Justice Sector
The Justice Sector at Chiefs of Ontario is dedicated to supporting and advocating for First Nations justice systems and self-governance in Ontario. The Justice Sector’s responsibilities are to coordinate the technical and political positions of First Nations Leadership on justice issues affecting First Nations in Ontario. The current leading justice priorities include First Nations policing, revitalization of traditional justice, jurisdictional issues and treaty rights, consultation and accommodation, and the protection of heritage and burial sites.
Chiefs and Technicians Committee on Justice
The Chiefs and Technicians Committee on Justice (Justice Committee) supports First Nations in their work to advance justice and jurisdiction by providing technical and political advice to the Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council, Chiefs in Assembly, and Justice Sector at COO on all matters related to First Nations justice.
The overarching goal of the Justice Committee is to advocate for the creation and transformation of First Nation justice systems. The Committee aims to provide political support, technical expertise, research, and strategies.
Rights Assertions
Learn more about Rights Assertions, the Chiefs of Ontario’s opposition to governments’ pan-Indigenous approach, and access further reading and resources surrounding First Nations’ Rights.
The UNDRIP Act
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
With the passing of Bill C-15, many First Nations technicians and Leadership have been wondering what the legislation means for them, their communities, their rights, and their interactions with the government. The following information is meant to assist First Nations technicians and Leadership to better understand C-15 and its implications, as well as a way to easily check for updates and events.
Policing and Community Safety
Current policing and community safety initiatives involve monitoring new legislation, policies, and proposed amendments to support First Nations in efforts to keep their communities safe.
Land Rights
& Interests
Heritage and Burials
Heritage and burials work is guided by Resolution 54/16, which calls for a renewal of relationships and energy in this area. Chiefs of Ontario supports the Kee:Way Committee, the First Nations Heritage and Burial Sites Working Group and Advisory Committee, which is responsible to and receives direction from First Nations Leadership to advise, guide, and support repatriations and related heritage and burials priorities as identified through Resolutions.
The Kee:Way Committee is presently working on the repatriation of sacred items and ancestors from various holding facilities from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries, while also working on strengthening processes and respecting community approaches.
Justice Projects
Contact the Justice Sector
Jackie Lombardi
Director of Justice
Jackie.Lombardi@coo.org
Toronto Office: (416) 597-1266
Toll-Free: 1-877-517-6527
THE LATEST FROM THE JUSTICE SECTOR
Updates
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and Ontario First Nations Leadership Express Fear Surrounding Lack of First Nations Law and By-Law Enforcement
(Toronto, Ontario – March 21, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and First Nations Leadership from across Ontario have released the
The Chiefs of Ontario ask that Ontario and Canada Stop Ignoring the Need for Adequate Police Funding and Law Enforcement in First Nation Communities in Ontario
(Toronto, ON – January 31, 2024) This morning, the governments of Canada and Ontario issued a joint statement announcing a federal
Statement from Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare Regarding Conservation and Restoration Funding Allocations to the Métis Nation of Ontario
(Toronto, ON - January 30, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare has made the following statement regarding the federal funding allocations
Statement from Ontario Regional Chief Hare and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe regarding Ancestors that were uncovered at a Toronto construction site
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and Chiefs of Ontario Heritage and Burials Portfolio Holder Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe have released
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