Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015

Chiefs of Ontario
Annual Report 2014 - 2015

Strengthening Our Relationships
On the cover:
Artist Statement
Candace Twance
Originally from the small Ojibway community of Pic Mobert,
along the northern shore of Lake Superior, Candace holds a
bachelor of Fine Art degree from Lakehead University. She
currently lives and works in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
“I have always had a deep love of visual art, and became
inspired in my teenage years to create as a means of
expression and ultimately self-healing. I struggled with issues
of identity; I was in conflict, unable to place myself in Western-
dominated society.
In showing my work and seeing its effect on viewers, I was
encouraged to continue sharing. I began to see the potential of
artwork to heal a whole community.”
“The Seer” © Candace Twance 2013
“The Seer” depicts a traditional Ahnishnaabe woman in a
spiritual state of mind. She is receiving a vision of travellers
approaching, brought to her by her spirit helpers, the winged.
Her vision is open to interpretation. Is she receiving a
message of warning? Is she being informed that her loved
ones have made safe passage? The use of vibrant coloured
patterns suggests this spirit energy. Ojibway floral designs
have been incorporated to pay homage to the artistic work of
my ancestors.
e-mail: candace.twance@gmail.com
website: www.candacetwance.com
2 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Honouring our Leaders Gala honoured seven outstanding leaders
Table of Contents:
in a sold-out Gala event hosted by the Chiefs of Ontario in Toronto.
From left: Wally McKay, Charles Fox, Aboriginal Affairs Minister
David Zimmer, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI)
Grand Chief Gordon Peters, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne,
Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy, Angus Toulouse, Anishinabek Ontario Regional Chief Report..........................................................................4
Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee and Chief Tom
Bressette. (photo by Nadya Kwandibens) Chief Operating Officer Report.........................................................................6
History................................................................................................................................... 7
Honouring Our Leaders.........................................................................................12
Education Sector..........................................................................................................14
Environment Sector.................................................................................................22
Health Sector.................................................................................................................28
Social Services/Youth Sector............................................................................56
Communications Sector.......................................................................................66
Justice Sector.................................................................................................................72
Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships 3

Ontario Regional “As we move forward dealing
Chief Report with issues of under-funding
W
ahcheeyeh and welcome to the 41st Annual All
and the rush to exploit
Ontario Chief Conference (AOCC). Meegwetch resources from the lands
to Chief Chris Skead and citizens of Wauzhushk
Onigum First Nation for welcoming us onto their beautiful
and waters, First Nations
territory and to Grand Council Treaty #3 for hosting this will need to continue to be
year’s conference. I am pleased to present the 2014/2015
Annual Report. steadfast in asserting our
I would like to thank the Political Confederacy (PC) who have sovereignty and pre-existing
been invaluable in assisting in moving the issues forward and
providing guidance in between Ontario Chiefs Assemblies.
jurisdiction.”
This is why I considered an active line of communication Effective management of activities as Assembly of First
with PC a priority and why, this year, over 20 face-to- Nations Executive Committee Portfolio in Health
face meetings and bi-weekly conference calls was also no exception. Over the past year, I
were convened. This was an increase from believe we have been able to move the yard
approximately 10 from last year. sticks forward on key priorities such as
Due to major funding cuts, we regret the joint AFN/Health Canada review
that we have been unable to host of Non-Insured Health Benefits,
more than one piggy-backed Mental Wellness (Mental Health
Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly and Addictions), and Public Health
this year (this took place in July including Chronic Disease (Cancer
2014 during the Assembly of First and Diabetes).
Nations Special Chiefs Assembly While we were able to enjoy some
in Halifax, Nova Scotia). This new “firsts” in our work together,
impacted on First Nations’ ability to we also experienced some losses
make political decisions directly and as beginning with learning at our last
a whole. With supplemental funding, we AOCC that we lost Mushkegowuk Grand
were able to host issue-specific conferences Chief Dr. Stan Louttit. In December, we lost
on education, health, our own enquiry into missing Sandy Lake First Nation Elder Jonas Fiddler, another
and murdered Indigenous women and girls, environmental leader who contributed to our people for more than 30 years.
assessment webinars, and a Youth and Elder Traditional With three train derailments taking place in February and
Knowledge and Water Summit. March—the land, water and plant/animal life also experienced
This past November, First Nations were able to participate their losses which, in turn, will impact on us.
in a Days in the Legislature event which we plan to continue As we move forward dealing with issues of under-funding
this year. At the same time, PC tabled with Premier Wynne a and the rush to exploit resources from the lands and
proposal for bilateral discussions which we hope will begin in waters, First Nations will need to continue to be steadfast
the near future. We also had the distinct pleasure of marking in asserting our sovereignty and pre-existing jurisdiction. I
the Chiefs of Ontario’s 40th Year with an Honouring our thank you for your support over the past three years. Onward
Leaders Gala. In February, members of the PC were able we move in ensuring we provide a positive birthright for our
to meaningfully participate in an annual conference with future generations.
rural municipalities. They are also planning to provide a
Meegwetch!
First Nations Plenary Panel at an upcoming Ontario-wide
municipal event this coming August. While funding cuts had
been the foremost challenge this year, I believe we were able
to effectively manage.
Stan Beardy,
Ontario Regional Chief

Report of the Resolution 14/30. We have been letting senior decision
makers in the Crown governments know that relationships
Chief Operating Officer will only progress if we all work to fulfill the mandates
passed by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. We now are better able
to support Leaders in meeting with officials, and we have
Sago:
better access to information to share with Leaders on their
On behalf of the Chiefs in Ontario Secretariat, I would like to priorities. Through our intergovernmental work, we are
welcome our Leaders, Elders, Women and Youth to the 2015 building the conditions for First Nations to lead policy
All Ontario Chief Conference. Nya:weh’ko:wa to Chief Skead dialogue in Ontario, and we are creating a transparent
and Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation for hosting the AOCC window into government.
and to Grand Council Treaty #3 for welcoming us into their
This past November, Chiefs of Ontario held an inaugural
territory.
“Leaders in the Legislature” advocacy day in Queen’s Park
Since my return to Chiefs of Ontario as Chief Operating that was attended by over 80 First Nation leaders and 13
Officer almost a year ago, I have been honoured Cabinet Ministers. Over two days, Leaders from
to serve you, the First Nation leadership, in First Nations and the Ontario Government
our collective efforts to benefit First Nation came together for 8 roundtable discussions
citizens. I am pleased to have the oppor- with topics ranging from Treaty
tunity to provide you with this report. Education and Awareness, to Palliative
The focus of this year’s AOCC is and Long Term Health Care, to
“Strengthening our Relationships.” Murdered and Missing Indigenous
Our conversations over the next few Women and Girls. First Nation
days builds on the work that you Leaders voiced the priorities of their
have mandated Chiefs of Ontario to citizens and the Government made
do over the last year. The Agenda and commitments to move forward. Since the
Annual Report demonstrate the progress event, Chiefs of Ontario has been working
we have made under this theme, and the with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to
opportunities we have to continue creating create a final list of commitments and a status
greater opportunities for First Nations to assert their report, which will be provided at the next “Leaders in
priorities and rights. the Legislature” advocacy day scheduled for fall 2015.
This year has proven to be filled with challenges and In a continued effort to utilize communication tools, the
successes as the staff and I continue to coordinate, advocate Secretariat has launched an electronic newsletter. We have
and assist First Nations in asserting inherent and treaty begun to send regular updates on Government Affairs to
rights with crown governments. For far too long, Ontario help First Nation communities track government initiatives
has dictated the terms of its relationship with First Nations. that may affect them. Over the course of the past year, we
Through Resolution 14/30 – Advancing a Defined Political have increased our conference call capabilities by hosting
Strategy with the Ontario Premier and Cabinet, passed last regional calls on Days in the Legislature and updates on the
summer by the Chiefs-in-Assembly, Chiefs of Ontario has Political Accord. Looking forward, we are building on the
been working to support First Nation Leaders create new success of our conference calls by looking to move to more
terms to the relationship with Ontario. video conferencing and webinars as tools to provide updates
directly to First Nation leadership.
This year, Chiefs of Ontario anticipates new options for
First Nations to assert new terms on their relationships with It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the unwavering
Ontario. Following the mandate of Resolution 14/30 and the dedication of the Directors and staff in their continued
direction of the Political Confederacy, the Secretariat has commitment, hard work and diligence in advancing First
supported and coordinated dialogue with the Premier and Ab- Nation issues. We will continue to work towards achieving
original Affairs Minister David Zimmer to set a new standard the past mandates and look forward to a new path forward as
for our relationship with the province of Ontario. The Political we strengthen the relationship and treaties we have amongst
Confederacy looks to sign a new political accord with the Pre- ourselves and set a higher standard for our relationships with
mier to begin rebuilding our relationship on the fundamental the crown governments.
pillars of jurisdiction and treaty implementation. Nathan Wright,
Over the last year, Chiefs of Ontario has started new Chief Operating Officer
intergovernmental work to continue implementing

History First Nations in Ontario that is non-government and non-
political in order to communicate with government officials
I
on an urgency basis.
n the very heartland of Turtle Island (known today as North
America) around the Great Lakes and James and Hudson In accordance with its role as a coordinating body, the Chiefs
Bays is the bounty of creation that provided a homeland of Ontario office carries out its responsibility by ensuring
for the original peoples—the 15 Nations in the province now that all information on matters affecting and/or impacting
known as Ontario. Living by sacred laws given to us by the First Nations is disseminated to the communities, Tribal
Creator, we were – and continue to be – sovereign Nations. Councils and Political Territorial Organizations. (Analysis of
these issues is conducted through the various communities
We governed ourselves according to our own constitutions
and/or councils, and is then raised to the Political
and exercised inherent jurisdiction through our systems
Confederacy for implementation).
of governance. Using the expansive ancient trails and
the waterways of the western hemisphere, we established This initiative is accomplished through the development
social, economic, cultural and political relationships on of a portfolio system which designates specific areas of
a scale grander than that of the North American Free responsibilities to our Coordinators. Each Coordinator is then
Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Many of these networks were assigned to a PC member based on their respective area.
formalized into treaties, alliances and agreements of the
highest order of international relations. The establishment of PRIORITIES:
political organizations is rooted in the inherent freedom of
Chiefs of Ontario initiatives have been organized into a
association and the power of First Nations to create alliances.
number of different priority areas:
In March of 1975, at the first annual All-Ontario Chiefs
• Economic Development: The goal of the Economic
Conference, a joint Indian Associations Coordination
Development sector at the Chiefs of Ontario is to work
Committee was formed, constituting a federation of four First
with communities to help address economic challenges.
Nation political territorial organizations in Ontario.
• Education: The Education Coordination sector is
The purpose of the Committee was to provide a single
responsible to provide the Ontario Education Portfolio
Ontario representative to the Assembly of First Nations
with issues, briefing papers and specific strategies for
(then, the National Indian Brotherhood). From this
political action.
Committee emerged the Chiefs of Ontario, its basic purpose
is to enable the political leadership to discuss and to decide • Environment: The Environmental Coordination sector
on regional, provincial and national priorities affecting First works in the following areas: water, climate change,
Nation peoples in Ontario. species at risk, contaminants, traditional knowledge
and intellectual property - protecting our “collective
The Chiefs of Ontario has become a vehicle to facilitate
knowledge systems,” and environmental assessments.
relationships between the federal and provincial
governments and First Nation peoples in Ontario. As • Health: The mandate of the Chiefs Committee on Health
such, the Chiefs of Ontario office acts as a Secretariat and is to protect and maintain our Treaty and Aboriginal
coordinating body for the 133 First Nations and the four Rights to health and to provide advice, guidance and
political territorial organizations. recommendations to the Ontario Regional Chief,
Health Portfolio of the Political Confederacy, Political
The activities of the Chiefs of Ontario are mandated by the
Confederacy and the Chiefs in Assembly on matters
Chiefs-in-Assembly and guided by the Political Confederacy
pertaining to First Nations health.
(PC) which is comprised of the Grand Chiefs of the
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians; Grand Council • Justice: The Justice Coordination sector was established
Treaty #3, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation; the Union of Ontario in response to the growing need for representation and
Indians; representatives of the Independent First Nations; advocacy on issues relating to justice for First Nations in
and, the Ontario Regional Chief. Ontario.
• Social Services: The Social Services Coordination sector
Organizational Objectives was set up to support First Nation participation in policy and
program development of social services for their regions.
The main objective of the Chiefs of Ontario office is to
facilitate the discussion, planning, implementation and • Youth: The Ontario First Nations Youth Peoples Council
evaluation of all local, regional and national matters affecting is a regional youth council that represents the youth of all
the First Nations people of Ontario. The intention of basing First Nations in Ontario by being a voice for youth issues
the central office in Toronto is to maintain a presence for at all levels of government.

Chronology of
Ontario Regional Chiefs
1. Peter Tobasonakwut Kelly
June 1982 - Spring 1983
2. Patrick Madahbee
Spring 1983 to June 1983
3. Wally McKay
June 1983 to 1985
4. Gordon Peters
June 1985 to June 1997
5. Tom Bressette
6. Charles Fox
7. Angus Toulouse
8. Stan Beardy
June 2012 to present

Political Confederacy Grand Chief Harvey Yesno
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
100 Backstreet Rd. Unit 200
The activities of the Chiefs of Ontario is overseen by the
Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1L2
Political Confederacy. The purpose of the Chiefs of Ontario
Email: yesno@nan.on.ca
office is to enable the four PTO’s and Independent First
Nations to discuss and decide on regional, provincial, federal Chief Fawn Wapioke
and national priorities affecting First Nations and to provide Independent First Nations
a unified voice on these issues. The main objective of the Attn: Diane Maracle-Nadjiwon, IFN Coordinator
Chiefs of Ontario office is facilitate the discussion, planning, 50 Generations Drive, Box 8
implementation and evaluation of all local, regional, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
provincial, federal and national matters affecting the First Email: dianemn@ifnc.ca
Nations in Ontario.
Grand Chief Lawrence Martin
Members of the Mushkegowuk Council
P.O. Box 370 Moose Factory, ON P0L 1W0
Political Confederacy: Email: stanlouttit@mushkegowuk.ca
Grand Chief Gordon Peters Chief Ava Hill

Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians Six Nations of the Grand River
387 Princess Ave London, ON N6B 2A7 P.O. Box 5000
Email: gpeters@aiai.on.ca Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
Email: avahill@sixnations.ca
Ogichidaa Warren White
Grand Council Treaty #3 Grand Chief Mike Mitchell
1 Airport Rd, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Mohawks of Akwesasne
Email: grand.chief@treaty3.ca P.O. Box 579
Cornwall, ON K6H 5T3
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee Email: mike.mitchell@akwesasne.ca
Union of Ontario Indians
P.O. Box 711 North Bay, ON P1B 8J8
Email: GCC@anishinabek.ca

First Nations in Territory and Ancestral Lands
Ontario Assertion of
Treaties recognize that the lands of Turtle Island have
historically been and are currently held by First Nations.
Sovereignty
First Nations have never ceded title to these lands, as was the
understanding of the leaders of the sovereign First Nations
who entered the Treaties. First Nations continue to hold and
Notice of Assertion to assert rights and interests in their original territories and
ancestral lands just as prior to any Treaty with the Crown.
By this Notice of Assertion, the First Nations whose
territories and lands are within the boundaries of the Resources
Province of Ontario (hereafter: First Nations), give
First Nations maintain rights to resources within traditional
formal notice to the Province of Ontario and Canada, to
territories. These resources include, but are not limited
other governments, to resource users and developers, to
to: fish, trees, wildlife, mines, minerals, waters, biological
neighbours and the general public that First Nations inherent
resources, medicines and plants. First Nations have the right
and Treaty rights are currently and will continue to be
to access, manage and develop these resources.
asserted over traditional and historical territory, and ancestral
lands. These rights include, but are not limited to, those First Nations have the right to derive benefit from these
re-affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada and resources. First Nations have the right to determine third
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous party use of these resources and the conditions under which
Peoples. third parties may access or use these resources. First Nations
have the right to grant or withhold free, prior and informed
This First Nations assertion is based upon the Treaties
consent on any activity that may affect First Nations
and Covenant Chains established with the Crown. These
resources or their rights or title related to these resources.
Treaties were made between sovereign, independent Nations
First Nations may determine management, use and access
who, based on mutual recognition of obligations, reached
consistent with traditional laws and governance.
agreements.
Like the Constitution of Canada, the Treaties are living and Relationships
continue to inform our ongoing relationship with other
governments. The Treaties impart benefit upon each party, First Nations seek to proceed on the basis of mutual respect
who must also accept the obligations attached to these and to seek mutual understanding. While unyielding in the
benefits. assertion of rights, First Nations will seek to build consensus
with one another on local matters related to the assertion
The purpose of the Notice is to assert that these Treaties of rights and claims, and will enter into good faith dialogue
still govern the relationship between the Crown and First to inform non-First Nations parties of their duties and
Nations. This Notice does not lay out an exhaustive list obligations as per the Treaties.
of rights; rather, it sets forward several principles and
understandings related to lands and resources. This Notice This is a short list that establishes the basis for parties to
is without prejudice to the rights, titles or claims of any engage with First Nations based on First Nations inherent
individual First Nation. and Treaty rights and jurisdictions. All those seeking to
access or use First Nations lands or resources have, at a
minimum, a duty to enquire, engage and consult in a manner
Self-Determination consistent with the standard of free, prior and informed
As has been asserted by First Nations and re-affirmed consent.
by Canada through ratification of the United Nations
First Nations will take appropriate steps to enforce these
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, all First
assertions.
Nations have the right to self-determination. Consistent with
the right to self-determination, First Nations have the right to This Notice has been adopted by the Chiefs-in-Assembly,
assert jurisdiction over lands and resources and, consistent comprised of leadership from First Nations throughout
with these jurisdictions, govern their lands and resources in Ontario, by Resolution on the date of June 11, 2014.
accordance to traditional and inherent laws.

