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PrioritiesChiefs of Ontario2020-11-17T20:18:25-05:00

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Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00

Indigenous Fraud Summit Passes Resolution Against Ontario Métis Group

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00June 13th, 2025|Rights Assertions|

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00

‘Where did you suffer?’ Conference kicks off in Winnipeg on Pretendians

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00June 13th, 2025|Rights Assertions|

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00

Ontario chief calls on province to ‘erase’ six Métis communities, including Georgian Bay

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00June 13th, 2025|Rights Assertions|

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00

Indigenous Identity Summit Commits to Advocating Against NunatuKavut Ontario Métis

Chiefs of Ontario2026-06-18T16:35:59-04:00June 13th, 2025|Rights Assertions|

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Latest Updates

  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Chiefs of Ontario Release Documentary, …
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Recent Posts

  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Chiefs of Ontario Release Documentary, Call for Urgent Action on Remote Airport Crisis
  • Chiefs of Ontario Respond to Commitments from Prime Minister Mark Carney in Historic First Nations First Ministers Meeting
  • Media Advisory – Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Chiefs of Ontario to Launch Documentary and Advocacy Campaign Highlighting Remote First Nations Airport Crisis
  • Chiefs of Ontario Calls for Constitutional Change Ahead of Historic First Nations-First Ministers Meeting

INSTAGRAM

🎬 OFFICIAL LAUNCH - Holding Pattern: A Documentary 🎬 OFFICIAL LAUNCH - Holding Pattern: A Documentary

For remote First Nations in Northern Ontario, airports are more than transportation hubs. They are lifelines.

Yet decades of inadequate infrastructure investment have put access to emergency medical care, essential supplies, and critical services at risk. The consequences have been devastating and have cost lives.

Produced jointly by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Holding Pattern brings together First Nations leaders, community members, aviation experts, and medical professionals to expose the ongoing airport infrastructure crisis and its impacts on remote First Nations.

Through firsthand accounts, the documentary highlights the urgent need for safer, more reliable aviation infrastructure.

▶️ Watch Holding Pattern via the link in bio.

#HoldingPattern #AirportsAreLifelines
Yesterday, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Chiefs Yesterday, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Chiefs of Ontario (COO) held a joint press conference following the release of a new documentary and launch of an advocacy campaign addressing the airport infrastructure crisis in remote First Nations across northern Ontario.

First Nations Leadership called on the governments of Ontario and Canada to establish an Essential Service Airport Standard, commit dedicated multi-year funding, conduct an immediate safety audit and establish an ongoing multilateral table with First Nations.

For more than 20,000 people living in remote First Nations, aviation is the only year-round connection to essential services. The 29 remote northern airports owned and operated by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation support medevac flights, emergency evacuations, food and supply deliveries, and access to healthcare. Decades of chronic underfunding have left these airports with significant infrastructure and safety deficiencies.

Remote airports are critical infrastructure. Immediate investment is needed to ensure safe and reliable air travel for First Nations in northern Ontario.

To learn more, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/nishnawbe-aski-nation-and-chiefs-of-ontario-release-documentary-call-for-urgent-action-on-remote-airport-crisis/

#AirportsareLifelines
This morning in Toronto, co-chairs of the OFNYPC, This morning in Toronto, co-chairs of the OFNYPC, Hanna Sewell and Carter Carpenter addressed Indigenous Services Canada representatives at the 2026 ISC Joint Gathering in Toronto.
 
On behalf of First Nations youth in Ontario, they brought forward key priorities: investment in youth policy education and training, meaningful youth participation in policy-making, regular meetings with ISC, and dedicated funding for an Ontario-specific State of First Nations Youth Report.
 
The OFNYPC emphasized the importance of ensuring First Nations youth have the resources, opportunities and ongoing role in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives and Nations.
The Chiefs of Ontario Justice Sector will be hosti The Chiefs of Ontario Justice Sector will be hosting its first ever Justice Conference at Casino Rama on February 2-3, 2027. The event is open to First Nation Leadership and technicians from the Ontario region. The purpose of this gathering is to discuss priority mandates and strategize on collective advocacy efforts and the implementation of pathways forward.
 
