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PrioritiesChiefs of Ontario2025-07-31T15:58:30-04:00

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In this video, Chief Veronica Smith speaks about t

In this video, Chief Veronica Smith speaks about the critical lack of funding and programs available within the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement. As the Child Welfare Systems Planning Advisor for the Independent First Nations, she highlights how these systemic gaps hinder the delivery of essential services to our children and families. This process must be fundamentally different by centering First Nation voices to build a system that meets First Nation needs.

Learn why reform is required: 1965IWAReform.ca

#ChiefsOfOntario #1965IWAReform #IndependentFirstNations

The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector is hosting

The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector is hosting the First Nations Education, Languages and Special Education Forum in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from November 3–5, 2026.

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.

We are now accepting presentation abstracts related to:
K–12 Education
Language
Special Education

Submission deadline: May 15, 2026

Submit your abstract using the link in our bio.

For more information or questions, Ocean Song Bui, Education Coordinator at OceanSong.Bui@coo.org or Ashley McGregor, Education Coordinator at Ashley.McGregor@coo.org

Former Independent Special Interlocutor Kimberly M

Former Independent Special Interlocutor Kimberly Murray reflects on progress and ongoing gaps since the release of her Final Report on Missing and Unmarked Burials associated with Indian Residential Schools.

Murray calls for stronger federal and provincial legislation to protect burial grounds, allow access to privately held lands, and improve access to records held by Library and Archives Canada. She also stressed the urgent need to establish an implementation committee to ensure governments fulfill the obligations in the final report.

To learn more, please visit: https://osi-bis.ca/osi-resources/reports/

On March 30, 2026, First Nations leaders, knowledg

On March 30, 2026, First Nations leaders, knowledge keepers, youth and advocates gathered in Toronto to mark the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s approval of the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA).

This landmark decision affirms First Nations jurisdiction over child and family services and advances long-term reform rooted in substantive equality. First Nations can now work towards reform that is grounded in their laws, traditions and communities.

At its core, this moment is about children. It represents a shift toward prevention, healing, and ensuring future generations can grow up supported by their families, cultures, and Nations. It is a time for celebration. But it is also a time of remembrance for those that went through and were harmed by the system.

For more information, please visit: https://fncfsreform.ca

Chippewas of Rama First Nation will host the 2026

Chippewas of Rama First Nation will host the 2026 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly (ACA) from June 16-18, 2026 at Casino Rama Resort in Rama, ON. This three-day assembly will include critical updates on a variety of issues and priorities for First Nations in Ontario.

Location: Casino Rama Resort, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, 5899 Rama Rd, Rama, ON L3V 6H6 (Hybrid)

Who Should Attend: First Nations Leadership, Technicians, Government Representatives & Agencies

Registration is now live: https://coo.smudging.ca:8443/Meeting/Register/c6389d1e-2906-48be-877a-3d8f4a06e1db

For more information, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aca2026

This Earth Day let us celebrate our First Nations

This Earth Day let us celebrate our First Nations cultures as the gifts they are, guiding us to protect all of creation and our future generations.

Indigenous Peoples steward about 80% of global biodiversity, despite their territories covering roughly a quarter of the world’s land outside Antarctica.

First Nations are part of these global Indigenous communities and hold knowledge that supports responsible stewardship.

Last year, the Chiefs of Ontario Environment Sector & Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council held a Species at Risk (SAR) Conservation Conference in Bawating to provide an opportunity for First Nation Youth in Ontario to have hands-on training regarding the identification and assessment/monitoring of Species at Risk while incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and languages.

To watch, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxUlR3XQiUw&t=2s

#OurPowerOurPlanet #EarthDay2026

In this video Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige

In this video Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige speaks about the historical injustice of the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement, a document drafted and signed without the consent, input, or engagement from First Nations. This process must be fundamentally different by centering First Nation voices to build a system that meets First Nation needs. By co-developing a new framework, we are not just updating a program, we are empowering First Nations on the path toward true sovereignty and self-sustainability.

Learn why reform is required: 1965IWAReform.ca

#ChiefsOfOntario #1965IWAReform

Description: Former Independent Special Interlocut

Description: Former Independent Special Interlocutor, Kimberly Murray, speaks to the growing rise of denialism surrounding Indian Residential Schools and warns that denying the truth of these institutions is dangerous and incites hate against Indigenous Peoples.

She reflects on the findings of her final report, emphasizing Canada’s failure to amend the Criminal Code, advance education, and support commemoration and memorialization efforts.

Murray underscores the need for sustained, Indigenous-led research and on ground investigations, including institutions where Indigenous children were taken and never returned home.