Political Sector In response to the Chiefs in Assembly’s mandate, the Political
Confederacy advanced a proposal with the Premier of Ontario
that called for the establishment of a Political Accord. This
Political Confederacy Negotiation Task Force/ Accord would affirm Ontario’s commitment to working within
Alternates a government-to-government relationship and would further
frame our joint priorities and actions.
Grand Chief Gordon Peters, Lead Negotiator, Association of
Iroquois and Allied Indians
Overview
Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Akwesasne
Since the 2014 Ontario election, Premier Kathleen Wynne has
Ogichidaa Warren White, Grand Council Treaty 3 committed to making transformative change that would see
Grand Council Chief Patrick Mahadabee, Alternate, Union of First Nations leaders as part of the decision-making process
Ontario Indians and restore the Treaty relationship. Under Resolution 14-30,
Chiefs of Ontario has been working to keep the Premier to her
First Nation’s Technical Task Force word.
Nathan Wright, Chief Operating Officer, COO Chiefs in Assembly passed Resolution 14-30 calling for a new
relationship with the Premier of Ontario and Cabinet. To fulfill
Sherry Antone, Sr. Policy Advisor, AIAI/COO this mandate the Political Confederacy (PC) is negotiating a
Gary Dokis, Policy Advisory, UOI Political Accord with the Premier of Ontario, which will:
Dan Pujdak, Intergovernmental Relations/Environmental Sr. 1. Promote our bi-lateral relationships between First
Policy Advisor Nations and Ontario by strengthening and supporting
Karen Restoule, Sr. Policy Advisor/Legal Review existing processes;
2. Establish a process to identify joint priorities;
Chiefs of Ontario – Lead Technician 3. Establish mechanisms such as an alternative dispute
Sherry Antone, Sr. Policy Advisor resolution process to resolve high-level areas of
jurisdiction;
Key Priority Area: The Political Accord 4. Uphold First Nations inherent right to self-government;
and
Background 5. Implement and explore First Nations jurisdiction through
In June 2014, the Political Confederacy was mandated by a piloted initiative.
the Chiefs In Assembly to establish a political task force that The Negotiation process consisted of a political and technical
would develop a strategic plan to promote a new relationship table. As part of the mandate, the PC established a Political
with province of Ontario. This mandate is captured in Task Force, which includes Grand Chief Gordon Peters,
Resolution 14/30: Advancing a Defined Political Strategy with Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, and Ogichidaa Warren White.
the Ontario Premier and Cabinet. In addition, Grand Council Chief Patrick Mahadabee has

provided support by acting as an alternate while the Regional
Chief, Stan Beardy, remained ex officio to the process. To Honouring
support the political discussions, a First Nations technical
team was established and consisted of representatives from Our Leaders
COO, AIAI and UOI.
The Political Confederacy has taken measures to provide Honouring Our Leaders Gala
information on the proposed accord and process by hosting
Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy, Grand Chiefs, Chiefs,
regular conference calls throughout May and June 2015.
Premier Kathleen Wynne, Aboriginal Affairs Minister David
Chiefs of Ontario has regularly distributed memos to provide
Zimmer, Cabinet Ministers, industry and corporate partners,
updates to the negotiations.
family and friends honoured seven outstanding leaders
On May 29, 2015, the negotiation process was successfully November 26, 2014 in a sold-out Gala event hosted by the
concluded with the support of both tables. A final draft of Chiefs of Ontario in Toronto.
the Accord content was provided to the Political Confederacy
“It is in our tradition in our culture to honour people who
and the First Nations Leadership for final consideration at
have done great things for our communities. These leaders
the All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC). In leading up to
broke barriers, opened doors and led the charge for First
the AOCC.
Nation citizens in Ontario,” said Ontario Regional Chief Stan
The final step to this process is to gain support from the Beardy.
Chiefs-in-Assembly by way of resolution. The Premier
The former Ontario Regional Chiefs honoured were: the
has committed to a signing ceremony with the Political
late Peter Tobasonakwut Kelly, Patrick Madahbee, Wally
Confederacy once an agreement is reached.
McKay, Gordon Peters, Tom Bressette, Charles Fox and
Angus Toulouse.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Each honouree
• November 2014: The Political Confederacy tabled the
was given a gift
proposal, Polishing the Chain, with Premier Kathleen
and award
Wynne at their Annual meeting.
commemorating
• January 2015: The Political Confederacy held a strategic their dedication
planning session to develop an approach for negotiations; and each
• February 2015: The PC Negotiation Team meet with the recipient spoke
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to confirm the negotiation eloquently about
and approval process of the draft Political Accord. their time as
leader and working
• March 2015: The PC approved the first draft of the for betterment
Political Accord. of First Nation
• April – May 2015: The PC and MAA were involved in the communities.
negotiation process. Premier Wynne committed about continuing an ongoing
• May - June 2015: The PC hosted regular conference calls dialogue with the First Nations in Ontario and the
to provide updates to Leadership on the process importance of educating the next generation of Canadians
• June 2015: the Final Draft Accord was brought to the on an accurate history and contributions of First Nation
Chiefs in Assembly for final consideration and approval. people in Canada.
Emcee Don Kelly kept the full house entertained as he joked
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: and moved the agenda along throughout the night.
• Fall 2015 – The Chiefs of Ontario will host two Keynote speaker John Ralston Saul, one of Canada’s
Jurisdictional Think Tanks in the North/South Regions. foremost intellectuals, talked about how Canada needs to
The purpose of the Think Tanks to explore concepts recast its relationship with Indigenous peoples and how the
and best practices on issues related to jurisdiction. Each government needs to move quickly on Treaty rights and land
Think Tank will be designed specifically for North and claims and to completely throw out its approach of stalling
South regions to ensure the diversity of our interests and and appealing.
landscape are appropriately captured. Above caption: Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick
Madahbee accepts an award from Ontario First Nations Young
Peoples Council member Quinn Meawasige

1
1. Former Ontario Regional Chief Charles Fox addresses

the audience at the Gala.
2. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer, Ontario
Regional Chief Stan Beardy, Premier Kathleen Wynne
and Chief Ava Hill of the Six Nations of the Grand River
3. Chief Sara Mainville of Couchiching First Nation
and Chief Patricia Big George of Anishinaabeg of
Naongashiing
4. Members of the Women’s Council: Lyndia Jones,
Chief Karen Loran, Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne,
Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen
Hare, Donna Debassige and Ontario Premier Kathleen
Wynne
Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | StrengtheniNG our Relationships 13

Education

Education Sector Overview
First Nations in Ontario, and across Canada, assert
inherent jurisdiction over education. We maintain that the
Political Confederacy Portfolio Holder/ Government of Canada has a fiduciary obligation to uphold
Alternates the Honour of the Crown making available the necessary
Grand Chief Gordon Peters, Chair, Political Confederacy human and fiscal resources required for our Nations to
Education Portfolio Holder provide comprehensive education that is founded on
Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, Alternate Chair, our identity, languages, cultures, homelands, traditions,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation knowledge systems, learning ways and spirituality. The
Crown and Canada accepted this obligation when Treaties
Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Alternated Chair, Mohawks of were made on a “Nation to Nation” basis. This provided the
Akwesasne (successor state) Canada the use and benefit of the lands
and resources, in exchange for a guarantee to the peoples
First Nation Education Coordination Unit of the Indigenous Nations, an equitable standard of living
(FNECU) perpetually, which includes education.
Dobi-Dawn Frenette, Nishnawbe Aski Nation First Nations in Ontario are committed to working toward
Yolanda Fobister, Grand Council Treaty #3 the development of culture-based, academically solid,
learner-focused, high-quality education systems that are
Gina McGahey, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
maintained rightfully in their control. These commitments
Diane Maracle Nadjiwon, Independent First Nations were the driving force behind the 1972 national policy
Murray Maracle, Union of Ontario Indians document Indian Control of Indian Education (ICIE) and
the updated document First Nation Control of First Nation
Rosie Mosquito, Aboriginal Institutes Consortium
Education 2010 (FNCFNE). The FNECU continues to utilize
Nelson Toulouse, AMO Language Commission these policies to guide the efforts that maintain and promote
Tristen Schneider, Ontario First Nations Young Peoples the commitments, while charting our own path forward and
Council striving to exceed the trajectory that began decades ago.
Barry Montour, Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education First Nations view the primary role of wholistically balanced
learning systems to be the transmission of Indigenous
Chiefs of Ontario Education Staff ancestral languages, traditions, cultures and histories, while
at the same time preparing and making accessible to the
Julia Candlish, Director of Education
learner, the support and tools that will allow them to achieve
Charu Murti, Education Policy Analyst their full potential in any setting they choose. Assuring
security, in the knowledge that lifelong learning is an
First Nation Education Coordination Unit inherent and Treaty right, our peoplea understand the road
(FNECU) – Background to knowledge is built upon experiences that embrace both
Indigenous and mainstream, western knowledge systems.
The FNECU is a technical and advisory body operating
under the umbrella of the Chiefs of Ontario. The creation of The FNECU follows the directed mandates of the Chiefs
the FNECU in 2000 enabled resource security to support the in Assembly and the Political Confederacy that advance
efforts of leadership to collectively strategize a position for initiatives such as the, Charting Our Own Path Forward in
education. It is comprised of the Education Directors of the Education and addressing a number of emerging issues
four Provincial Territorial Organizations and representatives and established priorities. All activities of the FNECU are
from the Independent First Nations. In addition, four seats also guided by additional principles and policies including
are reserved for established regional Aboriginal Education strategic priorities, international instruments, standards and
Organizations. Currently, three seats are held by the covenants, the Oniatari’:io education report, Our Children,
Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk and Onkwehon:we Language Our Future Our Vision: First Nations Jurisdiction over First
Commission of Oniatari’:io, the Aboriginal Institutes Nations Education in Ontario.
Consortium, and the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples The FNECU maintains a provincial ministerial relationship by:
Council. The Unit receives support through the coordinating • Providing input on Ministry initiatives *
capacity of the Chiefs of Ontario office. The Education
Coordination Unit, via the Director of Education, is responsible • participating on working groups and advisory councils
to the Chiefs in Assembly and the Political Confederacy.

The FNECU maintains a federal relationship with INAC by: issues and initiatives. The FNECU makes every effort to keep
• obtaining and disseminating information to First Nations abreast of these activities in order to ensure continuity and
alignment.
• providing First Nation input* on federal programming
and initiatives via working groups The following analysis of key priority areas must be
understood from the perspective that, although they
*Please note that input provided on working groups, are represented here as stand alone activities and
advisory councils and task teams is always positioned as accomplishments, they all fit together to inform the Charting
non-representative unless a formal process of information Our Own Path Forward Initiative.
gathering and consolidation has taken place or there is a
political position established. It is only through the First Below are selected highlights from the priority areas that the
Nation engagement process that the FNECU is able to FNECU is currently engaged in.
provide input or recommendations.
The following chart illustrates how FNECU priorities
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Charting
and mandates are arrived at and how engagement and Our Own Path Forward in Education
communication flow. Although the chart is created from the Following several mandates passed by the Chiefs in
perspective of the FNECU it must be noted that in all activity Assembly, the FNECU continues to work on developing
related to First Nations education, the learner and First recommendations for consideration by First Nation
Nation communities remain the focal point of activity. leadership, on systems and funding for education in Ontario.
The FNECU recognizes that individual First Nations and Two Education Officer Gatherings were held in August 2014
aggregate organizations (such as PTOs, Tribal Councils, etc.) to further explore and build on key themes arising from
also interact with the provincial and federal governments 2013/14 activities.
as well as many other organizations on education-related
Chart 1 - Education
First Nations FNECU & CEC Outside Government

Priority Areas:
& Organizations
First Nation Communities
• Early Learning Provincial Government
Aggregate Organizations • K12
• Post Secondary Federal Government
Political Confederacy / & Training
Chiefs in Assembly
• Special Education Other Organizations
Assembly of First Nations • Data Governance
• Internal Collaboration Social, • Roundtable sessions

Health and Education Units meet • Trilateral Education Services
together quarterly (Tuition) Agreement Resource
• FNECU particpation on AFN Working Group
CCOE and NIEC • Education Partnership Table
Coordinate & Advocate
• FNMI Minister’s Advisory Council
(and Working Group)
• Minister’s Early Years Advisory
Groups
• Aboriginal Post Secondary
Education and Training Group

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: situation to organize and coordinate at the local, territorial
and regional levels.
• An environmental scan was produced to provide a solid
basis for engagement on improving the First Nation Over the past two years COO has partnered with the Ministry
education system in Ontario; of Education to carry out an Early Learning Asset Mapping
Project (ELAMP). The project was carried out mainly through
• A draft options paper on the development of a regional
agreements between COO and PTOs/IFNs. The project
framework for First Nations education in Ontario was
was designed to inform the development of a culturally
developed and circulated for discussion. The draft paper
appropriate toolkit and provide First Nations communities
includes:
with preliminary tools to assess assets and needs. The results
• a political accord between First Nations in Ontario and of the ELAMP serve to inform our path forward to secure the
Canada that outlines the roles and responsibilities of much needed resources (financial and human) to improve
each party; early learning offerings for our young ones.
• a section on the rationale for First Nations inherent
jurisdiction over education; ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• various options regarding the funding mechanism, flow • ELAMP final report has been completed:
and requirements as well as options on accountability • Contains results of the asset mapping process in First
mechanisms; Nation communities and recommendations;
• Two successful Education Officer Gatherings were • A supplementary report to the ELAMP final report has
held (in Thunder Bay and Toronto) to address some been completed;
recommendations in the environmental scan and further
• Contains extensive demographic information and
discuss elements of the options paper;
program information and recommendations;
• This resulted in further additions and refinement to the
options paper. ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Established an agreement with final year MBA students at • Finalize model and recommendations to leadership;
Sir Wilfred Laurier University to further explore funding
• Create toolkit for communities to implement the model
requirements for First Nations education in Ontario.
and coordinate funding and programming options to
improve delivery of early learning;
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Increase networking capacity through the use of the
• A dedicated web portal on the COO website will be
Education Portal.
established for First Nations’ education. This will include:
• An interactive map and;
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Elementary and
• A secure section for First Nation engagement and Secondary (provincial and federal)
discussion to take place;
As indicated in Chart 1-Education above members of the
• Recommendations of funding requirements by Laurier FNECU continue to participate on various working groups,
MBA students; advisory councils and task teams to ensure First Nation
• Further refinement of the options paper on First Nations’ perspectives and worldview are considered in provincial and
education systems and funding. federal laws, regulations, policies and programs.
The FNECU has engaged with the Ministry of Education on
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Early Learning various elements of K-12 education via the First Nation, Métis
Following the mandate provided in COO Resolution 10- and Inuit Minister’s Advisory Council and Working Group,
23 the FNECU has been working closely with the Health the Leaders in the Legislature Roundtable sessions and in
and Social Services Coordination Units to coordinate various one-on-one sessions with the Minister and staff.
efforts and ensure all funding and program areas are duly
considered in advancing the early learning opportunities for ACCOMPLISHMENTS (provincial):
First Nations. This collaborative effort has resulted in solid • Obtained and provided First Nation input into the
recommendations that will be brought forward at the 2015 development of the FNMI Framework Implementation
AOCC. There has been considerable work in this area to date Plan 2013-2016;
despite the complexities and challenges experienced in this
• Secured commitments from the Minister to address

issues around the certification of Native Language • Participation and coordination efforts in an advocacy
teachers among other things; “Day on the Hill” for First Nations education November
• Participated in preliminary discussions on the 5, 2014.
development of a data-sharing agreement.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS (federal):
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Leverage First Nations’ education as a prominent federal
(provincial): election priority;
• Capitalize on commitments of Minister at Roundtable • Increase networking capacity through the use of the
sessions. These include: Education Portal.
• certification of Native Language teachers;
• deal with the issue of racism in the provincial school
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Special Education
system; The Ontario First Nation Special Education Working Group
(OFNSEWG) has been mandated through COO Resolution
• sharing professional development;
13/11 to continue to gather data for the formulation of a
• assist Council-operated schools interested in planning business case for increased funding for the ever expanding
and mapping a gap analysis (literacy and numeracy); special education needs in First Nation communities and
• Secure human resource commitment from the Province to improve the effectiveness of the federal High Cost Special
assist in coordinating communication, engagement and Education Program (HCSEP) and associated funding
follow-up between First Nations and the province on all mechanism. Based on this mandate the OFNSEWG
areas of activity related to First Nations education; continues to analyze pertinent data, and work with First
Nation recipients to develop ways to enhance the current
• Increase networking capacity through the use of the
funding mechanism (program, formula and funding levels).
Education Portal.
Over the past year the FNECU has also participated ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
extensively in the development of a national alternative
The HCSEP Work Plan Process has resulted in retaining
to the federal introduction of Bill C-33 into the House
$1.4 million over four fiscal years within the Ontario region
of Commons in April 2014. At the AFN Special Chiefs
that would have otherwise been clawed back by the federal
Assembly in December 2014, the Chiefs in Assembly passed
government;
Resolution 35-2014: Federal Act for Funding First Nations
Education. This resolution accepts the Framework for a
Federal Act for Funding First Nations Education, the First
Nations – Federal Crown Terms of Reference on Federal Act • Full analysis of the ability of the federal HCSEP and the
for Funding First Nations Education, and the First Nations Ontario funding formula to meet the special education
Processes - Federal Act for First Nation Education, developed needs of First Nations in Ontario by June 2015;
by the AFN National Indian Education Council and • Increase networking capacity through the use of the
approved by the AFN Chiefs Committee on Education as Education Portal.
working documents and as the chosen national path forward
for First Nations education.
KEY PRIORITY AREA: FNREES
To date, the AFN has not received a response on this
The First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education,
proposal from the federal government.
Employment (FNREEES) has been in process with planning
and implementation underway since 2012. In November 2012,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS (federal):
the Ontario Chiefs in Assembly passed resolution 12/30 in
• National resolution accepting the following as working support of the FNREEES. A Regional Advisory Working Group
documents for the path forward: was created in early 2013 and met several times that year.
• Framework for a Federal Act for Funding First Nations May 2014, the Chiefs of Ontario reviewed the process
Education; and restructured FNREEES to merge the FNREEES and
• First Nations – Federal Crown Terms of Reference on Regional Health Survey (RHS) coordinator positions into a
Federal Act for Funding First Nations Education; new role: Research Manager. Through this amalgamation, a
new management and implementation structure was put in
• First Nations Processes - Federal Act for First Nation
place to implement FNREEES. The First Nation Education
Education;

Coordination Unit and the Health Coordination Unit provided substantial progress on areas such as Early Learning, Health
general oversight in 2014-2015. The Regional Advisory Human Resources, School Nutrition, and Mental Health
Working Group work was completed in December 2014. and Wellness. The information shared at these meeting also
assists each sector to better understand how the activities
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: and initiatives of other sectors may impact their own plans
and vice versa.
• 3 area managers were engaged with the communities
in assisting with training and deployment in the
communities. KEY PRIORITY AREA: Education
• Each of the sampled communities entered into Letters Conference
of Agreement to employ their own surveyors to collect In March 2015, Chiefs of Ontario hosted an Education
surveys; generated employment and built capacity in the Conference attended by 240 people. Held March 5 & 6, the
communities. conference, ‘Our Children, Our Future, Our Vision’, was
• 39 communities were selected to participate attended by Chiefs, Councilors, and Education Directors
among others. Focusing on all the elements of the Lifelong
• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers workshop was
Learning Continuum, the event included more
conducted in 2014
than 20 presentations. The agenda moved
• Significant work to improve the from thoughtful leadership speeches,
training manual to be clear, concise panel discussions, workshops, best
and as useful as possible to the practices information to sharing
community surveyors. input on “burning issues” and
• Letter of Agreement entered strategy development. All these
into with communities to presentations wove around the
deploy FNREEES vision of Charting our own Path
Forward in Education (COOPF).
• FNREEES completed May 31,
2015 Some of the more than 25
speakers at the event included
ANTICIPATED Sharon Venne, Annie Kidder, Mac
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Saulis “Indigegogy”, Andrea Landry,
Paul Bennett and Rebecca Jamieson.
• FNREEES data cleaning to be The delegation provided an especially
completed to detect and remove inaccurate enthusiastic response to the youth panel on
records and removing corrupt or inaccurate records Special Education. These presentations can be accessed
from the database (data validation). through the COO website either as a live recording,
• Identify a set of common indicators in anticipation of PowerPoint or through a 40 page conference report. The
release and online data tools (to be developed in each conference included a trade market with over 7 educational
region). booths and 7 artisan vendor tables.
• November 2015 preliminary results to be released “It is essential for education leaders within
nationally our communities to come together and
• Analyzing Ontario data discuss the important topic of working
• Fact sheets to be produced from Ontario’s data 2016-2017 collectively to transform education systems to
better meet the unique needs of First Nation
• Development of a FNREEES Peoples Report – 2016-2017
learners,” said Chiefs of Ontario Education
Portfolio holder Grand Chief Gordon Peters.
KEY PRIORITY AREA: SHE
“It has been a long time coming but the time
The Social Services, Health and Education Coordination
is right to make collective strides that support
Units at COO have been meeting twice yearly for the past
and maintain First Nations control of First
few years. The purpose of these collaborative meetings is
to break down the silos we routinely work in and identify
Nations education”.
areas where synergy can be created if we work together on Sharon Venne made many visionary suggestions, including -
issues that crossover among the sectors. The group has made “The Ochapowace band in Saskatchewan developed a treaty

based budget about 20 years ago and itemized everything including a school database, best practices repository,
that they thought they would need to run a good program interactive regional maps, discussion forums, event calendar
(school, health, housing, sewers, economic development, etc.). and news.
Every year they submit a claim to Indian Affairs. In this way Some of the conference workshops focused on the
they have been demonstrating how much Canada owes them. development of the new web portal to give attendees an
Others should do this”. The recording of her speech can be opportunity to provide input. Some feedback that was
found on the COO website. received:
The COO Education Web Portal was also introduced at
“It is time that we get better at using
the conference. This project is designed to bring together
technology. We can work together without
all the First Nations educators of Ontario for networking,
professional development and for problem solving. An
always having to travel away from the
online platform is being developed where thought leadership communities.”
around First Nations Education will thrive in order to realize “This would be a good platform to unify all
the goals of Charting Our Own Path Forwards (COOPF). our educational services, institutions and
This web portal, access to members only, will be a go-to place communities.”
for everything concerning First Nations education in Ontario