Day 1 will include a variety of concurrent sessions, workshops, and presentations covering topics such as the duty to consult, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) Action Plan, heritage and burials related provincial developments and advocacy, including Indian Residential School initiatives, and the protection of First Nations rights in their traditional and Treaty territories.
 
Day 2 will focus exclusively on matters related to Policing and Community Safety, including the enforcement and prosecution of First Nations Laws.
Date: February 2 – 3, 2027

Location: Casino Rama, Chippewas of Rama First Nation (5899 Rama Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 6H6)
Who should attend: First Nations Leadership and Technicians

Registration:  https://coo.smudging.ca:8443/Meeting/Register/1022f0a6-9c0a-4f5f-a3f0-6f00b8bf1621
 
For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/justice-in-action or contact Michael Mommertseeg at Michael.Mommersteeg@coo.org
The Chiefs of Ontario provide a statement followin The Chiefs of Ontario provide a statement following the conclusion of today’s historic First Nations First Ministers Meeting (FNFMM) in Ottawa:

“The meeting, which took place today was highly anticipated and long-awaited. We are extremely pleased to hear numerous commitments coming out of today’s meeting with the Premiers and Prime Minister, and are looking forward to starting the real work as true, equal partners.

A central outcome of the meeting was Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to work with First Nations to establish a process to repeal the Indian Act and address the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights.

Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to abolishing the Indian Act and agreeing that there must be a process in which First Nations can participate on their own accord is an excellent and welcomed outcome from today. Hearing that this is a priority for the Prime Minister is very encouraging, but must include a process that is meaningfully developed and mutually agreed upon.

Other commitments coming out of the FNFMM from Prime Minister Carney include new investments in the next federal budget cycle, with commitments of $2.5 billion over five (5) years for emergency management, $650 million over four (4) years for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP), and to providing federal resources and personnel to begin developing a First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Leadership has been working on these files tirelessly, and it is reassuring to hear that new investment dollars are forthcoming to address many of the longstanding gaps affecting our Nations. While this funding is welcomed, it is merely a foundational step. The infrastructure gap continues to grow between First Nations and non-First Nations across Canada. Long-term and predictable funding into these programs and services is vital and must also be secured.

The Chiefs of Ontario is committed to working alongside the Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, and all other First Nation regions across the country to move forward on the commitments from the Prime Minister."

Read the full statement via the link in bio.
Ahead of today’s historic First Nations-First Mini Ahead of today’s historic First Nations-First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, the Chiefs of Ontario is calling on the Prime Minister and provincial and territorial leaders to commit to a new path forward that recognizes First Nations as distinct orders of government and upholds their inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights.

At the June 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly, Ontario First Nations Leadership established a clear mandate: to advance discussions on constitutional amendments that recognize First Nations as distinct orders of government, and enshrine, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) within section 35 rights.

The Chiefs of Ontario is calling for the establishment of a jointly governed national First Nations-Crown table on Confederation and constitutional change, with a clear commitment to sustained dialogue, accountability, and meaningful progress beyond October 26.

“First Nations are not asking for another meeting to restate our rights. We are calling on Canada and the provinces to take meaningful steps towards recognizing and implementing them,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “This historic gathering must be the beginning of a lasting process, not a one-time conversation without concrete action.”

The meeting also comes at a critical time as the federal government advances Bill C-39, which would further expand federal powers to fast-track major projects. Chiefs of Ontario warn that permanent changes to established review processes risks undermining meaningful consultation and section 35 rights, while creating greater legal uncertainty and project delays.

In addition to discussions surrounding constitution, FPIC, and the government’s duty to align itself with UNDRIP, Chiefs of Ontario also continues to push for concrete federal and provincial commitments to address urgent community priorities, including sustained investments in culturally safe mental health and addictions services, equitable First Nations policing recognized as an essential service, trilateral reform of the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement to protect services for First Nations children and families, and investments in First Nations-led early learning and childcare.
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
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