Chiefs of Ontario

In anticipation of a federal election, the Chiefs of Ontario have created a policy document intended to highlight key federal priorities for Ontario First Nations.    Pathways to Progress: First Nations Priorities for Federal Policy Reform is directed towards all major federal parties, calling attention to First Nation issues and concerns at this pivotal moment in Canada’s political and economic trajectory.     As Canada navigates turbulent times, it is more important than ever that the nation-to-nation relationship is rooted in collaboration, reciprocity, and mutual respect.    We urge the public and politicians alike to heed the priorities outlined in this document. We will highlight these priorities in the coming days and weeks to ensure Ontario First Nations’ voices are heard this election season. To read the full report, visit: https://lnkd.in/ehHFH4Xn

As the likelihood of an imminent 2025 federal election increases, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on federal leaders to prioritize policies that honour First Nations rights and foster collaborative solutions grounded in the spirit of reconciliation. “Ontario is home to the largest First Nations population in Canada. The decisions of the next federal government will have long term impacts on our lands, rights, and futures. First Nations must be at the forefront of shaping these policies,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Economic reconciliation is essential to the future of our Peoples and Nations. As global trade tensions continue to disrupt Canadian markets, First Nations must be included as partners in Canada’s path toward economic resiliency. We are committed to achieving prosperity alongside all Canadians, through a true nation-to-nation relationship built on respect, collaboration, and reciprocity.” Pathways to Progress is an advocacy report structured around six key areas: 1. Upholding Treaty Rights, Strengthening First Nations Laws, and Respecting 2S+ and Women’s Voices 2. Creating Prosperous Nations: Economic Strength and Environmental Responsibility for First Nations 3. Safe Homes, Clean Water: Building Healthy and Resilient First Nation Communities 4. Advancing Child Welfare, Health Equity, Education, and Languages for First Nations 5. First Nation Data Sovereignty and Governance 6. Restoring Mobility, Honoring Rights: First Nations Sovereignty Across Borders To read the full press release, and access the full report, Pathways to Progress: First Nations Priorities for Federal Policy Reform, visit: https://lnkd.in/eTBWSpQ8 The commitments outlined in the document will serve as a pathway toward a future where First Nations and Canada can best work together in true partnership on priorities that are most certainly shared with all political parties seeking to guide the country through these unprecedented times and for generations to come. “Under rapidly changing global circumstances, the future of Canada’s resilience depends on building an economy and a society that is robust, resilient and united. Now, more than ever, is the time for our collective strength to be recognized and leveraged to benefit all Canadians,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict.

The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) and newly elected Chief, Tesha Rourke, have released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day: “With ‘Accelerate Action’ as the 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, we are reminded of the need to advance gender equity in Leadership and governance. As First Nations women, we continue to reclaim our roles and accelerate the restoration of balance within our communities,” said the Council. Tesha Rourke is a recently elected Chief for Tsi Snaíhne District of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and a new member of the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council. Chief Rourke stresses the importance of celebrating our women Chiefs as we strive to restore the balance of women in Leadership roles. “Stepping into this role, to me, represents the continuation of our ancestors’ strength, resilience, and wisdom. It is both a responsibility and an opportunity—to ensure that our governance reflects the knowledge and leadership that women have always carried, and to inspire the next generation to step forward with confidence” says Chief Tesha Rourke. Many First Nations have matriarchal traditions, with women historically holding leadership roles. However, colonization and the Indian Act disrupted these governance systems. According to the Government of Canada, “Indigenous Services Canada said from 2012 to 2022, the number of female chiefs has gone up to 24 percent from 18 percent and the number of female band council members has risen to 31 percent from 29 percent. It says the numbers are an estimate based on what’s reported by electoral officers and does not include First Nations councils that govern themselves outside the Indian Act.” Chief Rourke emphasizes that today is a day to honour the incredible women past, present, and future. “Every day, we rise, we lead, and we prove our resilience and strength. We are grounded. We are medicine. We are the force that creates a positive shift. Empowered women empower women. Happy International Women’s Day.” https://lnkd.in/gBftdxiQ #IWD2025

Abram Benedict Ontario Regional Chief election in 2024 marked the first time in the Chiefs of Ontario’s 50-year history a person of Haudenosaunee descent has held the office of Ontario Regional Chief. This video shows part of the creation of the Kastowa and the presentation to Regional Chief Benedict. Ian Clute of Two House Design-Crafters made the Kastowa. https://lnkd.in/gFHKjYD3 To commemorate the organization’s 50-year anniversary, the Chiefs of Ontario are making a documentary to celebrate half a century of First Nations political advocacy, culture and resistance. The feature documentary is about the social and political transformation of Indigenous peoples in Ontario through 50 years of political advocacy, leadership, and a profound love for the people and communities COO serves. But we need your help. Your contributions will help us capture and honour the rich history of First Nations governance and advocacy in Ontario. We are seeking archival materials to bring this important story to life, including: photos, videos, newspaper articles, documents and other historical artifacts. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/g4mic9Pc