She calls on Canada to meet its human rights obligations, release the truth held in archives, and provide long-term support for required justice, healing, and reconciliation.

To learn more, please visit: https://osi-bis.ca/osi-resources/reports/

Description: Former Independent Special Interlocut

Description: Former Independent Special Interlocutor, Kimberly Murray, speaks to the growing rise of denialism surrounding Indian Residential Schools and warns that denying the truth of these institutions is dangerous and incites hate against Indigenous Peoples.

She reflects on the findings of her final report, emphasizing Canada’s failure to amend the Criminal Code, advance education, and support commemoration and memorialization efforts.

Murray underscores the need for sustained, Indigenous-led research and on ground investigations, including institutions where Indigenous children were taken and never returned home.

She calls on Canada to meet its human rights obligations, release the truth held in archives, and provide long-term support for required justice, healing, and reconciliation.

To learn more, please visit: https://osi-bis.ca/osi-resources/reports/

The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector will host t

The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector will host the First Nations Education, Languages and Special Education Forum, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from November 3-5, 2026.

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 coming soon!

If you have any questions or require further information, please visit the assembly link in our bio or contact Ocean Song Bui, Education Coordinator at OceanSong.Bui@coo.org or Ashley McGregor, Education Coordinator at Ashley.McGregor@coo.org.

The 1965 Agreement relies on outdated language and

The 1965 Agreement relies on outdated language and schedules, and provides few, if any, effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

What was once intended to enable access to programs has instead become a barrier to fair outcomes.

Policies that hinder service delivery and limit local self-determination cannot continue.

Stay information on why reform is necessary, visit the link in our bio.

#ChiefsOfOntario #1965IWAReform

Grand Chief Linda Debassige highlights how an agre

Grand Chief Linda Debassige highlights how an agreement developed in 1965 cannot possibly serve as a modern foundation for community care without comprehensive, fundamental reform. By prioritizing a "co-design and co-develop" approach, it ensures that new models of support are built by First Nations, for First Nations. Creating a system that empowers every First Nation citizen to be the best they can be, supported by services that honor identity and traditions.

Learn why reform is required: 1965IWAReform.ca

#ChiefsOfOntario #1965IWAReform

Today, on Indigenous Nurses Day, we honour First N

Today, on Indigenous Nurses Day, we honour First Nations nurses whose care and dedication support the health and well-being of our communities.

We recognize your strength and compassion as you care for individuals, families, and communities across all generations.

Today and every day, we uplift your contributions and ongoing commitment to our people.

Miigwech / Niá:wen / Yaw^ko / Thank you for the vital role you play in protecting the health, wellness, and future of our communities.

#IndigenousNurses

During Public Health Week, the Chiefs of Ontario r

During Public Health Week, the Chiefs of Ontario recognize the work of the Health Sector and the Public Health Advisor in supporting First Nations.

This includes improving access to culturally appropriate health services and addressing systemic barriers and inequities.

Key priorities focus on preventing infectious diseases, reducing chronic illness, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

#PublicHealthWeek #FirstNationsHealth

The Two Spirit Learning Series is back! Register

The Two Spirit Learning Series is back!

Register now for Session One - Foundations & History of Two Spirit+ People

Registration: https://coo.smudging.ca:8443/Meeting/Register/ea7499b1-00a3-4cac-8c48-a4ae2c95f7ab

Hosted by the Ontario First Nations 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Women's Initiatives Sector, we invite allies and 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ relatives to join us for a foundational session to launch the Two Spirit+ Learning Series with guest speaker Missy Fishman (she/her), Public Educator.

Join us as we cover topics like the differences between gender and sexuality; gender identity, sexual orientation, and spiritual identity; the history of Two Spirit+ people in our Nations, including the traditional roles and responsibilities held in community and society; the impacts of colonization on ways of life and being, and the effects of patriarchy, racism, heteronormativity, and cisnormativity. 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 Sarah.Whelan@coo.org.

To learn more, visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/tsls-one-foundations-history-of-two-spirit-people

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30pm ET
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Who should attend: Anyone looking to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of First Nations 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ identities and history — allies, 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ relatives, parents and families of 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ youth, Knowledge Keepers, and Leadership are all welcome.

In this short video, Roseanne Sutherland, Cree Lan

In this short video, Roseanne Sutherland, Cree Language Speaker from Kashechewan First Nation, and Senior Lead of Research & Data Management at the Chiefs of Ontario, shares a few common phrases in Cree, an opportunity for all of us to learn and practice.

#IndigenousLanguagesDay #FirstNationsLanguages

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