“The Web Portal will help us build empirical
information rather than anecdotal issues.”
The portal is due to be launched in May 2015.
All proceeds, about $17,000, raised from the registration at
this event were donated to the Ontario First Nations Young
Peoples Council (OFNYPC).
Overall 2014/15 was a very productive year for the FNECU.
Our efforts will remain clearly focused on
charting our own path forward, asserting
jurisdiction, advocating for equitable,
needs-based funding for a First
Nation-led education system
and ensuring our inherent and
Treaty rights remain intact
and undiminished in the
process.
Grand Chief Gordon
Peters, Chair, Political
Confederacy Education
Portfolio Holder

Environment

Environment Sector • Land: topics pertaining to terrestrial resources, genetic
resources, land use planning, extractive industries, and
environmental health
OVERVIEW • Energy: topics pertaining to long term energy planning

and transitioning to safe and responsible energy sources
The Environment Sector provides advice, guidance and
• Climate Change: topics pertaining to the short, medium
recommendations to the Political Confederacy (PC) and
and long term impacts of climate change to First Nations
Chiefs of Ontario on water, natural resources, energy, species
rights and responsibilities, as well as climate change
at risk, traditional knowledge, environmental assessments,
mitigation and adaptation
mining, climate change and other environmental issues.
It is the aim of the Environment Sector to promote active • Legislative and Policy Advocacy: topics pertaining
dialogue and facilitate coordinate efforts supporting the to emerging legislative and policy areas or strategic
inherent and Treaty Rights of First Nations in Ontario in legislative and policy outreach
ways respectful of each sovereign Nation and accountable
to inherent and Treaty Rights holders. In order to ensure POLITICAL CONFEDERACY
accountability, the Environment Sectors work is guided by
PORTFOLIO HOLDER
resolutions passed by the Chief-in-Assembly and the advice
and oversight of the political confederacy, and the Chiefs Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Chair, Akwesasne
Committee on the Environment. Chief Shining Turtle, Alternate Chair, Whitefish River First
The Chiefs Committee on the Environment is a technical and Nation
advisory body operating under the umbrella of the Chiefs of Quinn Meawasige, Youth Environment Portfolio Holder,
Ontario. The Chiefs Committee on Environment was created OFNYPC
in 2013-14 as a means to secure the necessary resources for
leadership to collectively strategize on province-wide policy CHIEFS COMMITTEE ON THE
positions with respect to the environment. The committee
is comprised of Chiefs representing the four Provincial
ENVIRONMENT
Territorial Organizations and representation from the Chief Denise Restoule, Dokis First Nation, Chief Joe
Independent First Nations. Hare, M’Chigeeng First Nation, Chief Reginald Niganobe,
Mississauga #8 First Nation, Chief Norm Hardisty, Jr. Moose
The Environment Unit, under the guidance of the Chiefs
Cree First Nation, Chief Dan Sayers, Ojibways of Batchewana,
Committee, works on the following areas:
Chief Sheri Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chief
• Water: topics pertaining to drinking water, fisheries, the Earl Klyne, Seine River First Nation, Chief Isadore Day,
lakes and rivers in Ontario, aquatic resources, and First Serpent River First Nation, Grand Chief Yesno, Nishnawbe
Nations rights and responsibilities to water Aski Nation

Environment Technicians: Ontario First Nations’ Young Peoples’ Council (OFNYPC)
representatives to advise on the planning of the gathering.
Gary Allen, Executive Director Treaty #3
The “Following in the Footsteps of our Ancestors”, Elders
Dan Pujdak, Chiefs of Ontario and Youth Gathering held March 9-11th in Sault Ste. Marie,
Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Ontario represented an effort to share dialogue among First
Nation young people and First Nation Elders’ on water issues
Diane Maracle-Nadjiwon, Independent First Nations
locally and regionally. The purpose of the gathering was to
Gary Dokis, Union of Ontario Indians bring together First Nations young people, Elders and First
Nation practitioners, with the intent to meet the following
Chiefs of Ontario Environment Staff objectives:
Kathleen Padulo, Environment Director 1. To provide an opportunity for Elders and youth
Sally Gaikezheyongai, Environment Coordinator to discuss Great Lakes, water and environmental
challenges experienced at the community and regional
Dan Pujdak, Senior Policy Advisor, Intergovernmental
level;
Affairs, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst
2. Provide youth with hands-on practical TEK
experience and knowledge for linking TEK addressing
ENVIRONMENT UPDATES environmental concerns in their communities;
3. Equip and empower youth with the knowledge and skills
KEY ISSUES: Water to get involved in their communities on Great Lakes
Chiefs of Ontario’s is working to implement the Chiefs of issues; and
Ontario’s Water Declaration as the foundation for decision
4. To provide an opportunity for Elders to share knowledge
making on issues related to water. Traditional Ecological
of roles and responsibilities as part of learning TEK.
Knowledge is an essential component of the Water
Declaration. This year, Chiefs of Ontario has focused on This gathering serves as a follow up from a collaborative
bringing Traditional Ecological Knowledge to the forefront of Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC)
decision making on the restoration of the Great Lakes. and COO TEK Workshop held February 19-20th, 2014 in Six
Nations of the Grand River where participants expressed
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: “Following in the the need to host a gathering for young people and Elders to
Footsteps of our Ancestors” Elders and Youth share and collaborate on water issues.
Gathering: March 9-11th Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) coordinated the efforts
of a collaborative working group, comprised of COO’S From the final report including recommendations was
developed from this gathering and will be utilized as a
planning model and framework to coordinate funding and
programming options for the future.
KEY ISSUES: Land

Chiefs of Ontario (COO) convened its First Nations
Environmental Assessment Toolkit Working Group
(FNETWG) with the purpose of supporting First Nations in
their understanding of and engagement with both Provincial
and Federal Environmental Assessments (EAs) as well as
with the development of their own EA processes. To this end,
the working group met frequently over the past several years
to develop an EA toolkit and associated training modules,
which have now been delivered at a number of training
events in Ontario.
With this mandate, has come a priority in supporting
communities in the Ring of Fire region of Ontario, which
has led to targeted training with both the Matawa and
Mushkegowuk Nations. The most recent training was

delivered in Wahnapitae First Nation with a focus on EAs ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
and Mining processes. The focus of the latest training:
• COO successfully held an inaugural energy roundtable
Understanding Mining Development Processes, which
with First Nation leadership and government on energy
emerged from previous training held at Constance Lake
issues to start building towards a framework for future
First Nation in 2013 and responded directly to the feedback
discussions.
from participants with regard to the additional needs they
identified following the first round of training.
Many of the participants at the first training, Keewaytinoak
The following tables will meet draft principles and general
(Northland Watch) Environmental Assessment Training
framework for future meetings to be held twice a year
and Organizing, also attended this second iteration. Their
to identify and develop solutions for specific energy
commitment to participating in COO’s EA training illustrates
matters affecting First Nation communities. The Political
the need and importance of this targeted approach to EA
energy table will identify these matters, and the technical
training and enables COO to garner a strong understanding
working groups will be utilized to evaluate and develop
of the effectiveness of EA training (process and content) and
recommendations for consideration.
the further identification of the needs of the technical staff
working in First Nations across the Ring of Fire. Chiefs of Ontario is expecting to finalize the members of the
Chiefs’ Working Group on Energy and Technical Working
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Group in the coming months.
With generous financial support from a Trillium grant,
the Chiefs of Ontario’s Environment Department was able
KEY ISSUE: Climate Change
to accomplish two successful workshops and 3 Webinars The Chiefs of Ontario mandated the Environment
working closely with Matawa/Four Rivers, and Hatch to Department through resolution to become involved in
deliver information and skill development to First Nations discussions and information sharing related to climate
across the Ring of Fire. change.
This year, Ontario announced a Climate Change Strategy
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: based on cap-and-trade. Cap-and-trade is a system in which
Continued opportunities to train First Nations community emissions contributing to climate change are capped,
members, youth, leaders and decision makers about the emitters are given quotas, and those using less than their
resource industry, associated approvals processes, and quota (or requiring more) can trade quotas within a market.
potential economic opportunities. At this point, the full details of the system have yet to be
determined.
KEY ISSUES: Energy
Members of the Political Confederacy (PC) met with the
Minister of Energy and the President/CEOs of each of
Ontario’s Energy authorities February 23, 2015 to kick off the
Energy Table meetings. The purpose of the meeting was to
renew relationships between First Nations and Ontario on
the energy file and to explore areas of concern within the
energy sector.
Representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Energy, Hydro
One, Ontario Energy Board, Independent Energy System
Operator (IESO), Ontario Power Generator (OPG) and
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA) were all in attendance.
Discussion at the roundtable centered on: economic
opportunities for First Nations including procurements and
contracting, energy subsidies, and First Nations engagement
in transmission and generation planning.
Chief Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation and member of the

Chiefs Committee on Environment

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: in changes to First Nations funding transfers from Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Under immense
Chiefs of Ontario’s Environment Director will attend
pressure from Chiefs, Canada delayed the application of the
meetings as a member of Ontario’s Climate Action Group
Act to First Nations for 2 years to allow greater study. Chiefs
to bring forward challenges and opportunities from First
of Ontario will continue to provide updates on this file.
Nations leadership with respect to Ontario’s long term
climate change strategy for Ontario. Chiefs of Ontario intervened in Environment Canada’s
reinterpretation of taxation policies. The reinterpretation
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: required Environment Canada to report all travel
reimbursements and honorarium paid to First Nation citizens
Information sharing, opportunity to navigate and understand
to be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency as taxable
the challenges of Climate Change for First Nations Peoples
payments. As a result of Chiefs of Ontario’s intervention,
and build capacity to effectively participate in these
Canada issued an apology and rescinded all tax slips.
discussions that will support the future generations.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
KEY ISSUE: Legislation/Policy Issues
• Two year delay on the application of mandatory reporting
Chiefs of Ontario continues to monitor for emerging issues.
requirements to First Nations
In 2014-15, the Environment Sector attempted to intervene
• The rescinding of all tax slips issued to First
in the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act, which
Nation citizens by Environment Canada for travel
establishes requirements for industry to report money given
reimbursements and honorariums
to First Nations. The new reporting requirements may result
in artificially inflated reports of band funding, and may result

FIRST NATIONS COMMEMORATE
250th ANNIVERSARY OF THE
TREATY OF NIAGARA WITH
TWO DAYS OF EVENTS
First Nation leaders, Elders and citizens from across the
region gathered along the Niagara River August 2 and 3,
2014 to commemorate, celebrate and discuss the 250th
Anniversary of the Treaty of Niagara.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of this Treaty
there was a gathering of representatives of the Indigenous
Nations which made a Treaty of Peace with Sir William
Johnson on behalf of the Crown.
The Treaty of Niagara was both historic and significant as a
turning point in relations between the Indigenous Nations
and the Crown.
“The education and awareness of Treaties made with First
Nations will help Canadian citizens understand their own
obligations as subjects of treaty conditions in this country,”
Patrick Madahbee, Grand Council Chief, Anishinabek
Nation said. “Canada wouldn’t be a country without a formal
treaty process with First Nations and those treaties are just
as valid today as they were the day they were signed.”

Health
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris receives the Ontario Telemedicine Award
at the Health Conference. Ed Brown, CEO of OTN, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick
Madahbee, Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy and Donna Roberts-Potter from KOe-Health
Telemedicine Services
28 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our RelationshiPS

MESSAGE FROM to work with me in advancing the Health as a Shared
Priority agenda and the movement towards an effective
THE CHAIR and mutually-beneficial and collaborative working

relationship between all First Nations in Ontario. We began
ONTARIO CHIEFS
by developing a discussion paper and power point that was
delivered and endorsed by the Political Confederacy. This has
COMMITTEE ON
become the platform for my meetings with the leaders of the
Political Territorial Organizations as well as the Independent
HEALTH
First Nations and Six Nations of the Grand River.
To date, I have had sessions with Grand Council Treaty # 3
to renew our health relationship in ceremony. Together we
Greetings Chiefs: have agreed on the development of a communication and
relationship protocol clearly outlining opportunities to build
It is with great pleasure that I bring you the annual report
a strong relationship document. As well, I have had a meeting
for the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health. I want to
with Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Health Portfolio,
acknowledge the work of the Health Staff and my colleagues
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, to discuss how they could
on the Chiefs Committee, and I thank you for your
share information from the Northern table and
dedication to the Health and Wellbeing of
perhaps adopt a protocol on relationship
our people.
development as well. DGC Fiddler
All First Nations communities know emphasized his priority work
that the health disparities between on NIHB. The Association of
the First Nation peoples and the Iroquois and Allied Indians
general Canadian population discussed their health priorities
are great. This underscores the and emphasized the need to
need for effective strategies, continue to work on this unity
supported by consistent challenge, as the health needs
advocacy, to close these gaps of our people cannot wait and
and improve health outcomes they need to be addressed
for First Nation members and together, by all of us.
communities.
The June Assembly also gave
At the June 2014 All Ontario Ogichidaa Warren White, Grand Chief Grand
us a mandate to advocate for
Council Treaty #3 and Anishinabek
Chiefs Conference, the Chiefs in wage parity for the NNADAP
Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick
Assembly passed a resolution calling worker and enhanced program
Madahbee
for a restructuring of Chiefs of Ontario to resources. The result is a lobby package
enhance the organization’s capacity to more that has been guided by a Regional Chiefs
effectively support the work of all First Nations in Advisory Committee. The issue has been given
Ontario. In Health we are moving forward with our campaign a National Mandate of advocacy. The Ontario Advisory
of “Health as a Shared Priority” . Committee has provided the information to the Minister,
This campaign is consistent with the mandate to re-examine which she has given direction to her staff to review and
general COO processes and structures. This will include provide a process to work on this issue.
a review of the Terms of Reference for both the Health The Non-Insured Health Benefits program is in crisis as the
Coordination and the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health. federal government continues to focus on cost containment
The review will also look at any other issues that impact rather than program effectiveness ignoring their fiduciary
current working relationships including communication obligation to ensure First Nations have access to quality
processes as well as how the roles and responsibilities of the health care. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for
respective organizations align, complement or potentially First Nations to work together on common concerns and
conflict with one another. This review is intended to identify priorities where possible.
challenges as well as accomplishments and promising
This is a National priority and as the Chair of the Ontario
practices in order to address perceived weaknesses and build
Chiefs Committee, I have been selected to Chair the National
on demonstrated strengths.
Committee for the NIHB review. This is a process that has
Since the June Assembly I have asked the Health Director been endorsed nationally and will lead to changes in the

NIHB directives which seem to be the source of challenges
for clients in getting the services, and benefits for which Health Sector
“status Indians” are entitled to. This is a three year process
and we have had the Federal Minister of Health, Rona
Ambrose, assign her assistant deputies to the engagement
ONTARIO CHIEFS COMMITTEE ON
process. This means, that we have a table where change HEALTH
can happen. We will be starting our first year of actually
looking at the directives. The previous year (2014-2015) was HEALTH COORDINATION UNIT
a fact finding, understanding the scope of the issues and
developing the process for change. CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH STAFF
Finally, the work of the Trilateral First Nations Health
ONTARIO CHIEFS COMMITTEE ON HEALTH (OCCOH)
process is important in relationship building and for securing
opportunities for shared activities with the Provincial and Grand Council Chief Chair, Political Confederacy
Federal governments. The major goal of this committee is Patrick Madahbee Portfolio
to build on mechanisms to advance wellness in a shared
Chief R. Donald Maracle Association of Iroquois &
environment., The key mental health activities for the past
Allied Indians
fiscal year have been: reducing prescription drug abuse by
utilizing community based programs, the use of a mental Chief Karen Loran Independent First Nations
wellness framework to increase the support of government Deputy Grand Chief Nishnawbe Aski Nation
programs for First Nations on reserve and supporting Alvin Fiddler
communities to look at community development processes UOI District Chief, Union of Ontario Indians
for ways of addressing addictions. The key public health Peter Collins
activities have focused on relationship building between
first nation communities and public health units, as well HEALTH COORDINATION UNIT (HCU)
as improvement in Public Health System development for
First Nations. The work for the next year will also include the Jason Beardy Nishnawbe-Aski Nation
management of data development for advancing community Suzanne Nicholas Association of Iroquois &
regional priorities. Allied Indians
I am very excited about advancing our work for change Tobi Mitchell Independent First Nations
reflecting our common theme of “Health as a Shared Jamie Restoule Union of Ontario Indians
Priority”. This will lead to better outcomes for our people,
Grand Council Treaty 3 vacant
by building on unified relationships with each other and
advancing our shared common goal of wellness for our
communities. I encourage you to take the time to read CHIEFS OF ONTARIO HEALTH STAFF
through the Health sector and contact the Health Staff at the Tracy Antone Director of Health
Chiefs of Ontario for any questions, solutions that you may
Alice Longboat Sr. Health Coordinator
have.
Bernadette deGonzague Sr Policy Analyst
All My Relations,
Lily Menominee-Batise Sr. Policy Analyst
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee
Linda Ogilvie Sr. Policy Analyst
Chair, Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health
Emily King Northern NIHB Navigator
Laurie Carr Southern NIHB Navigator
Donna Loft Policy Analyst
Matthew Resmini Policy Analyst
Alex Yurkiewich Data Analyst
Carmen Jones Research Project Manager
Cindy Owl Health Coordinator
Sally Gaikezheyongai Health Coordinator
Jennifer Nolan Student Health Coordinator

Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health (OCCOH) • Establish a process for follow-up to government
engagement/tripartite agreements within the mandates
Under the Chiefs in Assembly authority AOCC Resolution
of the Chiefs in Assembly
01/24, a politically represented health structure was
established. The OCCOH is accountable to the Chiefs • Review and participate in the national coordination of
in Assembly and the Political Confederacy respectively. regional input into FNIHB’s program planning, and
The Committee reports decisions within the mandate implementation.
and progress at the Ontario Chiefs Assemblies or when • Non-insured health benefits (NIHB); monitoring to
necessary to the Political Confederacy. The overall mandate ensure needs are met, advocate for resources to First
of the OCCOH is to protect and maintain our Treaty and Nations to support strategies, improve access for all
Aboriginal Rights to health and to provide advice, guidance benefit areas.
and recommendations to the Ontario Regional Chief,
• Mental Health & Addictions maintaining federal and
Political Confederacy and the Chiefs in Assembly on matters
provincial and agency relationships to facilitate the
pertaining to First Nations Health.
community based approaches and improved service
and access to services for First Nation communities and
Health Coordination Unit (HCU)
individuals.
The Health Coordination Unit (HCU) is the technical and
• Home and continuing care (HCC); monitor the program
advisory body operating under the umbrella of the Chiefs of
initiative, participate in the evaluation program, advocate
Ontario. It is comprised of the Health Directors of the four
for First Nations in delivery and enhancements to the
associations and one representative from the Independent
program.
First Nations. The Unit receives support through the
coordinating capacity of the Chiefs of Ontario office. The • Research, information governance and privacy monitor,
Health Coordination Unit is responsible to the Ontario facilitate regional dialogues to facilitate a national
Chiefs Committee on Health, the Political Confederacy (PC) response
and the Chiefs in Assembly. • Public Health /Surveillance/ data management for First
Nations communities (Federal/Provincial regulation
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE applicability)
HEALTH COORDINATION UNIT AND • Monitor Federal investment strategies for chronic disease,
STAFF maternal child health, Early Childhood Development
(ECD);
• To ensure that lobby and advocacy efforts as directed by
the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health are carried out. • Monitor Provincial Health Strategies/Initiatives
• To maintain up-to-date information on First Nations
health conditions and provides information upon request. KEY ISSUE: Updating Ontario First Nations
• To ensure that First Nations are adequately represented Strategic Health Plan
in initiatives as they affect First Nations health. The objective of the First Nation Strategic Health planning
• To ensure that First Nations health issues and concerns process is to develop a proactive approach to improve the
are raised in various forums and processes by political status of First Nation’s health as well as to transform it. The
leaders or others. strategic plan review and update will confirm the strategies
are progressing and are aligned to bring about the desired
• To advocate, support and assist First Nations in the and needed changes. The Chiefs in Assembly adopted the
development or maintenance of regional health Strategy as a work in progress with the outlined strategies at
strategies, as required. the Special Chiefs Assembly in November 2008.
• To monitor recommendations made by the Chiefs
Committee on Health and the Chiefs in Assembly to ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
ensure effective implementation. This fiscal year the program direction has been maintained
in supporting the implementation of the core strategies.
COO Health Strategic Initiatives The review will look at the core strategies and assess the
• Treaty and Inherent Right to health; Advocating for relevancy.
recognition; assisting in the development models for First The strategic plan outlined seven (7) core strategies:
Nations to strengthen their jurisdiction over health.
1. Assert Treaty right to health

2. Advocate for First Nation right to govern their own health and addictions crises within First Nation communities are
systems all pressing matters that are of concern to First Nations
3. Align First Nation health system levels to transform the throughout the province.
status of First Nation health This review is intended to identify challenges as well as
4. Develop processes to support Ontario First Nations accomplishments and promising practices in order to
health system address perceived weaknesses and build on demonstrated
strengths.
5. Improve flow of communications within the Ontario First
Nations health system ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
6. Use technology to expand access to health information • Identification of current challenges
7. Implement strategic management system for sustainable • Identification of accomplishments and promising
change & results practices
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Changes to terms of references of HCU and OCCOH
Continue the review and update: • Meetings established with PTO’s & IFN
• to advance the development of political relationships, e.g. ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Tripartite, a Bilateral Agreements, with governments to
improve First Nation Health • Update the COO Health Strategic Plan
• to support the Chiefs in Assembly political priorities and • Clarify the roles and responsibilities between our
collective action organizations
• to have an Annual Health Forum as a means for First • Strengthen our working relationships via written or
Nation community workers and leadership to network ceremonial mechanisms
on community based health systems and knowledge
for implementing sustainable change in programs and KEY ISSUE: NNADAP Wage Parity/
services delivered in the communities Program Enhancement
Chiefs Advocacy Committee (NNADAP): Chief Allen
KEY ISSUE: Health as a Shared Priority Towegishig, Chief Isadore Day, Chief Thomas Bressette,
At the June 2014 All Ontario Chiefs Conference, the Chiefs and Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahabee
in Assembly passed a resolution calling for a restructuring Technical Support: Autumn Johnson, Rolanda Manitowabi,
of Chiefs of Ontario to enhance the organization’s capacity Mike Martin (NNAPF), Carol Hopkins, Francine Pellerin,
to more effectively support the work of all First Nations in Roy Thunder, Jennifer Robinson (AFN) and Tracy Antone
Ontario. Consistent with the mandate to review general COO (COO)
processes and structures it makes sense to move forward
Since 2007 there have been increased investments to support
with a thorough review of current COO health structures
training and certification of workers to ensure they have
and processes, including a review of Terms of Reference
the right competencies to address addictions and support
for both the HCU and the OCCOH. The review will also
wellness. High stress, funding frustrations, difficulties in
looked at any other issues that impact on current working
meeting complex client needs and low salaries leads to a
relationships including communication processes, how the
high turnover rate of NNADAP workers – often they take
roles and responsibilities of the respective organizations
their certification and experience elsewhere for a more
align, complement or potentially conflict with one another.
competitive wage.
Improving the health status of the First Nations is a shared
• NNADAP positions have expanded to encompass many
priority and responsibility for First Nations across the
other areas; such as, crisis intervention, assessment and
province. There is no doubt that the effectiveness of advocacy
referrals to withdrawal management and residential
efforts is impacted by the state of internal First Nation
treatment, referrals to mental health and other health
relations. There are several positive examples illustrating the
and social services, treatment planning, supportive and
ability of First Nations to realize change by working together
therapeutic counselling and therapy, both one-on-one
on issues that are common priorities. The claw backs within
counselling and group sessions, home visits, aftercare,
the NIHB program, the continued high rates of diabetes,
workshops, community events/activities coordination,
cancer and other chronic diseases, the ongoing mental health
grief work, gambling addictions awareness, suicide

prevention/intervention, smoking cessation, FAS/FAE, The Chair of the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health
HIV/AIDS awareness, cultural programming, lateral represents Ontario on the National Chiefs Committee on
violence, health promotion, sexual abuse, family violence, Health. An AFN Vice Chief, chairs the National Chiefs
concurrent disorders, and the abused substances of the Committee on Health.
day.
• In many communities, one NNADAP worker is expected Initiatives
to help individuals address issues in all of these areas. All Federal National Health files: NIHB, e-health/Client
Registry, Upstream, \AHTF/HISF Disabilities, Diabetes,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Environmental Health, Tripartite, Children, FNHM, Home &
• Chiefs of Ontario Resolution, #14/28, AOCC June 9 – 11, Community Care, Public Health, Mental Health/Addictions
2014. National Resolution on Wage Parity and Program
Enhancement ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, • In many of the initiatives, the Ontario delegation
October 6, 2014 discuss wage Parity and capacity has paved the way for National approaches. Ontario
building for NNDAP participation at the National level both at the technical
and at the National Chiefs Committee on Health
• Regional Chiefs Committee established to advocate for provide the opportunity to ensure Ontario’s needs are
support on this initiative. communicated.
• Technical Committee/Chiefs Meeting held October 2014 • Ontario’s work on prescription drug abuse in First Nation
• Development of Lobby package for MPs complete communities, has led to changes to the NIHB directives
• Secured Meeting with Minister of Health Rona Ambrose to include suboxone as a benefit.
• The NNDAP Wage parity has been led by Ontario Chiefs
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: and technicians.
• Follow up from Meeting with Minister of Health, the • Support of the Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.
Honourable Rona Ambrose • Assisting in the review and completion of the AFN –
• Development of a review process lead will be ADM FNIHB relationship protocol
Valerie Gideon and Ontario Region • Facilitating the National review for the renewal of the
• First step will be establishing a technical committee to Upstream initiatives.
review the background work of the Ontario group on the
wage parity documentation that has been prepared ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Making Health a Priority Nationally and Regionally.
KEY ISSUE: National Health Technicians • NIHB review committee action plan.
Network (FNHTN) • Dialogue and coordination of the Mental Health
The regional organizations appoint representatives to the Continuum Framework document.
National Health Technicians to provide input and guidance
• Review of the NNDAP wage parity and program
on First Nations health initiatives, needs and priorities.
enhancements for ne investments.
The FNHTN discuss and identify appropriate responses
• Implementation of Upstream initiatives that are specific
to AFN – Health Secretariat’s call for regional First Nation
to National and regional process, ensuring community
input on specific initiatives directed by the CCOH and
investments are maintained.
the AFN Chiefs in Assembly. Participation in the National
Technicians Network is to facilitate National responses that
reflect regional input and opportunities to participate on KEY ISSUE: First Nation Information
National Committees representing the AFN or the HCU/ Governance Centre (FNIGC)
Ontario. Centre Director: Tracy Antone, Health Coordinator
Ontario is represented by the Health Coordinator, and Board Member: OCCOH Chair, Patrick Madahbee
is responsible to make recommendations on National
initiatives to the National Chiefs Committee on Health The AFN Chiefs Committee of Health (CCOH) passed
(NCCOH). a motion on June 23, 2009 to support the establishment
of the First Nations Information Governance Centre as a

standalone entity and the AFN Executive Committee agreed • Continued advocacy for Regional capacity for addressing
to the development of the Centre on July 19, 2009 and data requests
received the final approval at the Special Chiefs in Assembly
meeting in December 2009. The FNIGC was federally KEY ISSUE: Upstream Renewal
incorporated in April 2010 and officially opened its doors
Nationally $700 million was committed by the federal
August 2010.
government at the 2004 First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) for
upstream initiatives. This was for a five year period (2005-
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2010) and then renewed for another 5 year funding cycle.
• The annual Board meeting was held in September in The suite of programs and initiatives focused on health
Cranbrook, British Columbia, and a special AGA on promotion, disease prevention, health services integration
April 16th to present to the Board and members the work and health human resources for First Nations. This includes:
of a governance committee. The committee was tasked Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, Maternal child Health
to examine the governing structure and policies and programs/Children’s Oral Health, Aboriginal Youth Suicide
make recommendations to ensure that there is a clear prevention strategy, top-up funding for Head Start on reserve,
separation of business and governance, clarify roles of Health services integration and Health Human resources
members and establish an accountability framework. The Initiative.
work was approved in principle with the note it is a work
All community based resources have been allocated to the
in progress
communities via existing contribution agreements. The five-
• Development of the FNIGC strategic plan for 2014 – 2018 year funding cycle for these programs and initiatives is set to
• The launch of Phase 3 of the FNREES) end March 2015.
• Launch of the community survey in a digital format, and
will be sent directly to respondents.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Work with the AFN and Headquarters for the evaluation
• The FNIGC center has put into operation a process
of the Upstream initiatives have been completed and the
for research development which give the ability for
support for the renewal has been sent to Treasury Board.
researchers to access RHS national data in a secure
system. This will help to get our First Nation data used in • First Nations communities have been given three month
a secure manner bridge funding to carry on the work at the community
level. The late release of the federal budget has delayed
• Completion of the process to trademark OCAPTM
the formal commitment of continuing the programs.
• OCAPTM Training final stages of development of the
• Headquarters has assured the AFN that Upstream is in
online training in partnership with Algonquin college
the Fiscal Framework and FNIHB has the authorities.
FNIHB and Treasury Board are close to finalizing the
funds.
• Data collection for the third wave of the Regional Health
Survey ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Continued development of strategies outlined in the • Upstream community programs will continue status
strategic plan quo funding for the next five years. The other initiatives
• Continued communications by the development of an under Upstream such as Youth Suicide, Health Systems
outreach campaign to establish the impact of the RHS Integration, Health Human resources, and Health
data “Power of Data” along with the promotion of OCAP Careers will be reviewed in the context of all regional
and training for input to these initiatives for improved management and
implementation.
• Continued work on developing process for informing
researchers on OCAP, development of capacity for First
Nations by the development of online training to become KEY ISSUE: Federal/Provincial
certified in OCAP Relationships & External Agencies
• Implementation of the FNIGC data online and regional
online data tools these initiatives will provide a controlled FNIHB – Ontario Region:
access to public data from the RHS work The Federal Government
First Nations & Inuit Health – Ontario Region, the Regional

Executive, has committed to regular meetings with the KEY ISSUE: National NIHB Review
Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health to establish priorities
under a new process of Transition to support the FNIH
Committee
Strategic Plan. Dialogue on the Regional budget to address Ontario is represented by GCC Patrick Madahbee
First Nations priorities as mandated by the Chiefs in Technical representative, Tracy Antone, Director of
Assembly will continue with the Ontario Chiefs Committee Health
on Health. ADM Valerie Gideon has made herself available In February 2014, the National Chief and Regional Chief
to address issues of the Regions through Regional meetings. Beardy met with the Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose, and
The Provincial Government obtained a verbal commitment on a joint review of the NIHB
program in order to articulate shortcomings and identify
The Minister of Health has met with the Chair of the
potential efficiencies.
Ontario Chiefs Committee. Minister Hoskins has expressed
the commitment to work with First Nations on the social The first meeting of the AFN-FNIHB Joint NIHB Review
determinants of health and has supported the key priorities Steering Committee (JNR-SC) was held on October 7, 2014.
identified by leadership. Minister Hoskins continues to The make-up and membership of the steering committee
support the Trilateral Table as a means for addressing some was agreed upon at the July 2014 NFNHTN and CCOH
of the gaps to First Nations on Reserve. The Minister is meetings. A Terms of Reference has been drafted and
commitment to a collaborative partnership with First Nations approved by all parties. This inaugural meeting produced a
as announced at the February COO Annual Health Forum. number of items, including a commitment for meetings over
the next 3 years.
External Associations
The review will examine, not only the benefits offered but
Development of relationships with external associations
also the way in which the program administers the benefits.
such as the Ontario Dental Association, Ontario Pharmacists
This includes prior approvals, appeals and the interpretation
Association, the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the
of guidelines. The review will also examine the barriers
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and Cancer
clients face in accessing benefits. In addition, the review will
Care Ontario.
include looking at the costs associated with the program,
both in terms of the cost of the program itself and the system-
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: wide costs, over the life of a client, of not providing certain
• Maintaining the work of the Trilateral First Nations benefits. In addition, it is certainly true that geographic
Senior Officials Committee. difference hugely impact client’s experiences with NIHB;
• Implementation of the data governance agreement with therefore, the joint review will ensure regional perspectives
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) as it are included.
pertains to the First Nation information within provincial
data bases. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Continued work with the Federal and Provincial • Development of the national work plan to support
governments on new initiatives. regional roundtables that will identify issues and
brainstorm solutions. This information gathering stage
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: culminated in a March 2014 NIHB Strategy Forum, in
Toronto, which brought together over 300 First Nations
• Continuing dialogue with the province on the working
health professionals, technicians, community members
relationship to advance Health Accord, and resolution
and leadership to hear back from the regional roundtables
08/77 and the First Nation distinct process.
and strategize further action.
• Preliminary data as a result of the partnership with ICES
• A summary of the forum is included in the NIHB: A
and Cancer Care Ontario in the cancer surveillance
Year in Review document which is part of the December
process.
Special Chiefs Assembly kits As work continues updates
• Developing and maintaining ongoing dialogue with will be provided on the new AFN Health website.
external agencies, government departments to improve
• A draft Critical Path was developed and will be the guide
and/or facilitate First Nation priorities are being
the work of the Joint Review.
addressed.
• Establishment of 3 sub-committees with clear and

specific tasks to move the Joint Review forward, with the • The second sub-committee is tasked with identifying a
expectation of a review of all benefit areas based - not just number of quick wins that will have an immediate impact
policy- but also the actual administration of those policies. on the ground. The Steering Committee articulated a
• The first sub-committee is focussed on communications, need for these quick wins because First Nations have
both in terms of how best to get information out about demanded immediate changes alongside the work of
the joint review itself, but also how to improve the the Joint Review, which will necessarily be a lengthier
communications between the NIHB program and process.
First Nations citizens and leadership as well as health • The third sub-committee will develop a Critical Path
professionals serving our people. document that will articulate the work of the Steering

Committee, specifically identifying goals and actions Dr Valerie Gideon: ADM, Regional Operations. FNIHB
required to reach these goals. Keith Conn: Regional Executive: FNIHB Ontario Region
• The first benefit area that will be reviewed will be Mental Bonnie Beach: (A) Regional Executive: FNIHB Ontario
Health. The sub-committee is currently working on a Region
process for completion of the review.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
KEY ISSUE: Trilateral First Nations • June 2011, at the All Ontario Chiefs Assembly, Resolution
Health Senior Officials Committee 11/38 was passed directing the Ontario Chiefs Committee
(TFNHSOC) on Health to establish the Trilateral First Nations Health
Membership: The TFNHSOC includes senior Senior Officials Committee with the provincial and
representatives from the following: federal governments.
First Nations Lead: (members of Ontario Chiefs • There was support and recognition for the practical
Committee on Health and reps from 3 PTO’s/IFN) benefits of this committee as part of an incremental
approach leading to the establishment of a First Nations/
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee: Ontario Health Accord.
Anishinabek Nation (Chair)
• Four priority areas were approved: 1) mental health and
Assn. of Iroquois and Allied Indians: addictions 2) public health 3) diabetes prevention and
Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte management, and 4) data management.
Suzanne Nicholas: Health and Wellness Coordinator
• Inaugural Meeting of TFNHSOC: June 29, 2011.
Union of Ontario Indians:
Jamie Restoule, Health Director • June 26th, 2013 TFNHSOC resolution revised by Chiefs in
Laurie McLeod, Policy Advisor Assembly: Resolution 13/17
Independent First Nations: • Workplans approved by TFNHSOC for both the Mental
Chief Karen Loran, Mohawks of Akwesasne Health and Addictions-Working Group as well as the
Tobi Mitchell, IFN Health Director Public Health-Working Group.
Six Nations of the Grand River • Full meeting: Face to Face: September 9th, 2014.
Chief Ava Hill • Full meeting: Face to Face: April 15th, 2015.
Lori Davis Hill, Director, Six Nations Health Services
Chiefs of Ontario: ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2014-15
Tracy Antone, Director of Health • Full budgets for each of the MHA-WG and the PH-WG
Linda Ogilvie, Public Health Advisor to be developed and approved. Capacity issues to be
Bernadette deGonzague, Senior Health Policy Analyst addressed.
**GCT#3 Removed from Membership as per their request per • Further development of the Diabetes Prevention and
OCCOH Resolution: 11-38 Management- Working Group.
**Nishnawbe Aski Nation Removed from Membership as • Further development of the Data Management-Working
per request per NAN Resolution (however individual NAN Group.
communities participate as members on TFNHSOC working • Full budgets for each of the Diabetes Prevention and
groups) Management-WG and the Data Management- WG to be
Ontario Lead - Ministry of Health & Long Term Care (other developed and approved.
provincial ministries contribute to the process) • Presentation of the TFNHSOC model to Canadian Public
Nancy Kennedy: ADM, Health System Strategy and Policy Health Association Conference: May 25th, 2015 as a best
Division, MOHLTC (Chair) practice model.
Roselle Martino: Executive Director, Government of Ontario.
Canada Lead– FNIHB –Head Quarters, – FNIH - Ontario KEY ISSUE: TFNHSOC: Mental Health
Region, (Other Federal Departments contribute to the and Addictions Working Group
process) The Mental Health and Addictions Working Group
Sony Perron: Senior ADM First Nation and Inuit Health is accountable to the Trilateral First Nations Health
Branch (Chair)

