The First Nation in Ontario

There are 133 First Nations Communities in Ontario. These communities originated and are part of 14 district nations of people, each with their own languages, customs and territories. These nations include the Algonquin, Mississauga, Ojibway, Mohawk, Onoyota=a:ka, Tuscarora, Cree, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga, Chippewa, Odawa, Pottowatomi and Delaware. Although the focus of political activity is centred within the provincial boundaries, the traditional territories of the nations extend beyond provincial and interns boundaries.

The relationship with the non-aboriginal communities within and surrounding our traditional territories is based on the principles outlined in the numerous treaties that were entered into throughout this area. There are both pre-confederation and post-confederation treaties in Ontario. Many of the earliest documented treaties were treaties of peace and friendship based on the principles of trust, respect and sharing. Although the written version of the treaties did not convey the true spirit and intent of our people, it is with these principles that our forefathers entered into all of the treaties that exist today.

As a result of the imposition of federal government policies such as the Indian Act after confederation, many of our nations were divided into community-based governments. These communities have formed political alliances through treaty-based and other political organizations.

The Ontario First Nation Political Organizations

There are four political organizations representing the First Nations in Ontario. The majority of the 133 First Nations belong to one of these organizations. There are 12 First Nation who are independent and directly represent their own interests.

The four organizations are:

The Chiefs of Ontario

The Chiefs of Ontario office was established n 1976 by resolution of the Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly at their annual conference held in Toronto. The Chiefs of Ontario office is the secretariat and coordinating body for the First Nations in Ontario and the four political organizations.

The Chiefs of Ontario office is responsible for facilitating the discussion, planning, analysis and implementation of all local, regional and national matters affecting the First Nations people of Ontario.

The activities of the Chiefs of Ontario office are governed by Planning & Priorities Committee (PPC) that includes the Grand Chiefs of the four political organizations, a representative of the independent First Nations, the Regional Elder and the Ontario Regional Chief. The Regional Chief is the chair of the PPC.

The office of the Chiefs of Ontario Of administered by the Executive Director who is responsible for establishing and maintaining liaison and communications between both levels of government and the Planning & Priorities Committee.

The principles and standards guiding the conduct and activities of the Chiefs of Ontario are established by te Chiefs-in-Assembly through a number of resolution and declarations they have adopted within their assembles. The principles set out the obligations and responsibilities we have as the original peoples of Turtle Island. The symbolism in the logo of the Chiefs of Ontario expresses the perseverance of the First Nations people of Ontario in their struggle for pride, culture, self-determination and spirituality.

The Chiefs of Ontario Logo

The circle and the map represents the continuity, strength and harmony of the First Nations peoples of Ontario;
The five feathers signify the four political organizations of the Chiefs of Ontario. The fifth feather represents the independent nations and First Nation peoples living off First Nations territories who are not forgotten;
The overall symbol of the war-painted Chief with the circle and five feathers as a headdress is the continuance of the First Nations people of Ontario=s struggle for pride, culture, self-determination and spirituality.