(September 14, 2023 – Toronto, ON)  Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare, Interim National Chief Joanna Bernard and First Nations Leadership will gather in Ottawa, Ontario on Wednesday, September 20th to oppose the passing of Bill C-53, federal legislation which will irreparably damage First Nations inherent and treaty rights.

During the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA) on July 11-13, 2023, Resolution #44/23, titled Protect First Nations Rights and Interests from Unfounded Métis Rights Assertions, was passed by consensus with unanimous support from First Nations across the country. At that time, First Nations Leadership from various regions voiced their support and shared their concerns regarding unfounded and illegitimate Métis rights assertions in their territories, and resulting impacts to First Nations’ rights.

First Nations Leadership are calling for the federal government to withdraw Bill C-53 and insist on a public, transparent, and in-depth investigation which will include meaningful consultations with First Nations to understand the facts and issues.

On September 8th, 2023, the Chief of Ontario issued a statement highlighting that the demonstration will represent people coming together to stand in unity to protect the legitimacy of First Nations rights, in a peaceful, respectful, and harmonious manner.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend as follows:

Date:               Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Time:              12:00 PM EST

Location:       West Lawn, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

For more information and to stay up-to-date on this event, please visit www.fnrightsatrisk.ca.

Media accreditation is required. Media must register by emailing Chris Hoyos, Director of Policy and Communications, at Chris.Hoyos@coo.org. There is no cost for accredited media to attend. Upon arrival at the event, please locate a Chiefs of Ontario Staff Member who will direct you to Chris Hoyos, Director of Policy and Communications.

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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, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Chris Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: (416) 579-4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org