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Due – Indigenous Foodways in Schools Grants

Due – Indigenous Foodways in Schools Grants

Indigenous Foodways in Schools Grants – Farm to Cafeteria Canada

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Date

Mar 28 2025

Time

All Day

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What an incredible week at #LittleNHL2025 in Markh

What an incredible week at #LittleNHL2025 in Markham! 🏒🔥

The Chiefs of Ontario were proud to be there alongside the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC), engaging with youth on the ISC Second Generation Cut-Off and Section 10 Voting Threshold survey. Our Regional Health Survey team was also on-site, connecting with the community.

Congratulations to all the teams for their hard work and dedication! #LNHL2025

And congratulations to the winners of the survey prizes, and PS5 raffle!

@little_nhl @ofnypc_official

The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Coun

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.”

Full statement can also be found via the link in bio.

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

The election of @benedictabram in 2024 marked the

The election of @benedictabram 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 (@twohousedc) made the Kastowa.

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 the documentary link in our bio.

Wrapping up the 2025 First Nations Food Sovereignt

Wrapping up the 2025 First Nations Food Sovereignty Forum!

Grateful to all knowledge keepers, speakers and participants who participated in this year’s Food Sovereignty Forum. This gathering provided a platform to explore and discuss key challenges, barriers, and programs related to First Nations food security and sovereignty. Let’s continue this vital work, honoring our traditions and working together for solutions and innovations in the journey to food sovereignty.

To learn more and gain access to resources, please visit:
https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/first-nations-food-sovereignty-forum

#FirstNationFoodSovereignty #ChiefsofOntario

First Nations Food Sovereignty Forum begins today!

First Nations Food Sovereignty Forum begins today!

We’re kicking off the 2025 First Food Sovereignty Forum, bringing together leaders, knowledge keepers, and community members to discuss the importance of food sovereignty, sustainability, and economic development.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/first-nations-food-sovereignty-forum

#FirstNationFoodSovereignty #ChiefsofOntario

Ontario Regional Chief @benedictabram issues state

Ontario Regional Chief @benedictabram issues statement on provincial election results:
“Yesterday, Ontarians cast their ballots and elected Doug Ford as premier for the third time. I congratulate Premier Ford on his win and look forward to our continued work together.

Now is a time for us to come together. First Nations have a common interest in protecting our communities and homelands against the economic uncertainty and threats that a potential trade war could bring.

There are several paths ahead. The Chiefs of Ontario and my office prefer to walk the path where we work together, in true collaboration and partnership, to build each other and our communities up.

First Nations are partners in prosperity. Our lands and Nations are immense and beautiful. They’ve already driven Canada’s economic prosperity since its founding as a country. That’s not going to change. We must move into the coming years in collaboration and in the spirit of true reconciliation.

This election also saw several First Nations candidates running for provincial Parliament. This is a testament to our people and Nations. We are strong and the number of First Nations people running for public office will only increase. Congratulations to all First Nations candidates, whether you won or lost—you serve as an inspiration for all those who will follow in your stead.

I also wish to express my deepest congratulations to MPP Sol Mamakwa on his re-election. Sol has been our fiercest ally in the Ontario legislature, and we look forward to continuing our work together in a good way.”

Link in bio. #onpoli

That's a wrap on the 18th annual health forum from

That's a wrap on the 18th annual health forum from Toronto, ON.

Over the last three days, participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions covering opioid use, writing support letters for Jordan’s Principle, Indigenous youth empowerment, and NIHB updates. We were also moved by a powerful panel on being unhoused but not defeated, reconnecting with the land, and fostering collaboration.

If you missed the health forum, the live stream replay is available on the Chiefs of Ontario YouTube page.

For more information, please visit the health forum link in our bio.

Media advisory: On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of On

Media advisory: On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC).

Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to First Nations who have lived on this land since time immemorial. As global demands for critical minerals surge, and trade war with the United States approaches, it is now more important than ever for governments and industry proponents to work with First Nations in a way that respects their jurisdiction, sovereignty, title, and inherent and Treaty rights, and preserves First Nations heritage, so that projects can be mutually beneficial.

This press conference will help facilitate crucial discussions between First Nations, industry representatives and government officials.

Details via link in bio.

The Special Chiefs Assembly has come to a close, a

The Special Chiefs Assembly has come to a close, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the Chiefs, leaders, partners, and community members who contributed to today’s important discussions. With the signing of the Ontario Final Agreement complete, we take a significant step forward in long-term reform for First Nations Child and Family Services.
Your dedication and hard work are paving the way for real change. This is a milestone to be proud of, and the work continues. Miigwech to all who made this day possible. #COOSCA2025 #FNCFSReform

Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Natio

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 via link in bio.
#COOFCA2025 #FNCFSReform

“In the next several years, who will be sitting

“In the next several years, who will be sitting here? It will be those youth. It will be those children that we are talking about today. That colonial program that has been so difficult for our people—It has challenged our nations, challenged our identity, challenged our jurisdiction, but as we see today, the agreement that we have is a tool. It is a tool to advance your nations, to advance your jurisdiction. You don’t need recognition from the government of the jurisdiction that exists in your nations. Your jurisdiction has always been there. Your inherent right continues to be. This is a tool to advance that.” - Ontario Regional Chief, Abram Benedict
#FNCFSReform #COOSCA2025

“When I sit at our council table, it’s always

“When I sit at our council table, it’s always in my mind about seven generations. It’s not just thinking about it. I’m always pounding the table at our community level, that if we want to be a government, then we have to act like governments. If we are going into the future, we have to have an economic agenda. We have to understand the finances, and we need to understand the global economics going on around the world, and in the future. My calculations of the seven generations is the year 2100, I know that I won’t be around, but I have a responsibility today to plant trees that I know I’ll never sit under the shade of, and I’m doing exactly that.” - Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Councilor, Larry Sault
#FNCFSReform #COOSCA2025

The Special Chiefs Assembly starts off in Toronto

The Special Chiefs Assembly starts off in Toronto this morning. Chiefs and Leadership from across Ontario have gathered—both in person and online—for discussions on the Ontario Final Agreement and the Trilateral Agreement. These agreements represent a significant step toward long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services and the 1965 Agreement.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.
For more information, visit: https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/cooscafa
#FNCFSReform #COOSCA2025

@benedictabram congratulates Francis Verreault-Pau

@benedictabram congratulates Francis Verreault-Paul on election as @apnql_afnql_ Regional Chief: “Francis Verreault-Paul has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving First Nation Leadership in Quebec and Labrador. His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly drive meaningful progress and advocacy for the rights and sovereignty of our Nations.”

Read the full statement via link in bio.

That's a wrap on day 1 of the 18th Annual Health F

That's a wrap on day 1 of the 18th Annual Health Forum in Toronto, ON.
The day focused on breaking intergenerational impacts through land-based healing, understanding Indigenous root causes of health inequity and an inspirational discussion from the IFN Youth on the “To All My Relations” social media campaign.

If you missed it, the live stream from today is available on the Chiefs of Ontario YouTube channel.

Join us for Day 2, starting at 9 AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

For more information, please visit the health forum link in our bio.

The Chiefs of Ontario will host a Special Chiefs A

The Chiefs of Ontario will host a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on February 26, 2025 in a hybrid format to discuss the Final Agreement on the Long-Term Reform of the FNCFS Program in Ontario (Ontario Final Agreement) and the Trilateral Agreement in Respect of Reforming the 1965 Agreement (Trilateral Agreement).

A live stream will be available on YouTube starting at 9:30 a.m. EST tomorrow!

Access the live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/RqtDuiaNtJs?feature=share

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

#COOSCA2025

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