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

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

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

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  • Chiefs of Ontario Stand in Solidarity with Kashechewan Evacuees F…
    July 2, 2026
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Chiefs of Ontario stands with Kashechewan First Na Chiefs of Ontario stands with Kashechewan First Nation and its citizens in Niagara Falls after insulting comments were made about evacuees in the area. “Many First Nations in the north are forced to evacuate their homes and communities every year due to wildfires, floods and failing infrastructure. When this happens, families are placed under extreme stress and duress, and they deserve to be welcomed with dignity, not discriminatory and stereotypical remarks,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “That is why we proudly support the Solidarity Walk for Kashechewan First Nation on July 3, 2026, in Niagara Falls. The walk will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, beginning at Tim Hortons (located at 4835 Victoria Avenue) and ending at Niagara Falls City Hall. I encourage everyone in the region to join, listen, and stand with these families as they call for respect and understanding.” Kashechewan was forced to declare a state of emergency in January after its aging water infrastructure failed and its nursing station flooded with raw sewage. “Kashechewan was forced to evacuate because of shoddy, old water infrastructure that failed. Try to imagine not going home for six months for something that is completely out of your control, only to be made to feel unwelcome in an unfamiliar area while you wait to return home,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige. “I don’t think any Canadian in the same situation would accept it. So why should First Nations? This whole situation could have been avoided if Canada upheld their fiduciary responsibility and proper investments were made.” The failure of Kashechewan’s water infrastructure rendered the community’s only health-care facility unsafe and unusable. Read the full statement via the link in bio. #canpoli
Today, we recognize PTSD Awareness Day and stand w Today, we recognize PTSD Awareness Day and stand with those affected by trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). For First Nations, trauma is not only an individual experience, but a collective one that is rooted in historical and ongoing experiences that impact individuals, families and entire communities across generations. Today we raise awareness in hopes to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about trauma, mental wellness, and healing. We honor survivors of trauma, families, caregivers, and those who work closely to support wellness in our communities. Through connection, culture, and community support, healing continues every day. For additional resources related to PTSD and C-PTSD, please visit: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - CMHA National or National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Aboriginal People in Canada – Knowledge Exchange and Resource Sharing Hub – FPWC #PTSDAwareness
The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector are hosting The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector are hosting the 2026 Education, Languages and Special Education Forum, November 3-5, 2026, in Thunder Bay, ON. This year’s theme, “Learning Across All Stages of Life”, reflects a holistic First Nations understanding of learning as a lifelong, interconnected journey rooted in language, culture, and community. Registration is now open! Please note that room blocks expire on October 5, 2026. For additional information or to complete your registration, please visit the assembly link in our bio.
The 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by the Chi The 2026 Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, has come to a close! Day 3 began with critical updates on the Mocassin Identifier Initiative, Kashechewan Evacuation, the Ontario Final Agreement, and the Regional Information Governance Centre Project. Delegates also worked through emergency and late resolutions before gathering for closing reflections from the four COO councils, including the voices of Knowledge Keepers, women, youth, and 2S representatives. Miigwetch, Niá:wen, Thank you to all the Chiefs, Councillors, delegates, technicians, staff, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and community members whose contributions helped make this year’s Assembly a success. Safe travels to everyone returning home. We wish you well until we gather again. Please note that meeting materials can be found here: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026 #COOACA2026 #NationBuilding
“Flooding will keep happening in our community, un “Flooding will keep happening in our community, until the government provides a permanent solution. That’s what Kashechewan requested for the future of our children, to safeguard our children, our future. Shame on you government, Shame on you bureaucrats, for what you’re doing to our children [...] I have to fight, to have justice,” said Chief Hosea Wesley during the Kashechewan Update to the Assembly. #COOACA2026
“I thought about Chief Wesley and Kashechewan Firs “I thought about Chief Wesley and Kashechewan First Nation and the people there. And how much they’ve suffered over these last 5 months. Something happened to their water treatment plant in December, and early Jan, and their water [...] was deemed unsafe. The community had to be evacuated, a community of 2000 people, 1800 were evacuated to four sites, in Kingston, Kapuskasing, Cochrane, and also Niagara Falls. When you look across the region, especially in NAN territory, we have communities that have lived under boil water advisories for many years, including Neskantanga, almost 31 years. My own community of Muskrat Dam, 250 people live there, we’ve been on that list since 2003, same with Marten Falls. Across the country, NAN represents 40% of the long-term boil water advisories, and Kashechewan First Nation is one of them [...] I hope this new bill, will be the beginning of the work that needs to happen, to create our own framework for water and to ensure adequate resources are dedicated to the work,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler to the Assembly. #COOACA2026