Senior Officials Committee and has been tasked with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
the responsibility of developing a work plan from a Phil Digby, Manager, Social Programs, Ontario Region
holistic perspective, with a series of projects to address
the immediate needs of First Nations people living on- Public Health Agency of Canada
reserve. As directed by TFNHSOC, the Mental Health and Henry Koo, Manager, Strategic Policy, Planning and
Addictions Working Group’s immediate priority has been the Intergovernmental Affairs
focus on prescription narcotics abuse, an epidemic in First
The work plan as approved by TFNHSOC includes with
Nation communities in Ontario as identified by First Nations
three priority themes identified, and a number of immediate,
leadership, community service providers and recent research
short term and intermediate activities under each of those
studies including the First Nations in Ontario report “Take
three priority areas: Service Provision/Continuum of
a Stand” and the “Ontario Region First Nations Addictions
Care, Integration/Collaboration/Alignment, and Capacity
Service Needs Assessment”.
Building/Training/Education.
The work plan was endorsed by the full Working Group
and TFNHSOC on March 7, 2012. The Working Group is ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
also responsible for developing an implementation plan for
The working group has met regularly in person and via
the endorsed projects. All meetings are co-chaired by the
conference call, and has addressed the following issues from
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Chiefs of
the workplan:
Ontario. Decision-making is by consensus.
Community Wellness Development Teams
Membership:
Community Wellness Development Teams were
Chiefs of Ontario
implemented as one of the workplan objectives under the
Tracy Antone, Director of Health Service provision/Continuum of Care theme, and funded
Linda Ogilvie, Public Health Specialist jointly by Health Canada and the MOHLTC:
Bernadette deGonzague, Senior Health Policy Analyst (co- • The MOHLTC funding ($1.5M) primarily supports
chair) the CWDT team specialists and activities, as well as
telemedicine initiatives, and Health Canada funding
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Carolyn supports the Coordinator positions and administration
Doxtator, Health Promotion Coordinator for the CWDTs, as well as the PDA proposal driven
Union of Ontario Indians Laurie C. McLeod, Health Policy Community-based projects ($4.5M).
Analyst • Six Community Wellness Development Teams were
Independent First Nations Edna Hodgkinson, RN initially established, with the mandate to provide mental
Six Nations of the Grand River: Andrew Joseph, Mental health and addictions expertise and planning supports to
Health Services Manager First Nations seeking assistance in taking a community
development approach to prescription drug abuse.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Following the Interim Evaluation and recommendations
Joanne Plaxton, Manager, Chronic Care and Aboriginal from the MHAWG, the total number of teams was
Health Unit, Health System Strategy & Policy Division reduced to four in September of 2014 and team catchment
(HSSPD) areas redistributed to cover all communities.
Katherine Osterlund, MOHLTC (co-chair) • The 4 teams are hosted by Treatment Centres which have
Ruth Stoddart, Senior Policy Advisor, Mental Health and undergone the NNADAP renewal process:
Addictions, HSSPD • One teams each at Sioux Lookout First Nation Health
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Authority, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Sagashtawao
Healing Lodge, and Native Horizons Treatment Centre.
Planning Division; Jennifer Cooney, Senior Policy Advisor Flexible catchment areas have been defined to ensure
Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch– access to these teams by all Ontario First Nation
Ontario Region (FNIH-OR) communities.
Sean O’Byrne, Regional Policy Consultant (PDA) • Operational improvements have included ongoing
training and capacity building provided to teams through
Crystal Burning, Mental Health Coordinator
monthly conference calls, as well as 2 training meetings
in Toronto and Thunder Bay. Revision to reporting

templates and clarified governance structures for teams, ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
annual funding packages for the teams, and development
The MHA-WG will continue to address activities in the
of resources to complement the CWDT toolkit.
workplan as per direction received from the TFNHSOC.
• Updating of the 2009 PDA Needs Assessment: These include updating the Project Charter, following up on
Recognizing that many changes have taken place since the PDA Needs Assessment, CWDT evaluation, ongoing
that needs assessment was conducted, a contractor engagement for the province’s MHA Strategy Phase 2 and
was engaged to conduct an update/”refresh” of the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework
assessment with a focus on policy/environmental Implementation; and to facilitate discussions on mental
changes since then to assess relevance for ongoing work. health crisis response strategy.
The project was led by an advisory group formed from
the MHAWG. A focus group at the COO health forum
KEY ISSUE: National Mental Wellness
with approx. 40 participants and an additional 15 key
informant interviews informed the final report which will Continuum Framework
be incorporated into the MHAWG work plan.
Background
• An addendum to the Interim Evaluation Report in order
to garner additional input to the community feedback on Context
CWDTs was also conducted; this will bring the total # of Federal, provincial, and territorial mental wellness programs
communities providing input to 27 and recommendations and services seek to address the indicators that challenge
will guide the CWDT operations for 2015-16. wellness in many First Nations communities; however, there
• A meeting bringing together the SHE and MHAWG to are gaps in services. Further, programs and services are not
discuss the process for engagement providing input to always delivered in a culturally safe manner. As a result, First
the MOHLTC Phase 2 Mental Health and Addictions Nations communities and leadership have been calling for
Strategy was held in March 2015. Recommendations from the development of a coordinated, comprehensive approach
that meeting will inform the engagement process. to mental health and addictions programming. In response,
the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), the
In 2014-15, 38 First Nations communities (4 in the Southern Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and Indigenous mental
Zone, 18 in Sioux Lookout Zone, 15 in Thunder Bay Zone, health leaders from various First Nations non-government
1 in Moose Factory Zone) were funded by Health Canada organizations jointly developed the First Nations Mental
through their Call for Proposals. Projects were funded to Wellness Continuum Framework (the Framework).
implement community-based PDA programs, using a variety
of approaches, including detox, traditional programs, and Process
land-based treatment. 27 of the 65 proposals submitted were Guided by the First Nations Mental Wellness
not funded. Continuum Advisory Committee, this work has involved
a comprehensive mapping of existing mental health and
Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Strategy: addictions programming; consultations with over 1000
As MOHLTC moves forward with Phase 2 of the Mental community members, regional experts, provincial and
Health and Addictions Strategy, the MHAWG will work territorial partners, and key federal departments; and has
closely with the SHE (Social, Health and Education) culminated in the drafting of a comprehensive framework of
committee of COO to provide ongoing support to facilitate mental wellness services. In July 2014, the Framework was
coordination with the First Nations Mental Wellness endorsed by First Nations leadership at the Assembly of First
Continuum Framework Implementation. The national Nations’ Annual General Assembly, and implementation has
Framework Implementation Committee Ontario rep begun.
(COO Health Policy Analyst) will provide liaison and Framework
communication to ensure alignment as both strategies Themes
move forward, and to establish regular communication with
the Ministers Mental Health and Addictions Leadership 1. Key themes that have come out of regional and national
Advisory Council. Regarding First Nations specific discussions are:
engagement for the MHA Strategy, SHE recommended that 2. Culture as the foundation
each PTOs and IFNs will carry out engagement within their 3. Community development and ownership
respective regions on the MHA strategy; COO will prepare a
regional roll-up report of all engagement sessions at the end 4. Quality health system and competent service delivery
of 2016.

5. Collaboration with partners Health Managers Association. Membership includes AFN
6. Enhanced flexible funding Mental Wellness Committee members, FNIHB regions,
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the
Continuum of Mental Wellness Services Public Health Agency of Canada, a youth representative and
The ideal continuum of services identified in the framework Elders.
includes access to the following services: A list of implementation opportunities has been created
• Promotion, prevention and community development which will provide guidance to communities and partners at
the community, regional, provincial, territorial, federal, and
• Early identification and intervention
national level on concrete strategies and activities for each
• Crisis response theme. This evergreen document will be continually updated
• Coordination of care as progress is made towards completion of implementation
opportunities and as new opportunities emerge.
• Treatment
Implementation of the framework will strengthen federal
• Support and aftercare
mental wellness programming; support integration between
Moving Forward federal, provincial and territorial programs; facilitate a move
Implementation is being led by a First Nations Mental away from siloed approaches towards more coordinated and
Wellness Continuum Implementation Team. The mandate effective approaches; and provide guidance to communities
of the team is to support the meaningful and ongoing to adapt, optimize and realign their mental wellness
implementation of the First Nations Mental Wellness programs and services based on their own priorities. The
Continuum Framework. The Implementation Team is co- Framework will be positioned as a guide for implementation
chaired by FNIHB and AFN with rotating co-chairs from of Phase 2 of Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions
the Native Mental Health Association, the National Native Strategy.
Addictions Partnership Foundation and the First Nations

KEY ISSUE: TFNHSOC: Public Health • Application of Relationship Principles as developed
by FNPHAC to guide the work of the PHWG in
Working Group the development of a public health system for FN
Membership: communities
Chiefs of Ontario • Explore the development of an integrated public health
Tracy Antone, Director of Health service delivery model for the Weeneebayko Area Health
Authority (WAHA) and the First Nation communities in
Linda Ogilvie, Public Health Specialist (co-chair)
its catchment area
Mohawk Council of Akwasasne: Brigitte Blazina, Program
• Explore the development of an integrated public health
Manager, Community Health
service delivery model for the Sioux Lookout First
IFN: Tobi Mitchell: Health Director Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and the First Nation
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA): communities in its catchment area
Janet Gordon, Director of Health Services • Identify and support models and/or tools that can be used
Six Nations of the Grand River: Lori Davis Hill to facilitate partnerships for public health service delivery
for First Nation communities (developed by FNPHAC)
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians: Carolyn
Doxtator • Explore the opportunity to expand First Nations access to
dental services by modeling an integrated approach that
Union of Ontario Indians: Laurie C. McLeod, Policy Analyst
capitalizes on existing federal and provincial programs
Walpole Island First Nation: Rosemary Williams, Health and dental infrastructure.
Director
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA): Nicole ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Blackman, , Carolyn Lidstone-Jones Chief Quality Officer 2014-2015:
Public Health Unit Representatives (PHU’s): A tentative budget will need to be formulated and submitted
to TFNHSOC in order to develop the capacity for the
Eastern Ontario, Northwestern, Peterborough County-City,
anticipated activities which include:
Sudbury and District, Thunder Bay District
Priority One:
Government of Canada representatives:
• Update: Apply the relationship principles developed
Health Canada, Director, Population Health, Public Health
under the former First Nations Public Health Advisory
Unit, First Nations and Inuit Health, Regions and Programs
Committee (FNPHAC) to guide the work of PHWG in the
Branch-Ontario Region, Public Health Agency of Canada
development of a public health system for First Nation
Regional Operations-Ontario Nunavut Region, Health
communities
Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Strategic
Policy, Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs, Regional Phase 1 - Short Term
Operations-Ontario Nunavut Region, Health Promotion and • Principles developed by FNPHAC have been included
Chronic Disease Prevention Branch. in the project charter. The principles set out the “rules
Government of Ontario representatives: of engagement” of PHWG members and act as a
foundation/guiding framework from which project
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA), Ministry of Children
deliverables are established
and Youth Services (MCYS),
• TFNHSOC approval was sought and it was signed by all
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), Public
three levels of government.
Health Division (PHD),
• Knowledge Translation Activities: Presentation March
Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs (MIA), Cabinet Office:
2015 - The Ontario Public Health Convention: Improving
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health for First Nations Communities through
Relationship-Building
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• May 2015 - Canadian Public Health Association
• A Draft Project Charter and Work-plan have been
Conference: Canadian children’s oral health - Where good
developed and approved by TFNHSOC with five key
partnerships matter!
priority areas identified as well as a phased approach
including short and long term activities. These five key Phase 2 - Long Term
priority areas include: • The draft tri-partite MOU developed by FNPHAC

would be revisited. The MOU would act as a stand-alone south-central communities. The Union of Ontario Indians
document that would be finalized and signed by all three hosted this meeting.
TFNHSOC partners. • An invitation was sent to MOHs, administrative and
Priority Two: program health leads and health directors.
• The WAHA Public Health Working Group provides • Following this event, Algoma Public Health and North
ongoing information updates to the PH-WG of Shore Tribal Council have partnered with the goal of
TFNHSOC determining a process to deliver public health services
• A report has been developed to outline 1) what public more effectively to communities in the region.
health in the region looks like 2) strategies on how the • Project components include an environmental scan of
model could be implemented including four model current needs and services; cultural competency training;
approaches. Once a proposed model has been identified, research on potential options for more formal relationship
the working group will develop a detailed work-plan agreements (e.g., MOUs). Final project report is currently
outlining key deliverables and timelines. being reviewed by all parties; includes recommendations
Priority Three: for moving forward.
• Update: Exploration of the development of an integrated Section 50 Agreement with Mohawk Council of
public health service delivery model for the Sioux Akwesasne and Eastern Ontario Board of Health.
Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and • Agreement has been signed.
the First Nation communities in its catchment area • As part of the agreement, the Chief and Council have
• Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) has been agreed to accept the financial responsibilities as if the
funded through Thunder Bay District Health Unit. This Council was an obligated municipality and will have the
position has been funded for a 0.4 or 0.5 FTE with the right to appoint a representative to the Eastern Ontario
remaining time to be used at Thunder Bay District PHU. Board of Health.
• Draft Model has been created • The agreement will focus on supporting the delivery
• Transition and Implementation working group to further of services. The Health Unit has provided services to
develop the model and develop a phased implementation Akwesasne for several years, and the agreement will
plan at the regional and community levels formalize this arrangement.
• Develop capacity at the SLFNHA level to support the • The funding to support the delivery of services will be
system split 75% (from province) and 25% (from Akwesasne).
• Existing programs within SLFNHA continue to do public • The public health services outlined in the agreement will
health work: TB program, HIS, Hep C case coordinator, be focused on the Canadian side of the community.
and Needle distribution. Ultimately these programs • Several partners have been involved in the process
will be reorganized to fall under the Approaches to including the Government of Quebec, the Federal
Community Wellbeing, and a Community Wellbeing Government and the Ontario Ministry of Health and
Manager will be hired to supervise the programs. Long-Term Care.
• Next Steps include forming a negotiations table with • A transfer of responsibility agreement from Quebec to
representatives from FNIHB, MOHLTC, Health Units and Ontario has been signed.
First Nations to negotiate funding, service transitions, Building relationships between First Nations and Public
agreements, etc. Health Units
Priority Four: • A cultural competency training module has been
• Update: Models and/or tools that can be used to facilitate developed to guide relationship building between First
partnerships for public health service delivery for First Nation communities and their nearest Public Health Unit.
Nation communities • The development of the 8 training modules have been
• First Nations and PHU relationship meeting in Algoma, generic in nature with the goal of Public Health Units and
held Feb.4th, 2014 First Nations communities in the respective catchment
• The purpose of the meeting was to increase area working together to tailor the information.
understanding and promote dialogue regarding • The next stage of development will be a pre-pilot of the
enhanced public health service delivery and programs for training modules followed by evaluation.

• Following this an Engagement Plan for the use of these capacity to respond to an epidemic. This concern enabled
modules will be developed. a partnership with the province, federal government and
Stray Dog Pilot the HCU as technicians to jointly draft of the First Nations
ANNEX now referred to as chapter 20 of the Ontario
• Currently finalizing roles and responsibilities. There are Pandemic plan. This was supported by Resolution 06/90.
four main components to the work plan: surveillance
(baseline data); community outreach and education; Although the H1N1 pandemic has now subsided, emphasis
implementation of the pilot (dog vaccination & is still in place for flu vaccination and emergency care
administering injectable contraceptives); local provisions. Communications from First Nations, federal and
community capacity development (on-going training and provincial governments continues to be a priority as part of
support). our trilateral relationship model. Debriefing has occurred
on the past year response to H1N1 with documentation to
• A letter of support for each community has been finalized highlight Ontario’s response to H1N1. An example of this
including one for Moosonee. is through the Ontario Public Health Lab Study. This will
• The role of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of lead to improved operations and implementation for future
Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is yet to be finalized. The influenza outbreaks.
logistical planning will proceed once this is finalized.
• Currently investigating options for Cree translation of a ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
grade 5-level educational booklet about rabies prevention • Chapter 20 is now an official chapter within the Ontario
previously developed in Newfoundland for use in Innu Pandemic Plan. This chapter reflects the roles and
communities. responsibilities of First Nation government, the Federal
Priority Five: and Provincial governments. This chapter enabled the
H1N1 management in Ontario at a quick and seamless
• Update: Expansion of First Nations access to dental approach.
services via an integrated approach that capitalizes on
existing federal and provincial programs and dental • Management of the H1N1 outbreak was completed
infrastructure. through several strategies surveillance, communications,
and reasonable access to anti-viral medications and
• Northwestern Dental Pilot: Following the initial visits vaccines.
in fall 2012, a second round of visits to Big Grassy
and Sabaskong First Nations were completed using • Chiefs of Ontario supported a study of the Impact of
the mobile dental bus service. Many new clients were policy guideline variations on outcomes of novel H1N1
serviced. influenza in Aboriginal communities in BC, Manitoba,
and Ontario. This involves First Nations’ Organizations:
• Dental Pilot Project: Four communities will be part of the Chiefs of Ontario (and the Tripartite Pandemic Planning
pilot and all have approved their participation. Funding is Committee), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, BC Tripartite
also in place to implement the pilot.The first visit was held Partners (First Nations’ Health Council, First Nations
the week of November 18th, 2013 in Fort Albany. Visits and Inuit Health Branch, Province of British Columbia;
with Attawapiskat and Peawanuk were scheduled before Queen’s University Centre for Health Services and
the winter holidays. The visit with Kashechewan occurred Policy Research, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, UBC
in early January 2014.Evaluation feedback received by Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, UNBC
community participants was very favourable. and Funding through CIHR: Applied Health Services
• Work continues to be done by Porcupine Health Unit and Research on H1N1.
the communities within the James Bay Coast.
KEY ISSUE: Pandemic Preparedness / • Chiefs of Ontario are pursuing AANDC for clarification
H1N1 on their negotiations with the Office of the Fire Marshall /
Emergency Management Ontario on the 1992 agreement
Joint Technical working Group: PTO’s/IFN, FNIH –
at which time roles and responsibilities will be clarified.
Ontario Region, MOH LTC – Emergency preparedness
Gaps in the existing plan have identified the need for
The Chiefs acknowledged the potential risks and impacts commitment from AANDC during a pandemic.
to First Nations from a pandemic influenza are considered
• There continues to be NO agreement between the Office
high because of health status, chronic health conditions,
of the Fire Marshall/Emergency Management Ontario
community preparedness, and limited resources and

and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Canada in regards to the outstanding issue of “indemnity”
PTO/IFN reps as well as Chiefs of Ontario have been
and the work done in First Nation communities by EMO.
involved in the review of a manual which will provide
This continues to put First Nation communities at risk
information to stakeholders and Host Communities that
during an emergency.
describes the process and summarizes the roles and
• Emergency Management Branch will share an OHPIP responsibilities of all agencies. The manual is intended to
schematic with the First Nations Pandemic Working define the types of services that are required to meet the
Group which outlines cross cutting themes among the needs of the evacuated First Nation communities
various OHPIP workgroups.
• FNIH will collate findings from the community-level ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
pH1N1 debrief sessions and share this with the First • Chiefs of Ontario will continue to play a role within the
Nations Pandemic Technical Working Group. JEMS committee and advocate for clarity in relation to
• Chiefs of Ontario will continue to push for clarity from the roles and responsibilities of each government agency
AANDC in regards to EMO training, Contribution during an emergency.
Funding arrangement, Emergency Management • It is anticipated that this manual will receive final
workplan as well as determining AANDC’s role approval for the year 2015 but will remain a living
in assistance to FN communities for Emergency document to be reviewed and evaluated on a continual
preparedness, response and recovery at the community basis.
level.
• As a living document Chapter 20 will be updated by the KEY ISSUE: Home and Community Care
Joint Working group as we have identified the gaps as a Policy Analyst
result of H1N1.
The position of this Health HCC Policy Analyst is to
• Increased linkages to agencies that will enable us to look coordinate and enhance services to First Nations for Long-
at the data of any confirmed virus in the communities to term care and palliative/end-of-life care. This position has
help plan for the fall flu season. been deemed to be part-time (25 hrs)
KEY ISSUE: JEMS (Joint Emergency Accomplishments:

