(Toronto, Ont.—May 8, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2026 Powering Up Data Sovereignty Conference from May 12-14, 2026, at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, bringing together First Nations Leadership, technicians, data professionals, and researchers from across the region.

The three-day conference will build on the momentum since the inaugural 2023 gathering, with a focus on advancing First Nations data sovereignty, strengthening data governance systems, and supporting the implementation of First Nations-led research and information management priorities.

This conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and cross-sector dialogue exploring current challenges, innovations, and next steps in First Nations data governance and sovereignty work. For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/poweringup2026

Members of the media are invited to attend as follows:

  • Monday: May 12-14, 2026
  • Location: Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, Ontario
  • Conference Times:
    • May 12-13: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • May 14: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Media accreditation is required for attendance. To register, please contact:

  • Isak Vaillancourt, Communications Manager, Chiefs of Ontario, at isak.vaillancourt@coo.org 

There is no cost for accredited media to attend.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Isak Vaillancourt,

Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org