“By scaling our relational markers nationally, we “By scaling our relational markers nationally, we are helping Canada confront this history. We compel municipal, corporate, and educational partners to physically acknowledge Indigenous presence and land rights on their sites, said Laurie Froman, Executive Director of the Moccasin Identifier, when addressing the Assembly. For more information, please visit: https://moccasinidentifier.com/ #COOACA2026
“The Ontario Final Agreement is not just another f “The Ontario Final Agreement is not just another funding arrangement, and it is a result of years of advocacy, litigation pressure, negotiation, and political direction from you, our leadership. But it’s not the finish line; it’s the beginning of implementation. The promise of the OFA will not be measured by the signatures on the agreement; it will be measured by whether children, families, First Nation representatives, agencies, and communities actually see that change on the ground,” said Grand Chief Joiel Abram during the Ontario Final Agreement update to the Assembly. #COOACA2026
“Data sovereignty ensures that this knowledge is p “Data sovereignty ensures that this knowledge is protected, respected, and preserved for future generations. When we think about data, we need to think about how reliable it is, and how accurate data strengthens our ability to hold government and corporations accountable", said Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier during the Regional Information Governance Centre Project Update to the Assembly. #COOACA2026
Day 2 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly wrapped with i Day 2 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly wrapped with important discussions on justice, governance, infrastructure, and the protection of First Nations rights. Chiefs and delegates received updates on the enforcement of First Nations laws, policing, Métis rights assertions, housing and infrastructure needs, water legislation, mine development mapping, and preparations for the upcoming First Nations–First Ministers Meeting. Resolutions were passed throughout the day as leadership continued advancing priorities that support strong, self-determining First Nations across Ontario. See you for Day 3 tomorrow!
“One designed by First Nations for First Nations. “One designed by First Nations for First Nations. Waasekiwaat Land watch, the eyes in the sky. We’re watching what’s happening to our land, and we have the decision-making power to be that authority. We don’t have to wait on them anymore; this is a platform that will give us that power." said Walter Mainville, Mineral Sector Specialist at Grand Council Treaty #3. To learn more about the platform, please visit: https://wlw-univmb.hub.arcgis.com/ #COOACA2026
“We are honoured to be here today and to recognize “We are honoured to be here today and to recognize the hard work of the Ontario Chiefs. Water is life, for all of us, not merely a resource or commodity to be traded; it is a gift from Creator [...] Ontario Chiefs know this better than anyone. First Nations are united in the belief that water is a fundamental human right,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak while addressing the Assembly. #COOACA2026
“We are working to deliver results that our commun “We are working to deliver results that our communities will see at the grassroots level. This region is home to the most First Nations in the country, most communities, most citizens, and for far too long, programs and services have not adequately met that. In Ontario, we also champion our remoteness quotient for our northern Nations [...] Nation-driven support through advocacy will allow us to have access to our own data from a collective view. Done right, it would highlight the unique needs of all First Nations in our region, [...] collectively we are here for our nations,” said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige during the Ontario Housing Infrastructure Needs Assessment discussion. #COOACA2026
“We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the An “We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the Anishinabek Nation for being one of the first PTOs to host a two-spirit conference targeted towards education for leadership and service providers. This gathering creates an important opportunity for chiefs, councilors and front-line workers to deepen their understanding through culturally grounded teachings,” said Mallory Solomon, Co-Chair of the 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council “When Murray Sinclair delivered the calls to action, he said we have to learn how to talk to and about each other with greater respect than has been the case in the past. This message delivered wasn’t just for the settlers, the newcomers, it also included us, said NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun, member of the 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council #COOACA2026
Day 1 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly has wrapped up Day 1 of the Annual Chiefs Assembly has wrapped up! Chiefs and delegates heard updates on federal major projects legislation, the Major Projects Office, Chiefs of Ontario accountability and governance matters, resolutions, and received updates from the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council and Knowledge Keepers Council. See you tomorrow for Day 2. For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026
“One of our Knowledge Keepers relayed that we must “One of our Knowledge Keepers relayed that we must be the driver of the bus, especially in the current political landscape we find ourselves in with Ontario and Canada. When we assert ourselves, we drive discussions with the government while working together. When we work together and support each other, we have more strength, said Don Jones from the COO Knowledge Keepers Council. #COOACA2026
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