Management Steering Committee) • Initial provincial meeting held with Chiefs of Ontario and
The Provincial Government: Ministry of Health & Long Term care.
The Province of Ontario provides emergency preparedness • Palliative care discharge meeting established with Cancer
and response assistance to First Nations, pursuant to its Care
contractual relationship with the Government of Canada. • Palliative care discharge meeting established with
When an emergency situation exists within a First Nation Laurentian University, end-of-life care research project
that compels a partial or full evacuation of the residents
• Continued participation in Regional, National and AFN
from that community, Emergency Management Ontario
working groups.
(EMO) a Branch of the Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services, in partnership with other relevant • Training provided for Nurses, PWS, regulated and
Provincial ministries and Federal departments is responsible unregulated health professionals on prevention of
for coordinating the preparation for, and the actual conduct complications and care of lower legs & feet training
of, the evacuation. EMO is also responsible for making
arrangements with Ontario municipalities and other Anticipated Accomplishments:
First Nations in the Province to act as Host Communities • Palliative/end-of-life survey sent to First nations in Home
for the purpose of providing accommodation and other & Community Care to gather information on what is
services to those persons who have been evacuated. When provided on their First Nations . Data will be compiled
circumstances in the First Nation that was affected by the for further discussions with Province & Federal regarding
emergency have sufficiently changed to permit the residents’ palliative/end-of-life care.
safe return, EMO and its partners will also coordinate the safe
return and repatriation of those persons. • Upcoming meeting with MOH/LTC to address issues
with First Nations support from the Province and identify
resources available for First Nations

• Upcoming meeting with MAA to address licensing issues would be distributed for Wound Care training and for
with LTC on First Nations foot care training for the health care professionals in
• Support & develop partnership with end-of-life research Home & Community Care in the Northern & Southern
project at Lakehead University. First Nations. NAN hosted Wound Care training for the
Northern First Nations and AIAI hosted the wound care
• Support & develop partnership with AFN Regional training for the Southern First Nations. Chiefs of Ontario
Partners regarding Continuum of Care. hosted the prevention of complications and care of lower
• Provide advice to Home & Community Regional legs and feet for the Southern First Nations and that NAN
Coordinator on issues relating to First Nations. hosted the prevention of complications and care of lower
• Continued association with National & Regional & AFN legs and feet for the Northern First Nations.
meetings. • The above training sessions were successfully delivered
and well received by the Northern & First Nation
KEY ISSUE: Chronic Disease participants.
Management Education Fund (CDMEF): ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Chronic Disease is a serious concern amongst First Nations
Resources to be allocated to CDEM has not been confirmed
and to ensure that the highest quality care possible, HCC
as of this date of writing
Nurses and other health care providers require expanded
training in chronic disease management strategies to CDEM Advisory Committee will continue upon resources
provide the increasingly complex care in their home being confirmed.
communities. CDMEF was established in 2010 with this fiscal
year becoming the sunsetting one. KEY ISSUE: NIHB National Caucus
NIHB Navigators Ontario
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NIHB Network Representatives:
• Participation & Co-chairing with the Regional Diabetes
Nurse Educator Tony Jocko, Anishinabek Nation – Union of Ontario Indians
• Continuation with the Nursing Advisory Committee of Carolyn Doxtator, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
Nurses from the North and the South. Stephanie Burnham, and Alternate Tobi Mitchell,
• First Nations Bands that the Nurses represent on this Independent First Nations
committee are reimbursed for their time that the Nurses Natalie Binguis, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
are away from their FN community.
Bernadette deGonzague, Chiefs of Ontario: National caucus
• Revamping of the Request for proposal brochure - rep
brochure is sent out to all HCC
The status of the NIHB AFN caucus is on hold until further
• First Nations at the commencement of the new fiscal year. discussions on the NIHB review.
This brochure outlines a number of the organizations,
Ontario was represented at the 2 national caucus meetings
activities which assists the FN to prepare their training
to discuss issues common to all regions; the national caucus
proposal.
also met with Regional NIHB Managers in Fall 2013.
• The request for proposals for training in the HCC FN
always exceeds the amount that is allocated for this ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
section with the remaining funds to be redirected to
The NIHB caucus continues to work with AFN to address:
actual training for Nurses and health-care professionals.
Resolution #24-2-12 Moratorium and Joint Review of
• Advocating to local and provincial/federal level ensuring
NIHB: mandating AFN to advocate for a Senate Order
that FN in HCC had access to timely, culturally safe
to perform a review of NIHB program by the Standing
services as required.
Committee of Social Affairs, Science and Technology:
• Planning underway for wound care training for Nurses
STATUS: The NC has met with Fed. Health Minister,
and health-care professionals
who has agreed to a joint review. Details have not been
• The Chronic Disease Management Education Advisory determined yet but will likely occur in early 2015.
Committee concurred that the training sessions for the
Resolution 57-2012 Support for Suboxone© as Medical
resources for Chronic Disease Management Education
Detoxification from Opioid Addiction: Ontario Region

submitted a request to the Drugs and Therapeutics Advisory received 318 requests for assistance, with over 1200 follow
Committee to request a review Suboxone© and to advocate up calls required to assist in the resolution of denials
for inclusion of Suboxone© on the NIHB Drug Benefit List and appeals. Approximately 22 of these calls were for
especially considering that the generic formulation has been assistance with appeals and resulted in 15 successful
approved through notice of compliance in Canada. NIHB appeals.
National Roundtable process: ON NIHB Navigators and the • Increased awareness of NIHB through presentations at
ON Network worked with AFN to organize Roundtables and over 100 meetings, information booths, presentations and
a feedback process for communities to feed into the national training sessions this past fiscal year.
AFN Action Plan on NIHB. Feedback was obtained from • Address barriers, challenges and issues in regards to the
110 participants at the COO Health forum, approximately 20 NIHB Program within the Region by coordinating regular
forms submitted manually and reports from PTO (NAN) and meetings with the Ontario NIHB Networking Group,
Tribal Councils. This feedback was presented in a regional NIHB Ontario Region and Drug Exception Centre (DEC)
rollup report at the AFN National Forum in March, 2014. Staff.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Begin building relationships and political support to

work towards NIHB improvements in order to better
Ontario will continue to bring forward and advocate for service First Nation citizens by hosting a Service Provider
action on issues of concern, in particular the payer of meeting with the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health
last resort policy and coordination of benefits, Opioid (OCCOH), Health Coordination Unit (HCU) and the ON
addiction and management, Medical Transportation, Dental NIHB Networking Group.
Decentralization and Pharmacy benefits. NIHB network will
continue to meet regularly and to meet twice yearly with • Hosted an “NIHB and Your Privacy” workshop at
the NIHB Regional staff and production of awareness and the COO Health Forum to provide information to
educational materials. First Nation Health Workers on the NIHB Privacy
Code and how it is used to protect the client’s privacy.
Approximately 60 people attended this workshop.
KEY ISSUE: Non Insured Health Benefits
• This was a first of a series of privacy workshops that will
(NIHB) Navigators be held to provide information on such topics as, data
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) presents challenges protection, privacy impacted by federal and provincial
in eligibility, procedures to address denials and appeals, legislation, including information on PIPEDA, FIPPA.
linkages, programs, and other administrative issues which
• Continue to improve working relationship with provincial
surround the NIHB Program for First Nations communities.
and federal agencies/governments so First Nations have
AFN Resolution 52-2005 “First Nation Contribution to the
an efficient process to resolve NIHB issues, concerns and
Blueprint on Aboriginal Health” assigned responsibility to
challenges
each region to negotiate with First Nation and Inuit Health
(FNIH) the components of the Blueprint on Aboriginal • Participate in NAN-FNIH Working Group to collaborate
Health. on access issues and challenges. Participate on the
National NIHB Navigators Network (NNN) to provide
In October 2010, the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health
expertise, and recommendations on the NIHB program
(OCCOH) and the Health Coordination Unit (HCU) were
and related benefits, goods and services as it relates to
successful in engaging two NIHB Navigators. The NIHB
the work of NIHB Navigator, and to network and share
Navigators’ mandate is to: (1) provide support and advocacy
NIHB related information within the network and with
for First Nations community workers, Political Territorial
the National First Nations Health Technician Network
Organizations (PTOs), Independent First Nations (IFNs),
(NFNHTN) as required.
Tribal Councils (TCs), and other organizations, when
requested; (2) create awareness of NIHB benefits and how • Participate in the TRC Closing Event Ontario Region
to access them; and, (3) strengthen relationships with health Regional Health Support Working
care providers, and provincial and federal partners. • Group (RHSWG) in which the Working Group is to
ensure that all health support services are put in place for
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: this event. COOs role is to provide support and make it as
• Provided ongoing advocacy to First Nation Communities, safe as possible for clients.
workers and clients with NIHB Program issues, concerns • Provided communications to First Nation Communities
and challenges. This past fiscal year the Navigators on various health information including, but not limited

to: NIHB Program updates, Chiefs of Ontario updates, Association also conducted a survey of participating
Service Provider updates via email (including bulletins practitioners. The first phase of this pilot resulted in a
and communiqués), mail-outs and presentations. lower than anticipated response from both communities
• Development of an initial draft NIHB Regional Action and RDHs, however results from those who did participate
Plan to provide information and tools that can be used was encouraging. As a result of the qualitative results,
at the Community, PTO/IFN and Regional level to move the advisory group has advocated to conduct another
forward on creating change to the NIHB Program. attempt and has made some improvements to the method
of community and service provider engagement and will
provide better supports to both RDHs and communities
to improve communication of the process and better
• Continue providing support and advocacy to First uptake of RDH services by clients and communities. Those
Nations and their citizens to reduce barriers and increase communities identified by NIHB with having low utilization
access to the NIHB Program and other health services of preventive services (under 30%) have been targeted to
by assisting in appeals, assisting in obtaining denied participate. Phase 2 will launch in April – May of 2015 and
benefits prior to having to go through the appeal process, is aiming to double the participation rates. The project will
access to benefits, information on benefits. be monitored for at least another year and evaluated again
• Development of a GPS System for First Nations clients as to feasibility of adding RDHs as an independent service
and health care providers, to increase awareness and provider to NIHB billing.
understanding, and facilitate access to the NIHB
Program. Ontario Oral Health Collaborative Working
• Continue meetings with community and regional
Group
organizations, service providers, and others to maintain The Oral Health Collaborative Working Group was
communications, build relationships, and to address and established by former FNIHB Regional Executive Valerie
work to resolve issues with the NIHB Program.Population Gideon in 2009 as a forum for dialogue between First
of database on an ongoing basis, ensuring protection Nations, FNIHB and dental service providers. The Working
of confidentiality of information for First Nations Group was intended to lend structure to communication
individuals, communities, and organizations, using and provide an opportunity to discuss current and emerging
aggregate data to provide evidence needed in identifying service delivery issues; identify innovative approaches
barriers in access to benefits. to improve the oral health of the First Nations and Inuit
population across Ontario; and to work to improve oral
• Continue to provide communications to First Nations in
health promotion and service delivery to the Ontario First
order to advocate for First Nations, reducing barriers to
Nations population in a collaborative approach.
access to service.
Membership includes representatives from:
KEY ISSUE: Oral Health • Chiefs of Ontario (COO)
• Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA)
Dental Hygienist Independent Billing Pilot
Project • Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)
This pilot, started in 2011, was initiated in order to increase • Ontario Dental Association (ODA)
access to services for preventative oral health care. Current • College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO)
NIHB policy does not allow Registered Dental Hygienists • Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA)
(RDH) to bill NIHB directly despite being authorized by
their College to allow them to “self-initiate”, that is to provide • Ontario Dental Assistants’ Association (ODAA)
preventive oral health care independent of a Dentist. The • FNIHB, Sioux Lookout Zone
pilot is overseen by an advisory group including NIHB ON
• FNIHB, Ontario Region
region, the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association ( ODHA),
the FNIHB Regional Dental Hygienist, and COO.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The pilot was formally concluded in the fall of 2013 and
The group has not met in the previous year. A request has
although data collection has stopped, registered RDHs
been put forth to the Regional Manager to address the need for
continue to be allowed to continue the practice of billing.
the group given recent work by the TFNHSOC Public Health
NIHB conduced a quantitative evaluation to review
Dental sub-working group, and the DH pilot billing project.
utilization and expenditures. The Ontario Dental Hygienists’

ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Funded initially under the Pan-Canadian envelope of the
Aboriginal Health Transition Fund from 2008 – 2010, the
To be determined pending continuation of the group.
OFNIHPS was developed through a tripartite agreement
between Health Canada - First Nations and Inuit Health-
KEY ISSUE: Ontario First Nation Ontario Region, the Ministry of Health Promotion & Sport,
Integrated Health Promotion Strategy and Chiefs of Ontario. Additional annual funding from ADI
List of Technical Working Group members: (FNIH-OR) has allowed the Technical Working Group to
continue its work.
COO: Bernadette deGonzague, Sr. Health Policy Analyst
Sally Gaikezheyongai, Research and admin assistant: ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
FNIH-OR: Sharmaline Fernando, A/Regional Nutritionist www.ourtimeourhealth.org
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS): Leslie Ongoing activities include revision and maintenance of
Charlton the www.Ourtimeourhealth.org website. As a means of
MOHLTC/Health Promotion: Zarfeen Ebrahim communicating opportunities for communities, information
received including calls for proposals and other funding and
NAN: Loretta Sheshequin training opportunities, these are posted on the website and
AIAI: Carolyn Doxtator distributed to the OFNIHPS Technical Working Group for
UOI: Marja George community distribution.
IFN: Lyndia Jones Strategic Planning
Young Peoples Council: Vacant The strategic plan, Terms of reference and workplan for
OFNIHPS were reviewed in 2014-2015.
Elder: Garry Sault
The First Nation members of the working group has
Reporting accountability is to HCU and OCCOH. reaffirmed the recommendation to continue this working
group rather than discontinue under this strategy and
Brief description carry out health promotion initiatives under the proposed
As mandated by the All Ontario Chiefs Committee (AOCC) TFNHSOC Diabetes/Chronic disease working group.
Resolution 06/39, the Ontario First Nation Integrated Recognition of challenges to either approach, including the
Health Promotion Strategy (OFNIHPS) was established to lack of NAN participation at TFNHSOC, lack of capacity
accomplish the following: at PTO and IFN levels to add yet another working group to
the workload, unknown status at this time of ADI funding,
1. To identify strategies to improve First Nations access and
and the lack of financial support by provincial partners to
consumption of healthy foods and traditional foods.
continued participation in OFNIHPS.
2. To identify strategies to promote, increase and enhance
Diabetes Prevention
physical activity opportunities that will improve
individual health and quality of life Diabetes Prevention & Weight Management Manual :
3. To assist First Nations to become “smoke-free” through The OFNIHPS, following up on the previously developed
positive smoke-free policy/by-law development and community - based healthy eating and active living manual
implementation including smoking cessation, prevention planned and advised on the proposal submitted to the
and protection programming geared to families, men, MOHLTC and hosted by NAN, for training of community
women, youth, children and pregnant women. workers on use of the manual and providing diabetes
prevention workshops on behalf of all participating First
4. To reduce the risk of chronic disease and to help people
Nations within OFNIHPS. This educational resource was
with chronic conditions to achieve optimal health through
developed in 2011-12 under the advisory of representatives
healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and smoke-free
from the OFNIHPS working group. It was pilot tested in 7
lives.
communities and the final version produced in March of
5. To develop and initiate a communication and public 2012. The OFNIHPS working group recommended that
awareness campaign for the Ontario First Nation community workers be trained in use of the manual and
Integrated Health Promotion Strategy. NAN was granted the proposal by the Ministry of Health
6. To monitor progress and ensure accountability in and Long-Term Care to conduct the regional training. Three
increasing First Nation access to healthy foods, physical regional training sessions for community workers in the
activity and “smoke-free” communities. use of the manual including practical hands-on training in

workshop facilitation have been held, and 75 workers from Last year’s winner was Constance Lake First Nation, who
63 communities have received the training. The process presented their experience at the COO Health Forum,
evaluation was to be completed by March 31, 2015. Next Feb. 2015. The winner of the 2014-15 JMI is Bearskin Lake
steps will address the dissemination of the manual and Michikan School, who enjoyed their Ultimate Frisbee event in
online training for those workers unable to participate in the early March 2015. The OFNIHPS would like to continue this
facilitated training. challenge on a yearly basis, pending ongoing funding.
FNTI Diabetes Education: A survey has been conducted to assess reasons for lower
The OFNIHPS supported the ADI funding of FNTI training participation in year 3 than in previous years. Results not
of Indigenous Community Diabetes Support (CDS) workers available at time of report writing.
through the long-anticipated newly accredited Diabetes
FNTI program. Graduates are prepared to carry-out the ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
duties of a CDS within a culturally appropriate framework • The OFNIHPS will determine best approaches to advise
under the supervision and/or direction of the community on the ADI and development of the Trilateral Diabetes/
diabetes health care team. However, since funding in 2014-15 Chronic Disease Management and Prevention working
was deferred to Q2 recruitment for that program was not group (TFNHSOC), and promote regional initiatives for
started until summer 2014 for fall enrollment, and resulted in Physical Activity, Healthy eating and Smoking cessation.
lower than anticipated enrollment of at least 20 individuals. Budget information remains outstanding however on
This session recently graduated 7 First Nations CDS workers. what activities can be funded by ADI, so we continue to
Physical Activity look to the province and/or other sources of funding for
activities.
Tom Longboat Resolution 11/33:
“We call upon the Ontario Government to inform, educate KEY ISSUE: Life Promotion Strategy
and promote athletic programs, athletes and school-based
initiatives using Tom Longboat Day to support First Nations Brief description
students in the mainstream education and health programs.”
The National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy -
A youth sub-working group was established last year with Life Promotion Strategy was a 3-year Regional project funded
the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council; discussing under the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention
possible activities and initiatives to kick-off Tom Longboat Strategy, administered by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
day on June 4th 2014. Posters were developed and sent to Esther McKay, Life Promotion Strategy Coordinator and is in
communities to increase awareness of Tom Longboat Day collaboration with the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI), the
and encouraging community events to commemorate his Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians (AIAI), the Chiefs of
legacy. However with reorganization and turnover within Ontario (COO) & the Ontario First Nations Young People’s
the OFNYPC, initiatives were not carried out to any regional Council (OFNYPC). This project targeted 96 First Nation
extent. The OFNYPC is encouraged to be involved in communities from the participating PTOs. Health Canada
planning and implementing Tom Longboat activities in their committed to funding the 3 year pilot project to 2015. There
strategic planning. were three key components to the Life Promotion Strategy:
Just Move It safeTALK workshops, Photovoice training and media
campaign for youth.
The OFNIHPS, in collaboration with Health Canada FNIHB
Ontario Region, ADI facilitated the third annual challenge to
Ontario First Nations schools, “Just Move It Ontario”, based ACCOMPLISHMENTS
on the North American campaign to promote physical activity • Since January 2013 over 80 community support workers,
for Indigenous Peoples, also adopted by AFN. Schools were representing 60 First Nations communities, have been
invited to register and participate in daily physical activity at trained to be safeTALK facilitators and are now working
school, followed by tracking and submitting their activities, to deliver safeTALK workshops in their respective
for chances to win a variety of prizes for the schools’ students communities.
and teachers. The grand prize was an Ultimate Frisbee 2-day • 155 First Nations youth attended safeTALK workshops
event with national UF coaches for the winning school. This and Photovoice training in sessions in Sudbury, Thunder
year 14% of FN Schools participated with a total of 647 students Bay and London. With safeTALK training these youth are
involved. 42 teachers assisted in the activities and the average now prepared to identify persons with thoughts of suicide
amount of time each class spent was 5.5 hours/week; total and connect them to suicide first aid resources.
participation was slightly lower this year.

