Chiefs of Ontario

08/04/2026

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Indigenous Engagement Team application intake window for the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) 3.0 is now open.

This is a time of growth for Ontario’s energy sector and Indigenous communities and organizations are playing a pivotal role with participation in new procurement opportunities, transmission development and energy infrastructure investments that support the increasing energy needs of the province.

The IESP promotes broad equitable participation in Ontario’s energy sector for Indigenous communities and organizations by supporting capacity building through flexible funding opportunities, including community energy planning and energy infrastructure development, the building of energy knowledge and awareness, as well as skills related to energy projects.

The IESP application window opened on, July 30, 2026, and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 2, 2026.

At this time, interested applicants should begin to prepare and submit a completed POF to [email protected] for review prior to submitting a formal application.

The IESP Team will review submitted POFs and provide guidance on project eligibility, application requirements, and next steps for the formal application process.

For more information, please visit:

The Chiefs of Ontario Environment Sector have shared the following resource: 2026 IESO Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) Application Intake Window The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Indigenous Engagement Team is pleased to announce that the application intake window for the In...

07/30/2026

Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand against all forms of human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere and affects individuals, families, and communities every day. By raising awareness, learning the signs, supporting survivors, and speaking out, we can all play a role in helping to prevent exploitation and keep our communities safe.

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available:

📞 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-900-1010
💬 Live Chat: canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca

Local Victim Services
📞 Kenora & Dryden: Victim Services of Kenora & Area: 1-877-467-2815
📞 Fort Frances & Rainy River District: Rainy River District Victim Services Program: 807-274-5687
📞 Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay & Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051

Additional Supports
📞 Talk4Healing (24/7 support for Indigenous women): 1-855-554-4325
📞 Hope for Wellness Help Line (First Nations, Inuit & Métis): 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
📞 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
📞 Youth Against Violence Line: 1-800-680-4264 or youthagainstviolenceline.com
📞 MMIWG Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649
📞 Ontario 211: Call or text 211 to connect with local victim services, shelters, and community supports.
📲 Be Safe App: besafeapp.ca, create a safety plan and access local support resources.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and help create safer communities for everyone.

07/30/2026

Chiefs of Ontario stands with First Nations across Ontario in calling for an independent public inquiry into the provincial response to this year’s devastating wildfire season.

This summer, at least 12 First Nations have been fully or partially evacuated due to wildfires this year. Some communities have been destroyed, while others escaped with only moments to spare as fast-moving fires threatened homes, critical infrastructure and lives.

“There has been a catastrophic and systemic failure at nearly every level and at nearly every step of this process,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We need to know how and why this happened. But most importantly, we need to learn from it so it never happens again.”

Chiefs of Ontario is supporting calls for a public inquiry under Ontario’s Public Inquires Act, 2009, which would provide an independent examination of this year’s emergency response. A commission would have the authority to call witnesses, gather evidence, hear testimony and release a final report of findings and recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s emergency management system.

Public inquiries have previously led to significant reforms in areas including healthcare, policing, and workplace safety, among others, by identifying systemic failures and recommending legislative and policy changes.

“An independent public inquiry is about accountability and improving the systems that are meant to protect everyone,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “Climate change means no community is immune. Every Ontarian deserves confidence that emergency management systems will respond effectively when lives are at risk.”

https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/chiefs-of-ontario-support-call-for-public-inquiry-into-ontarios-wildfire-response/

07/28/2026

Today, on World Hepatitis Day, we raise awareness of viral hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease. The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. World Hepatitis Day calls for the removal of barriers that stand between people and the services that can save lives. For First Nations in Ontario, it is important to be aware of the tools that exist to accurately test and diagnose Hep C as well as the treatments available.

Did you know Hepatitis C often shows no obvious symptoms but can damage your liver for years? The only way to know your status is to get tested. Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact (not casual contact like hugging or sharing drinks). Today’s treatments are highly effective, with a cure rate of over 95%!

For additional resources on Hepatitis, symptoms and treatment, testing and more please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/hepatitis-c.html

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

Two Spirit+ Learning Series Session Three - The Environment is Q***r: Indigiqueer Ecological Reflections

The Ontario First Nations 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Women's Initiatives Sector invite allies and 2S/LGBTQQIAPD+ relatives to join us for the third learning series session, with guest speaker Abraham Francis, an Indigiqueer Ecologist from Akwesasne.

This session is centered on resistance, survivance, and resilience, and the understanding that queerness is all around us. We will delve into questions like: What are the roles and responsibilities of Two Spirit people? What does it mean to think about Two Spirit identity in connection to forests? How can we call home knowledge of Two Spirit roles and responsibilities? What knowledge in this conversation can help address climate change? The session is grounded in the recognition that the presence of Two Spirit people is an indicator of a healthy community.

Registration is now live: https://coo.smudging.ca:8443/Meeting/Register/37c971dd-4424-42e0-9d51-ac333f4cc4ff

Date: August 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 ET
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.
Location: Virtual via MS Teams

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-3-the-environment-is-queer-indigiqueer-ecological-reflections

07/23/2026

First Nations warned Ontario that the emergency response system was failing. Those warnings were ignored, and communities are now living with devastating consequences.

This article details the systemic gaps, delayed responses, and lack of coordination that left First Nations to manage evacuations while homes, lands, and critical infrastructure were threatened or destroyed.

First Nations deserve accountability, immediate action, and an emergency management system built with, not around, their leadership.

Search “First Nations had a wildfire plan. Ontario ignored it. Then came the flames” in your search engine to read the full article from The Narwhal.

07/22/2026

The Chiefs of Ontario will host a Great Lakes Gathering on September 16-17, 2026 in Huntsville, Ontario.

The Gathering is rooted in the theme of confluence — where the waters, knowledge systems, generations, and communities come together. Confluence speaks to the meeting places of rivers and lakes. First Nations have traversed these landscape for millennia and understand the importance of these locations of intersection.

This event will create space for youth, Elders, and community members to gather and share dialogue, land-based activities, and teachings. Grounded in the principles of Two-Row, ethical space, and the One Dish One Spoon teachings, the gathering will explore collective responsibilities to water, climate action, and future generations while strengthening connections across communities and territories.

Registration is now live: http://coo.smudging.ca/Meeting/Register/bd77603f-3bd5-4e27-be5b-21c336de5d69

Date: September 16-17, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:15 PM (Sunrise Water Ceremony 7:00 AM)
Who should attend: First Nations Leadership, technicians, and community members
Location: Hidden Valley Resort in Muskoka, 1755 Valley Rd, Huntsville ON P1H 1A8

For more information, visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/great-lakes-gathering-confluence

07/21/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/21/2026

Wildfires continue to threaten First Nations across northern Ontario, forcing evacuations, disrupting transportation routes, and placing increase pressure on communities, emergency responders, and essential services.

The Chiefs of Ontario is working with First Nations Leadership and partners to share timely information, identify urgent needs, and advocate for coordinated emergency support within the Ontario region.

This page provides wildfire updates, emergency information, available resources, donation details, and official situation reports. Please share widely.

To access First Nations Wildfire Updates and Support, please visit: ➡️ https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/resources/wildfires/