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler have issued the following statement regarding recently imposed tariffs on Canadian products: “The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation express our deep concerns regarding the recent announcement of tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods. These measures will immediately increase the financial hardship for First Nations across Ontario. Many First Nations already contend with significant economic challenges, including the high cost of living and limited access to essential goods and services. This reality is even more pronounced in northern and remote communities, where transportation and access costs far exceed those in urban centers. These new tariffs will only make matters worse, creating even greater barriers to economic stability and community well-being. The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation fully support the immediate response by the governments of Canada and Ontario with retaliatory measures; however, it is critical that both governments uphold the nation-to-nation relationship and include First Nations in decision-making processes when inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights are affected. Further, we call upon both levels of governments to act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the impacts of tariffs on First Nation communities. Immediate action should include allocating resources to support families and individuals grappling with the sharply rising costs these tariffs will impose. Additionally, we urge the development of long-term strategies to strengthen local economies and businesses, ensuring sustainable and resilient futures for First Nations. We also take this opportunity to call upon the United States government to honour its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Jay Treaty of 1794. This treaty guarantees the inherent right of First Nations to cross the Canada-U.S. border freely and affirms the right to self-determination. Upholding these principles is not only a matter of respecting historical agreements but also of recognising the ongoing and enduring relationship between First Nations and all of Turtle Island. To all Canadians, we ask for your solidarity in supporting local strategies, including First Nations businesses and producers, to counter the adverse impacts of U.S. tariffs. Whenever possible, we encourage consumers to prioritize purchasing goods that support First Nations enterprises and those produced within Turtle Island, fostering economic growth and resilience in our communities.” https://lnkd.in/gYaJZGeR

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler have issued the following statement: “We are so proud of our leadership for their unwavering dedication to reforming the broken child welfare system for our children today. This is a significant step forward in a process that has been ongoing for nearly 20 years. It has been nine years since COO and NAN applied for intervenor status at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to both represent the unique interests of remote First Nations and to ensure that First Nations retain decision-making over their own child and family services. NAN’s participation at the table was vital in ensuring that the realities of our remote communities were recognized and accounted for in this process. We have achieved groundbreaking results, including an evidence-based process for adjusting funding to account for the increased costs associated with delivering services in remote areas. When the National Final Agreement that was approved by our leadership in October was rejected at the Assembly of First Nations, we didn’t give up. Our leadership was determined to protect the significant advancements made, and so we carried on, pushing to do what is best for our children. The Ontario Final Agreement that was ratified today is not a new agreement, but builds upon the hard work that has been done to reform the FNCFS and will bring long overdue change. We know that this is not the end of the road, and we will continue to advocate for meaningful change. We are now at the beginning of a new day: the start of true, community-driven reform. Chiefs have exercised their inherent right to make decisions regarding their children and they expect that these decisions be respected as this process unfolds before the CHRT and beyond. Any attempts to delay the implementation of these decisions will be considered an unacceptable interference in this inherent jurisdiction. We therefore call upon all other Parties to refrain from any interference that could impact the agreement’s approval and implementation. We will similarly act in support of Chiefs in other regions who wish to make similar decisions that impact their children.” https://lnkd.in/gYnjxtP6

Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada signed a landmark $8.5 billion agreement to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario. This new agreement affirms the right of First Nations in Ontario to make decisions regarding their children. It provides secure, flexible funding to support First Nations as well as funding that recognizes and accounts for the increased costs of services in remote communities. The Ontario Final Agreement is an Ontario-specific version of the national agreement on the First Nations Child and Family Services Program that was reached with the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation in July 2024.   Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/efMmwVNa #COOFAC2025 #FNCFSReform

We’re excited to share the latest edition of The Advocate! This issue explores the theme Creating a Better Future for the Next Seven Generations and is distributed to all 133 First Nations in Ontario. Read the full magazine here: https://lnkd.in/gktT9NsY Learn more about The Advocate: https://chiefs-of https://lnkd.in/geB2Uxxx

In this video, Ontario Regional Chief Benedict and Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse of Nishnawbe Aski Nation discuss common myths and facts about the Ontario Final Agreement! https://lnkd.in/g8p2W_Em

The Chiefs of Ontario is inviting applications for the position of Director. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing the new Housing and Infrastructure Sector at the Chiefs of Ontario and advancing the housing and infrastructure priorities of First Nations in Ontario. Further, the Director of Housing and Infrastructure will be responsible for managing a variety of land and resources files, including mining, forestry, lands policy reform, and emergency management. The Director of Housing and Infrastructure will be responsible for leading a range of advocacy initiatives on a regional scale to enhance successful partnerships between First Nations, government, and private sector actors. Our ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills, enjoy working in a rapidly changing sector, and be able to lead complex projects. One such project, the First Nations Off-Reserve Data Sovereignty Project, will require an understanding of data collection, storage, and management. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gT3yTA_K