• Using digital cameras that were provided, the youth also Committee Support:
acquired new photography expression skills through • Lily Menominee-Batise (Assistant to the Chair), Chiefs of
Photovoice training. The goal of the photovoice portion Ontario
was to provide youth an avenue for expression through
pictures of what gives their lives meaning, a sense of • Sally Gaikezheyongai, Administrative Assistant, Chiefs of
belonging, and accomplishment. A Photovoice editing Ontario
workshop was also done in partnership with the NAN In accordance with All Ontario Chiefs Conference
Youth Initiatives Girl Power/Wolf Spirit gathering. The Resolution 06/47 regarding First Nations and Public Health,
goal was to complete a collective Photovoice exhibition the Knowledge Management Advisory Group (KMAG) was
with the theme of Life Promotion and hope for the established to “provide technical and policy direction related
future. The final exhibit of framed photographs and to health information and surveillance and future First
presentations by some of the participating youth took Nation immunization information management systems”.
place in February 2015 in Thunder Bay. Framed photos Specifically, to deploy the provincial Panorama public health
were also displayed at the COO Health Forum in TO. A information management tool to First Nations in Ontario,
total of 24 framed photographs have been distributed to beginning with First Nation Initial Subscriber (early adopter)
the participating PTOs with a plan to provide a digital testing.
version that can be shared with youth throughout the
region. To ensure that the Panorama tool is responsive and respectful
of First Nations’ unique public health and information
• A promotional media campaign has also been developed management, privacy and security requirements.
for the Life Promotion Strategy. Four public service
announcements/mini-documentaries were developed To ensure First Nation information is protected and secure in
and can be viewed on the NAN website and http://1drv. a shared service environment.
ms/1BnOPGM.
CURRENT STATUS:
The funding for this project has sunsetted as of March
31, 2015. It is anticipated that the advisory group will be Due to reconfiguration of the FNIHB-OR regional e-Health
convened to discuss the evaluation report and subsequent funding envelope, the FNPDiO project no longer received
recommendations, to be prepared by the Coordinator for Panorama-specific dedicated resources. This resulted in a
presentation to HCU and OCCOH. 90% budget reduction for the 2014-2015 fiscal year which
drastically diminished First Nation capacity to ensure
previously identified deployment schedules and momentum.
KEY ISSUE: First Nation Panorama
Deployment in Ontario (FNPDiO) In addition, FNIHB-OR sent correspondence in May 2014
seeking COO’s assistance to amend AOCC Resolution
06/47 to include an expanded mandate to explore potential
Knowledge Management Advisory Group
alignment with other eHealth tools currently being assessed
(KMAG)
by First Nations in Ontario. Via resolution 14/08, Leadership
KMAG MEMBERSHIP: endorsed this review to occur but with the express caveat
• Barney Batise, First Nation Elder/Advisor, Matachewan that it would not impact, impede nor derogate existing First
First Nation Nation activities currently underway.
• Kimberly Lalonde, KMAG Chair, Nipissing First Nation
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS of 2014-2015:
• Elizabeth Howe, Constance Lake First Nation
Project Management: Resolution 14/08 was approved by
• Pam Nolan, Garden River First Nation AOCC Leadership to explore potential alignment between
• Penny Carpenter, Keewaytinook Okimakanak FNPDiO and other existing eHealth tools currently available
to First Nations in Ontario. FNIHB-OR resources have
• Ida Cornelius, Oneida of the Thames
been secured “in-principle” to determine “Go-Forward”
• Nicolette Kaszor, First Nation & Inuit Health-Ontario timelines and funding opportunities to “transition” seamless
Region on-boarding of one to three FNPDiO Initial Subscribers in
• Karen McKibbin, MOHLTC - Ontario Panorama Project 2015/2016.
Team First Nation Engagement: COO Health Forum workshops
and focus meetings with community service providers and
Leadership were conducted to assess cross-functionality

of Panorama and other e-Health tools (EMRs, c-EMRs, solutions to their community health care needs. However,
Panorama). Resulting recommendation was to proceed with we continue to face challenges due to limited local human
integrated Panorama public health system with subsequent resources capacity to implement and maintain systems,
builds thereafter. accessing costly applications and the ability to secure
Tri-partite Engagement: Requirement for Federal sustainable funding.
and Provincial partners to determine most appropriate
funding structure to ensure ongoing, sustainable access to ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
shared service environment. Budget negotiations are still The First Nations in Ontario eHealth Strategy has been
outstanding but anticipated to support FNPDiO deployment. completed. Below is a summary:
COO and First Nation Initial Subscribers to ensure health Problem
provider and First Nation responsiveness requirements have
been met. Generally speaking, First Nation communities are
currently not in a position to develop sustainable eHealth
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS for solutions. The Canadian eHealth ecosystem is complex and
2015/2016: government organizations develop policies, legislation and
programs that create an organizational culture that tends
• “Transitional Workplan” has been achieved and active, as towards siloed top down approaches that often neglect to
proposed by REO Keith Conn adequately account for the realities of on-reserve health
• Completion of First Nation privacy and legislative review, service delivery and without adequate consultation of all
including reconciliation of non-transferred/Federal participants potentially affected. Within this environment,
nurses access to Provincial systems First Nations are currently not equitable partners.
• Finalization of Data sharing and Information Governance There are very few communities who are able to benefit from
policies and structures regarding “shared service” eHealth services due to lack of funding and those that can
information management instances benefit must adapt to government solutions that often do
• Deployment of direct, point-of-service access by First not adequately account for the reality of the socio-economic
Nation public health service providers to the integrated situations in their communities. These limitations include:
Provincial Panorama tool by (at least) one to three of the • Governance
First Nation Initial Subscribers in 2015/2016 • Financing
• People and Process (Capacity Building)
KEY ISSUE: eHealth
• Technical Infrastructure
Though most critical to First Nation communities in remote
locations, all communities can benefit from the development • Services
of innovative eHealth partnerships, tools, services and Action
technologies to improve their overall health. Examples of
Because First Nations still lack these necessary foundational
these benefits include:
eHealth requirements, it is premature to begin focusing
• Enhanced access to the information needed to deliver on developing comprehensive eHealth systems that are
health services, improve client care and respond to currently unsustainable. The solutions presented in this
emergencies; strategy focus on ways to address these foundational
• Increased professional development opportunities for components and must be broad enough to accommodate the
remote health professionals; needs of individual communities. The ways to address the
foundational requirements of eHealth are as follows:
• Improved collaboration, teamwork and service delivery
between remote and non-remote health professionals; • Developing economies of scale (especially for
communities who cannot afford to develop eHealth
• Innovative health care options;
solutions alone)
• Improved access to a broad range of services through the
• Increasing First Nations influence in the eHealth
use of new technologies, processes and partnerships; and
ecosystem
• Increased job satisfaction among nurses and healthcare
• Developing a First Nations eHealth toolkit
providers.
• Leveraging knowledge and best practices of current First
First Nation communities in Ontario recognize the value
Nations eHealth initiatives (KOTM, GHL, SLFNHA,
of eHealth and have been actively pursuing innovative
Panorama)

• Supporting First Nations eHealth Initiatives projects and improve transparency, organizational efficiency
Solution and ultimately ensure initiatives are more responsive to
community needs.
The mechanisms by which the required actions can be met
are: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Toolkit Development
• Community engagement hubs This Toolkit would record industry best practices, lessons
learned from the communities already engaged in eHealth
• The First Nations eHealth Knowledge Network projects, and provide a community-based “Getting Started”
Community Engagement Hubs guide to assist communities from the initial stages of
germinating an eHealth need through to launch of a
At this time, there is simply not enough funding to
preferred solution within a funded eHealth initiative.
implement eHealth solutions in every community. However,
the case can be made for a small amount of resources ICES-COO Health Profiles Pilot Project
to facilitate a more coordinated approach. CEHs are Recently, both ICES and COO have received requests
collaborations between First Nations communities working directly from First Nations communities to conduct analyses
through one agreed-upon organization that the members on a variety of health issues. Both groups recognize that there
choose. The purpose of CEHs is to develop planning, is a need for First Nations communities to have access to
collaboration, and communication opportunities for member community or regional-level health data for health planning
communities. and programming purposes. This data should be provided
First Nations eHealth Knowledge Network (FNeKN) back to communities in an efficient and easily accessible, yet
secure manner.
Through its broad representation by communities and
various eHealth projects, the FNeKN can foster an In collaboration, COO and ICES are developing health
empowerment approach to capacity building, collaborative profiles for the Health Portal. The profiles would provide
partnership with jurisdictional and/or national partners, maps and rates of common chronic diseases and other
collaborative representation among smaller communities, relevant health information at the First Nations community
attention to sustainability and economies of scale, and and/or PTO level. As the Profiles will be housed on the COO
support for eHealth infrastructure and infostructure Health Portal which is secure and password-protected, this
requirements. This model enables communities to participate data will only be accessible to First Nations communities.
proactively to seek or provide mentoring. Additionally, the Currently, we are moving forward with the project on a pilot
participatory nature of this model enables the voices of all basis and concentrating on diabetes. Once the diabetes
participants regardless of their size to be heard. health profiles pilot is complete, the project will be re-
evaluated by the HCU to determine next steps.
Government Engagement
Online Mapping Project
COO has continued to build relationships with government
for the purpose of forming collaborative efforts that create COO is currently utilizing an online mapping tool to develop
equitable opportunities to improve the health of First Nations community-based based maps covering a variety of health-
through the use of eHealth applications. This includes: related topics.
• Meeting with the MOHLTC and eHealth Ontario to
discuss the inclusion of First Nations in the Ontario KEY ISSUE: Broadband Connectivity
eHealth strategy. The Chiefs of Ontario will be working There currently exists a lack of equitable access to adequate
to coordinate a provincial eHealth integration plan and levels of reliable broadband capacity for First Nations in
ensure First Nations are included in the eHealth Ontario Ontario. For many, this capacity is provided in a fragmented
strategy from 2015 onward. and uneconomical fashion based on individual program
• Collaborating with FNIHB on the eHealth Core Standards and/or project requirements with many communities having
Working Group. access only to severely inadequate and/or unsustainable
services.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A clear mandate to address reliable broadband capacity
Health Portal Expansion has been given to COO in the form of resolution 09/14
eHealth stating: “First Nations in Ontario require broadband
COO is currently planning to expand the Health Portal
connectivity and must not be left behind in the technological
to provide communication and management tools for
advancement that serve to improve health outcomes within
working groups and community health leaders. The overall
health service delivery in Ontario” and “The Chiefs in
goal of this expansion is to facilitate participation in COO

Assembly support the allocation of resources to implement are exploring the feasibility of transitioning the database into
and sustain broadband connectivity for all First Nations as an online solution that will allow communities to update and
a foundational requirement for many eHealth applications retrieve their own information for the purposes of proposal
as well as for general community economic and social development and project planning.
development.” Online Community Mapping Tool
COO is creating an online First Nations mapping tool which
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: will serve as an accessible resource and community tool
First Nations in Ontario Broadband Connectivity Needs for Chiefs and designated community members to map
Assessment community territory, infrastructure, health data and facilitate
The final goal of the needs assessment, the strategic community development.
broadband business case, has been finalized and the project
is complete. The business case outlines the benefits and KEY ISSUE: Regional Health Survey
costs of broadband connectivity infrastructure and advocates (RHS)-Phase III:
for the allocation of resources towards community-based,
The First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) is the most
sustainable broadband connectivity infrastructure.
comprehensive health study of the on-reserve First Nations
Currently, COO is working with communities to deploy population and is considered the most reliable source of
the toolkit and we are working with government partners on-reserve First Nations health data. The Ontario Region
towards program and policy development, and leveraging has participated in the RHS process since its inception,
the business case in advocating for First Nations broadband with three phases for the years 1997 (Pilot Study), 2002/03
connectivity implementation. (Phase 1) and 2008/10 (Phase 2). Plans are underway for the
Broadband Case Studies implementation of the RHS Phase-III in Ontario Region. In
June 2014, All Ontario Chiefs Resolution 14/10 was passed to
COO has finalized case studies describing the fibre-to-
continue to support the implementation of the RHS Phase-
the-home networks of the Chippewas of Saugeen and the
III.
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. The case studies provide
insight into the processes the communities followed to The RHS Phase-III will be guided by the Data Governance
realize the construction and implementation of their new Committee (DGC) in the analysis and implementation of the
networks, descriptions of the networks installed and insight Survey.
into financing and operational sustainability. In addition,
impacts on the communities are presented in terms of the ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
amount and type of use of the connectivity by residential • Tested Community Survey with the Area Managers and
and institutional users. Quantitative data on the use of gave comments for improvement, December 2014.
connectivity is provided and anecdotes are used to highlight
• First Nation Data Governance Committee Terms of
how better connectivity is impacting some community
Reference approved by the Chiefs Committee on Health
members.
in 2014 and posted call for membership January 2015;
Government Engagement distributed Terms of References at Chiefs of Ontario
Because resolution 09/14 states that the COO will Health Forum February 2015.
engage with “both Ontario and Canada to define roles • Participated in the RHS workshop in February 2015
and responsibilities necessary to facilitate a coordinated project management;
strategy for eHealth and connectivity to all First Nations in
Ontario” COO continues to work with government partners • RHS Peoples Report Phase-II was completed and
to identify priorities, clarify roles and responsibilities, and presented at the Chiefs of Ontario Health Forum and
work collaboratively towards the development of broadband presented to the Federal Minister of Health.
programs and strategies. • April 2015 First Nation Information Governance Centre
RHS training for Area Manager and Statistical Analyst on
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: the use of laptops and deployment of the RHS Phase-III
in the field.
Broadband Database
• Partnership with Cancer Care Ontario using RHS Phase-
One of the major goals of the Broadband Connectivity Needs
II Data to develop a Cancer Risk Factors Report for
Assessment was the creation of a database of community
Ontario First Nations.
broadband connectivity-related information. Currently, we

• New Sampling Strategy approved by the Health ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Coordination Unit for RHS.
• Selection of DGC members by OCCOH
• Production of the Special Report on Resiliency and
• Training of the DGC members
Protective Factors Associated with Suicide.
• Develop options on First Nations Data Governance
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Models
• Deployment of RHS in 39 communities across Ontario

based on new sampling strategy. KEY ISSUE: First Nations Cancer
• Organizing 3 to4 RHS area meetings with the 39
Surveillance System
communities presenting information on the how data is The Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health and the Political
collected and how communities can request their data Confederacy agreed through a motion that work begin with
once the survey is completed. the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), First
Nations Inuit Health – Ontario Region (FNIH-OR), and
• Chiefs committee on Health to select First Nations Data
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) to access the Indian Registry
Governance Committee Members.
System (IRS) database for the purpose of developing
surveillance data on chronic diseases within the First
KEY ISSUE: Data Governance Nations population in Ontario. The first phase of the health
The Data Governance Agreement (DGA) signed with the surveillance will focus on cancer and that CCO be the lead
Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences was signed April 5, agency, working with ICES and COO, in developing cancer
2012. Within that agreement a Data Governance Committee surveillance for the First Nations in Ontario.
(DGC) is be established for the purpose of reviewing requests
for the creation, use, access or disclosure of First Nations data ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
and make recommendations to the Chiefs of Ontario. The • Indian Registry System Data at the Institute for clinical
Terms of reference for the DGC Committee was approved Evaluative Sciences August 2013.
in May 2014 by the Chiefs committee on Health and was
posted in January 2015; it was also distributed at the Chiefs • 176,266 First Nation individuals (93%) from the IRS data
of Ontario Health Forum in February 2015. The DGC will also have been successfully linked to the Registered Person
serve as the committee that will oversee the implementation Data Base of Ontario.
of the Regional Health Survey and provide guidance on the • Technical Working Group (TWG) Terms of Reference
analysis of the First Nation Early Childhood, Education and completed outlining the working relationship. COO will
Employment Survey (FNREEES) data. assist in interpreting the data with a cultural lens.
In June 2014, the All Ontario Chiefs Conference passed • The role of the Technical Working Group is to work
Resolution 14/09 mandating the OCCOH to investigate together to help develop a shared understanding,
options on the implementation of First Nations Data determine and resolve issues; contribute and to establish
Governance Models based on OCAP Principles. effective communications between the partners. The
TWG will also work through any technical issues that
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: may arise in linking the data and moving forward with the
• DGC Committee Terms of Reference approved by First Nation Cancer Surveillance Project.
OCCOH • Grand council Treaty #3 passed a resolution to be
• Draft materials and tools have been developed: involved with the project.
• Application for researchers to access data for research • An amendment to the Data Sharing Agreement has been
purposes; signed to include Grand Council Treaty #3, IRS Data for
this project only.
• Tool for the DGC members to review applications;
• Code of Ethics; ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Process Map; and • Transfer de-identified IRS data file upon signing of the
• Call for DGC Membership amended DSA to Cancer Care Ontario
• Working partnership with the Institute for Clinical • Link the IRS data file to the Ontario Cancer Registry to
Evaluative Sciences. produce cancer surveillance data for First Nations in
Ontario.

