacts on First Nations rights and territories, Chief Moore-Frappier stated: “The duty to consult isn't a courtesy Ottawa extends to us, it comes from Section 35 of the Constitution. It's not red tape. [...] If it takes longer, it takes longer; the schedule has to give, not our rights.” Chief Moore-Frappier also emphasized that certainty in major project development comes from meaningful First Nations involvement from the outset, not from excluding rights holders from decision-making. Chiefs of Ontario continues to raise serious concerns about Bill C-39 and its potential impacts on inherent, Treaty, and constitutionally protected First Nations rights. Read the full press release using the link in our bio. Stay tuned for further analysis and updates. #BillC39 #FirstNationsRights #TreatyRights #canpoli
Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we honour and thank Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we honour and thank our teachers! Teachers are mentors, role models, supporters, and trusted members of our communities. They help create spaces where children, youth, and adult learners can learn, grow, and thrive. Miigwech / Nia:wen / Thank you for all that you do. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom and helps strengthen communities for generations to come. As we celebrate educators, we also look forward to bringing people together to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and learn from one another at the upcoming Education, Languages and Special Education Forum, taking place November 3–5, 2026, at the Valhalla Inn and Conference Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario. For more information, please visit the conference link in our bio. We hope you can join us!
October 4, Sisters in Spirit Day, is the National October 4, Sisters in Spirit Day, is the National Day of Action to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit+ People and stand with the families and First Nations who continue to lead the call for justice. Across First Nations in Ontario, families and communities continue to carry the names, stories, and memories of their loved ones while leading efforts to bring attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people. Sisters in Spirit vigils were started by the Native Women's Association of Canada and held across Turtle Island to remember those lost to this genocide. Look for vigils happening in your area to join in honour. Wear red, light candles, and share prayers, songs, and stories to stand with families. Chiefs of Ontario Women’s Initiatives Sector has released a report card assessing progress on the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice. The report highlights that while some steps have been taken, significant work remains to ensure lasting safety, justice, and healing for families and communities. Read the full report here: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-National-Inquirys-231-Calls-for-Justice_A-Report-Card-by-Chiefs-of-Ontario.pdf Today, we honour those who are missing and those who have been taken from us. We recognize the strength of the families who continue to seek answers and demand accountability. Artwork by artist Lucia Laford as part of a larger mural created during the Chiefs of Ontario May 4-6, 2026 MMIWG2S+ Family Gathering. #SistersInSpirit #MMIWG #MMIWG2S
A new Toronto Star feature highlights the work of A new Toronto Star feature highlights the work of archaeologist and cultural adviser Brandy George and the Chiefs of Ontario’s Help Us Bring Our Ancestors Home initiative. Across Ontario and beyond, First Nations Ancestors, sacred belongings and culturally significant items continue to be held in museums, institutions and private collections. Their respectful return is about restoring connection, dignity and responsibility to the First Nations they belong to. Read the full article to learn more about this work and why repatriation matters. If you have information about First Nations Ancestors, sacred items, or other culturally significant belongings, please visit the link in our bio or contact repatriation@coo.org.
As First Nations continue the work of addressing t As First Nations continue the work of addressing the legacy of the Indian Residential School system with admirable resiliency, the lingering presence of denialism remains deeply concerning. Efforts to deny, minimize, or distort the truths and ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School system undermine Survivors, families, and First Nations communities while hindering shared understanding and progress toward accountability, justice, and healing. “ I want to take this opportunity to say that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the time for governments to act, denialism must be criminalized. On a day of remembrance and honouring we are haunted by the on false narratives and blatant demonstrations of intimidation inflicted upon us by denialists. This unabated hatred cannot be allowed to thrive and cannot continue to go without consequence. Survivors’voices must be heard, their experiences must given the weight and recognition they deserve, and their truths must never be diminished or distorted.,” says Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation, Chiefs of Ontario Indian Residential School Portfolio Holder. Across Ontario, Survivors and First Nations continue to lead important work to preserve these truths and ensure they are carried forward. This includes, Survivor-led public education, such as the Survivor’s Secretariat Stolen Childhoods exhibition, decades of advocacy and repatriation efforts that helped bring Percy Onabigon home to Long Lake #58 First Nation, and efforts to preserve Survivor testimony and records, including the Indian Residential School Records Project, led by Connie Walker and Kimberly Murray. Read the full statement via the link in bio. #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation
On September 30, Chiefs of Ontario will mark the N On September 30, Chiefs of Ontario will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day alongside communities across Canada. This is a time to honour Indian Residential School Survivors, the children who never returned home, their families, and all those who continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of the Residential School system. Truth must remain at the centre of reconciliation. This means listening to and honouring Survivors, preserving their testimony, supporting ongoing search and repatriation efforts, protecting historical records, and confronting attempts to deny, minimize, or distort the truth. The resources highlighted in this post offer opportunities to learn from Survivor experiences, support truth-telling, and continue the work of reconciliation. Mental health and crisis supports are available for Survivors, First Nations, families, and anyone who may need support. #NDTR #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation
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