Chiefs of Ontario

📢 Petition to the House of Commons (e-7410): Indigenous Affairs

***Content warning: A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for Survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.

Indian Residential Schools (IRS) operated in Canada from 1831 to 1997, impacting over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Red River Métis children. The impacts continue across generations, with ongoing responsibilities for healing, justice, and truth-telling.

This petition calls on the Government of Canada to:

-Renew and expand funding for Residential Schools Missing Children work
-Sustain Survivor healing and cultural supports
-Fulfill TRC Calls to Action 21, 22, and 72–76
-Uphold commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act

The Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund is set to sunset in 2026, and Survivor supports are being reduced despite ongoing need.

Sign the petition here:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7410

Deadline to sign: September 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (EDT)

Every signature helps ensure this work continues with the resources and respect it requires

📢 As of May 29, 2026, the official implementation of the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) has begun. We are sharing key dates and updates as the First Nation Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program in Ontario transitions to this historic new model.

This milestone marks a critical shift toward First Nations-led child and family services through direct annual funding for prevention, post-majority support, and household relief.

New administrative processes for capital projects and agency operations are also rolling out to prioritize community-designed infrastructure and long-term stability.

Stay informed about upcoming deadlines, funding changes, and planning requirements by visiting the FNCFS Reform Implementation page: https://www.fncfsreform.ca/implementation/

🌈 This Pride Month, Chiefs of Ontario proudly celebrates the strength, identities, and contributions of First Nations 2S/LGBTQIA+ people and communities.

Two Spirit identities have always existed within our Nations, rooted in our teachings, languages, and ways of being. This month is an opportunity honour these truths, celebrate the diversity of our communities, and recognize the resilience of those who continue to reclaim and live authentically in their identities.

Happy PRIDE!

Abram Benedict Ontario Regional Chief has released a statement regarding National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, while also recognizing the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which will be marked on June 20.

“National Indigenous History Month, alongside the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, is an opportunity to honour the strength of our Nations, and recognize the generations of Knowledge Keepers, leaders, and communities, who continue to carry our cultures forward,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “As we reflect on this milestone, we are also reminded of our responsibility to ensure our Nations are places where all our people are respected and supported.”

National Indigenous History Month recognizes First Nations histories and the ongoing presence of languages, cultures, and governance systems that continue to guide communities today. Pride Month recognizes 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ people and highlights the continued work needed to address barriers to safety and inclusion.

“Two Spirit and LGBTQQIPAD+ people have always been a part of our Nations, and our presence is rooted in our teachings and responsibilities, said Mallory Soloman, Co-Chair of the Chiefs of Ontario 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council. “This month is not only about recognition, it is about making sure our people feel supported and respected in every space they enter, whether in community, ceremony, or leadership.”

Throughout the month of June, the Chiefs of Ontario continues to support initiatives that honour First Nations histories, languages, and knowledge systems, in addition to uplifting 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ voices and leadership across our Nations.

https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/ontario-regional-chief-benedict-marks-national-indigenous-history-month-pride-month-and-the-30th-anniversary-of-national-indigenous-peoples-day/

🧡 June is National Indigenous History Month.

This month, we celebrate the 133 First Nations across Ontario, and the teachings passed down through generations that continue to live on in our languages, songs, dances, drumming, and the strength and resilience of our people.

We honour our ancestors, Knowledge Keepers, Youth, and Leadership who carry our cultures forward, defend our rights, and help shape the future for generations to come.

Today marked a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario. The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᔅᑭ ᐅᑭᒪᐎᓐ co-hosted a sacred ceremony in Ottawa to celebrate the official implementation of the $8.5 billion Ontario Final Agreement (OFA), reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.

Joined by Leadership, youth, and Knowledge Keepers, the gathering was deeply grounded in our collective offerings and enduring responsibilities to our children and future generations. The historic morning opened with a sacred pipe ceremony led by Knowledge Keeper Perry McLeod, followed by the water drum and big drum songs, moving remarks from our youth and leadership, and a ceremonial gifting between parties to honor this new path forward.

We were honored to have Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, stand together to mark this milestone. As funding begins to flow today, we move from commitment to community-driven action keeping families together and ensuring our children grow up secure in their culture, identity, and home communities.

Join us tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. EST for the livestream marking the historic implementation of the Ontario Final Agreement, as we honour this milestone and the beginning of a new chapter grounded in First Nations jurisdiction, rights, and community-led child and family services:

https://www.youtube.com//streams

Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation are co-hosting a ceremony to mark the historic approval and implementation of the Ontario Final Agreement.

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
Public Livestream: www.youtube.com//streams

Join us live as we honour this important milestone.

For more information about the OFA, please visit: https://fncfsreform.ca/implementation/

LAST CHANCE FOR REGISTRATION - EVENT TOMORROW! Connect with your fellow Two Spirit+ kin!

Hosted by the Ontario First Nations 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Women's Initiatives Sector, we invite we invite Two Spirit/LGBTQQIAPD+ relatives to join us for the second learning series session, History and Importance of Drag in the Two Spirit/LGBTQQIAPD+ Community, with guest speaker Jordyn Angeconeb (she/her).

This event is open only to First Nation members of the Two Spirit/LGBTQQIAPD+ community, and is a space for connection and networking between kin.

Join us as we cover topics like the history and importance of drag for Two Spirit+ folks, the intersection of the Two Spirit+ community and the non-Indigenous q***r community especially as it relates to drag, and share personal stories with drag.

This is a space that welcomes questions from a place of curiosity and kindness — you can submit questions to be addressed in the session to [email protected].

For more information, visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/tsls-two-drag-history-importance

Date: Friday May 29, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET

Location: Virtual via MS Teams

Who should attend: Only open to First Nation Two Spirit/LGBTQQIAPD+ relatives

Registration: https://coo.smudging.ca:8443/Meeting/Register/48af0f37-44ab-4576-8b10-57c4abd9d038

⛳ Last week to register!

Join us for the 2026 Chiefs of Ontario Golf Tournament on June 15, 2026!

The 2026 COO Golf Tournament coincides with the Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
Each year, the goal of the tournament is to support initiatives in the host community.

Time: Shot-gun start 12:30 PM
Location: Bonaire Golf Club - 1699 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, ON. L0K1E0
$1000 team/$250 golfer

For more information, contact Julie Hill at: [email protected]

The Chiefs of Ontario will host the 2026 Golf Tournament on June 15, 2026!

The 2026 COO Golf Tournament coincides with the Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.

Each year, the goal of the tournament is to support initiatives in the host community.

Time: Shot-gun start 12:30 PM

Location: Bonaire Golf Club - 1699 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, ON. L0K1E0
$1000 team/$250 golfer

For more information, contact Julie Hill at: [email protected]