• Preliminary results of the First Nation Cancer • 39 communities were selected to participate
Surveillance Cancer S in the fall of 2015. • Indigenous Knowledge Keepers workshop was conducted
in 2014
KEY ISSUE: First Nation Early Childhood, • Significant work to improve the training manual to be
Education and Employment clear, concise and as useful as possible to the community
The First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education, surveyors.
Employment (FNREEES) has been in process with planning • Letter of Agreement entered into with communities to
and implementation underway since 2012. In November deploy FNREEES
2012, the Ontario Chiefs in Assembly passed resolution 12/30
• FNREEES completed May 31, 2015
in support of the FNREEES. A Regional Advisory Working
Group was created in early 2013 and met several times that
year.
• FNREEES data cleaning to be completed to detect and
May 2014, the Chiefs of Ontario reviewed the process
remove inaccurate records and removing corrupt or
and restructured FNREEES to merge the FNREEES and
inaccurate records from the database. (data validation)
Regional Health Survey (RHS) coordinator positions into a
new role: Research Manager. Through this amalgamation, a • Identify a set of common indicators in anticipation of
new management and implementation structure was put in release and online data tools (to be developed in each
place to implement FNREEES. The First Nation Education region)
Coordination Unit and Health Coordination Unite provided • November 2015 preliminary results to be released
general oversight in 2014-15. The Regional Advisory Working nationally
Group work was completed in December 2014.
• Analyzing Ontario data
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Fact sheets to be produced from Ontario’s data 2016-2017
• 3 area managers were engaged with the communities • Development of a FNREEES Peoples Report – 2016-2017
in assisting with training and deployment in the
communities.
• Each of the sampled communities entered into Letters
of Agreement to employ their own surveyors to collect
surveys; generated employment and built capacity in the
communities.
Chief Bryan Laforme of the

Mississaugas of the New Credit
First Nation
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick

Madahbee and Minister of Health and Long-Term
Care Dr. Eric Hoskins

Social Services

Social Services Sector CHIEFS COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL SERVICES
(CCSS)
Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, Grand Council
OVERVIEW Treaty # 3
The Social Services Sector of Chiefs of Ontario is Isadore Day, Serpent River, Chief
mandated to work on issues related to First Nations’ access Mike Mitchell, Mohawks of Akwesasne
to and creation of social services. The Social Services Greg Cowie, Chief, Hiawatha First Nation
Sector focuses on the following issues: Social Assistance
Reform, Transitional Support Funding for Ontario Works, Ogichidaa Warren White, Grand Council Treaty # 3
Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy, Aboriginal Wray Maracle, Councillor, Six Nations of the Grand River
Family Violence, First Nations Child Welfare, and Social
Assistance. Additionally, the Social Services sector has been SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATION UNIT
supporting the Ontario First Nations’ Young Peoples Council (SSCU)
(OFNYPC).
Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Chair
The majority of work done by the Social Services Sector
Adrienne Pelletier, Union of Ontario Indians
relates to areas under the 1965 Welfare Agreement
(i.e., Ontario and Canada Memorandum of Agreement Bobby Narcisse, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Respecting Welfare Services for Indians). The Agreement Debbie Lipscombe, Grand Council Treaty #3
covers: homemaking, social assistance (Ontario Works), child
Zachariah General, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
care, and child and family services. These areas correlate
to the Long-Term Care Act, Day Nurseries Act, Child Care Diane Maracle Nadjiwon, Independent First Nations
Modernization Act, Ontario Early Years Framework, Mental Arliss Skye, Six Nations of the Grand River
Health and Addictions Strategy, Life Promotions Strategy,
Special Needs Strategy, and the previously mentioned CHIEFS OF ONTARIO SOCIAL SERVICES
priority areas. Several of the priorities under the 1965 Welfare STAFF
Agreement are attended to by other sectors within COO,
Linda Ense, Director of Social Services
namely Health and Education.
The Social Services Sector is guided by the Social Services
Coordination Unit (SSCU), which is a technical and advisory Social Services Updates
body operating under the umbrella of the Chiefs of Ontario.
It is comprised of the Social Services Directors of the four KEY ISSUE: Social Services Reform
Political Territorial Organizations (PTOs), one representative
In 2012, the Ontario Government released “Brighter
of the Independent First Nations, and the Social Services
Prospects: Transforming Social Assistance in Ontario.”
Director from Six Nations of the Grand River.The Council
The report provided 108 recommendations related to social
receives support through the coordinating capacity of the
assistance reform. In 2013, then-Minister Ted McMeekin
Chiefs of Ontario office.
announced that Ontario was committed to establishing a
SSCU is responsible to the Chiefs Committee on Social First Nations Advisory Council consisting of First Nation
Services (CCSS), which acts as a political oversight body. political leadership to ensure First Nations unique needs and
The CCSS is comprised of appointed chiefs from each of priorities would be reflected in the transformation. Since the
the PTOs, Mohawks of Akwesasne and Six Nations of the 2014 election, Minister Helenz Jaczek has been appointed as
Grand River. All Political Confederacy members are ex-officio the Minister responsible for social services reform. Minister
members of the CCSS. Jaczek has yet to commence First Nations engagement.
As part of this file, Chiefs of Ontario is monitoring for
POLITICAL CONFEDERACY PORTFOLIO changes to income assistance. All Canadian provinces
HOLDER maintain a program of income support. To support low-
Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Association of income First Nations, Canada (AANDC) developed the
Iroquois and Allied Indians Income Assistance Program. However, under the 1965 Indian
Welfare Agreement, First Nations in Ontario do not receive
federal income assistance under the Income Assistance
Program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: continue the TSF Working Group to review the impacts of
changes to Ontario Works on First Nations.
• Chiefs of Ontario is continuing to advocate for the
Province to directly engage with First Nations on Social
Service Reform. KEY ISSUE: Child Care
Ontario has replaced the Day Nurseries Act (DNA) with
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: the Child Care Modernization Act, 2014. Under the Act,
• The Ministry of Community and Social Services will the Ministry of Education will take over full responsibility
be planning to meet this fiscal year to have further for child care policy and programs from the Ministry of
discussions on Social Reform with respect to long term Child and Youth Services. The Ministry of Education’s
planning and changes. responsibilities will include funding, contract management
and licensing responsibilities.
KEY ISSUE: Transitional Support Funds The Child Care Modernization Act was introduced into the
current legislature on July, 2014 and received Royal Assent
The Transitional Support Funds (TSF) is a result of the 2012
on December 4, 2014. The Act puts into force the Child Care
amalgamation all of Ontario’s housing related programs.
and Early Years Act (CCEYA), repeals the Day Nurseries Act,
The elimination of the mandatory Community Start Up and
amends the Early Child Educators Act and the Education
Maintenance Benefits program in the 2012 Budget, formerly
Act, and makes consequential amendments to other Acts.
referenced as CSUMB, would have negatively impacted both
the First Nations and their social assistance recipients by Currently the Ontario Government provides funding to 56
reducing support by up to 50 per cent. First Nations, one Tribal Council and four transfer payment
agencies for on-reserve licensed child care in Ontario. The
MCSS has also revised employment related benefits.
1965 Welfare Agreement requires the federal government to
Previously, Ontario Works offered four distinct benefits. All
cost-share First Nations child cares licensed under the Day
four have been combined down to one benefit, which is a
Nurseries Act by reimbursing the province for 93% of the
cost savings to the Province. Analysis on the impacts of this
costs. The repeal of the Day Nurseries Act and proclamation
services merger was not included in the original mandate
of the CCEYA calls into question whether an amendment
of the TSF Working Committee. Approval from Political
to the 1965 Welfare Agreement is necessary to maintain
Confederacy was sought to add this to the mandate of the
funding support from the Federal Government. Ontario
TSF Working group.
has officially requested the Federal Government to change
the 1965 Welfare Agreement to reflect the new legislation;
ACCOMPLISHMENTS however, Canada has yet to respond. If an amendment is
As a result of political pressure from First Nations in raising necessary, First Nations may need to provide consent for the
concerns, the Ministry of Community and Social Services creation of a new welfare program as per section 2(2) of the
(MCSS) committed to work with First Nations by providing 1965 Welfare Agreement.
resources to establish a joint First Nations and Ministerial
Working Group on a new approach. This group is known as ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
the Transitional Support Funds (TSF) Working Group.
• Chiefs of Ontario will continue to seek clarification on
The TSF Working Group met throughout the past year and whether amendments to the 1965 Welfare Agreement
has submitted a letter to the Minister of Community and are necessary to maintain federal funding support and
Social Services requesting a meeting to discuss the request continue to support the full resourcing of First Nations
for a legislative amendment exempting First Nations from child care facilities
the discretionary benefits cap under Ontario Works. No
response has been received to date.
KEY ISSUES: Aboriginal Child and Youth
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Strategy
In 2012, the Commission to Promote Sustainable Child
• COO is seeking a political commitment from Ontario for
Welfare submitted its first report, “Towards Sustainable Child
a legislative amendment exempting First Nations from
Welfare in Ontario”. The Commission also worked with
the discretionary benefits cap under Ontario Works from
former ministerial appointed Aboriginal Advisor to Ontario’s
the Minister of Community and Social Services.
Minister of Children and Youth Services, John Beaucage to
• COO is seeking a political and resourcing commitment identify culturally specific solutions to improving outcomes
from the Minister of Community and Social Services to for Aboriginal children and youth that is community-driven.

The report indicated that the Province’s “Transformation • Co-development has been vital to this process and will
Agenda” emphasized supporting more vulnerable children continue to be as we move to implementation.
at home with their families and had resulted in funding fewer • This is the beginning of a journey on the Strategy. We
children being taken into care and for shorter periods of will continue to engage at the leadership and technical
time had decreased. First Nations communities have seen tables. We will also continue to engage with First Nations
the opposite effect: more First Nations’ children have been bilaterally on a government-to-government basis to
removed from families and communities through adoption. address specific priorities.
First Nations children and their families have different and Jurisdiction
complex needs resulting from the residential schools and the
60s scoop; and, the work indicates an urgent need to find and • Recognition of First Nations’ jurisdiction over children
coordinate approaches that will meet the needs. and youth services is a key issue for First Nations. First
Nations reiterated that they never gave up their inherent
ACCOMPLISHMENTS right to care for their children and youth. First Nations
are not asking for jurisdiction, they want the government
In June 2013, First Nations / Leadership Roundtable to recognize it. First Nations made clear they do not want
launched MCYSS discussions regarding the creation of an delegated authority.
Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy that would identify
key issues, priorities and key approaches to engage First • Ontario is committed to working with First Nations on
Nations in the joint development of an Aboriginal Children exploring how it can recognize and implement First
and Youth Strategy; and, to advance the recommendations Nations jurisdiction over services. A commitment was
from the “Children First” report (John Beaucage). During this made to establish a First Nations’ Jurisdiction Think
roundtable meeting, First Nations provided presentations Tank that would support and guide the implementation
that consistently identified that “a one size fits all solution of the Strategy. The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs will be
to children and youth services for all First Nations in the reaching out to First Nations to establish the scope and
province will not work”; and, with the resounding unified focus for this joint initiative.
statement, that Jurisdiction matters concerning their Funding and Next Steps
children have always rested with the First Nations. The • First Nations reiterated the importance of government
continuance of First Nations’ jurisdiction of children was being committed to the Strategy. This includes providing
reinforced with the June AOCC Resolution 13/27 – First sufficient resources/funding to implement it.
Nations Jurisdiction on Child and Youth Services.
• Ontario has an opportunity to champion change. This
During 2013/14, First Nations input was provided to the includes:
Province in order to create a draft strategy to begin the
implementation of the Aboriginal Children and Youth • Equitable funding
Strategy. In February 2015, a First Nations/Leadership • Funding capacity
Roundtable was held in which the “Draft Aboriginal Children • Recognition of jurisdiction
and Youth Strategy: First Nations’ Perspective” at the
February 2015 Roundtable. • Shared accountability
This strategy had the following six priority areas: Programs and Services
transforming relationships and collaborative action; • It is important that every youth has a good start in life
• First Nations jurisdiction/control; prevention, culture and and the opportunity to succeed. Services for First Nations
opportunities; coordinated and responsive circle of care; children and youth are too often not available or easily
accessible and are not culturally relevant. There needs
• Maintaining, evaluation and shared accountability; and to be immediate investments in prevention and mental
holistic approaches. health services
At the Round Table, Leadership voiced the following themes • More focus on family preservation and family support
Collaboration/Co-development and empowerment
• Since announcing the Strategy two years ago, the • It is essential to implement Jordan’s Principle
approach has been one of co-development and • Ontario recognizes the importance of a culturally-based
collaboration. Co-developing a policy with First Nations preventative system
partners is a new approach to policy development and
sets a standard for other ministries and a transformed
relationship.

Reconciliation and off reserve realities of service delivery in responding
• The Strategy is part of a transformed relationship. This to Family Violence.
relationship needs to be based on reconciliation. 2. Support ASOO, through a number of community-based
Role of the Federal Government research projects, to enhance the research that has been
started as part of this needs assessment including doing
It was acknowledged that the federal government has a a comprehensive literature review and address key
role to play in the Strategy. Ontario and First Nations will questions.
need to work collaboratively on how to approach the federal
government and gain support for the Strategy. 3. Support ASOO research that will tell the story of what is
happening in northern communities.
Role of Chiefs of Ontario
4. Support ASOO to work with governments to refine
• The engagement process had to be with the First Nation’s evaluation and data collection tools that are useful to
and Chiefs of Ontario are awaiting for direction from the support sound planning and that tell the complete story
First Nations’ leadership. There will still be a need for of the work that is being done at the shelters and the
Chiefs of Ontario to be involved, as a coordinating role journeys that women take to end the violence in their
will be required eventually, taken into consideration the lives.
already established bilateral processes.
5. A long-term coordinated investment plan be developed
between the federal and provincial governments and
with the ASOO and First Nation organizations to address
• Re-confirm the role of Chiefs of Ontario throughout the Aboriginal family violence. The plan would address
implementation of the Aboriginal Children and Youth jurisdictional issues between on-reserve and off-reserve
Strategy: First Nations’ Perspective. funding.
6. ASOO be supported to provide training to Aboriginal
KEY ISSUE: Aboriginal Family Violence shelters to support them in better responding to the
Needs Assessment complexity of the issues they have to address. While
The Chiefs of Ontario’s Social Services Coordination Unit there is a common set of concerns there are also unique
are working collaboratively with the Aboriginal Shelters differences between the shelters, and training and
of Ontario (ASOO) on a needs assessment with the aim supports need to take account of theses. For example,
to provide planning information resulting from the data off reserve shelters have to deal with by-laws and
collection and the investigation of current resources and incorporation while on-reserve organizations are dealing
services available relevant to the Aboriginal Family Violence with running programs through Chief and Council.
sector. 7. ASOO be supported to provide tailored training to ASOO
This group is cognitive of the work being done through partners including:
the Joint Working Group on Violence Against Aboriginal • Chiefs of Ontario: Effectively addressing violence
Women and is utilizing one of their foundational documents, within the First Nation structures, including best
“the Strategic Framework To End Violence Against practices.
Aboriginal Women”, to substantiate quantitative and
• Non-Aboriginal Shelters: How to work respectfully with
qualitative information about actual incidences, contributing
First Nation, Inuit and Métis families.
factors, specific barriers, gaps and needs.
8. ASOO receive core funding to support their continued
ACCOMPLISHMENTS capacity to respond to the level and complexity of
violence and provide training, evaluation and best
The draft Needs Assessment was presented in November to
practice collection that is needed in the sector in order
SSCU and FNWC at which time both Committees were able
to maximize the investment of all resources while also
to share their feedback for changes or comments. The final
supporting the existing and future Aboriginal leadership
copy has been recently shared, and provided the following
in the VAAW sector.
nine recommendations:
9. ASOO receive financial support to describe, highlight and
1. Building on the work of the Strategic Framework to
promote current best practices.
End Violence Against Aboriginal Women and other
Framework documents, support ASOO to create a
specific framework to end Family Violence that reflects on
• Subject to direction from the Chiefs in Assembly, that

a Memorandum of Understanding to be developed Tripartite Technical Table on Child Welfare (TTT-CW)
between COO and ASOO to continue supporting the • Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
working relationship in order to a long-term coordinated Canada
investment plan be developed between the federal and
provincial governments with the ASOO and First Nation • Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies
organizations to address Aboriginal family violence. The of Ontario
plan would address jurisdictional issues between on- • Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
reserve and off-reserve funding. • Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Tripartite Technical Table on Social Assistance (TTT-SA)
KEY ISSUE: First Nations Child Welfare
• Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canadian Human Rights Challenge
Canada
In 2007, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
• Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association
(FNCFCS) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) filed
a human rights complaint in which they alleged that the • Ministry of Community and Social Services
Government of Canada underfunds child welfare services The overall objective of these two Tripartite Technical Tables
for First Nations children on-reserve, leading to lesser or no is to facilitate effective communications to improve the
service compared to the provincial standards. As mandated federal and provincial policies and programs impacting First
by Resolution 09/21 First Nations Child and Family Services Nations while always giving significance to the 1965 Indian
– Canadian Human Rights Complaint, the Chiefs of Ontario Welfare Agreement.
sought and obtained intervener status in the Canadian
In relation to Child Welfare, the tables are looking to
Rights Tribunal (CHRT) proceedings.
address the following issues: Designation, Lack of Funding,
In February 2014, the CHRT closes its case with the final The Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare,
witness being, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and the Government of Customary Care, and Aboriginal Approaches to Alternative
Canada’s witnesses should conclude by the end of June 2014. Dispute Resolution and, etcetera.
In relation to Social Assistance, the tables are considering
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
the following: Ontario Works, National Child Benefit
As mandated by Resolution 09/21 First Nations Child and Reinvestment Program, Disabilities Initiative and, other
Family Services – Canadian Human Rights Complaint, the issues as they evolve.
Chiefs of Ontario sought and obtained intervener status in
These tables have stalled over the past year given that the
the Canadian Rights Tribunal (CHRT) proceedings.
Social Services Sector due to a number of factors, such as:
Ontario Works “Transitional Support Funds Working Group”;
Child Care Modernization; Social Reform; and sharing of the
• COO will remain as a intervener in this Human Rights Early Learning / Child Care file.
challenge
In March 2014, an attempt to regenerate a working
• Final submissions have been submitted and awaiting the relationship was initiated. However, the lack of funding for
decision. the COO Social Services Coordinator has caused further
• The decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in delay in the movement to the re-establishment these
the First Nations Child and Family’s Services case is still Tripartite Technical Tables as the position was only filled in
under review but the Tribunal rules of procedure indicate December 2014.
the ruling will be issued in the spring of 2015.
KEY ISSUE: Tripartite Tables - Child • No Tripartite Technical Table meetings have been held. A
Welfare and Social Assistance greater understanding and clarity around the issues and
identify key areas in which collaborative activities can be
In 2009, the Chiefs of Ontario, the provincial and federal undertaken at these Tripartite Technical Tables needs to
governments established Tripartite Working Groups on be developed.
Child Welfare and Social Assistance to address issues of
concern and priority to First Nation communities. The
Social Services Coordination Unit members sit on these two
technical tables along with representatives from:

KEY ISSUE: Ontario First Nations Young Nathan Wright, COO Chief Operating Officer provided
this overview and reviewed the history of OFNYPC:
People’s Council (OFNYPC) Terms of Reference, roles and responsibilities of the
The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council is a political structure and how OFNYPC fits in.
regional youth council that represents the youth of all First
• OFNYPC attended the Gathering of Families held in
Nations in Ontario and gives First Nation youth a voice on
Thunder Bay and submitted a written report which is to
issues at all levels of government. The Council continues
be included in the overall meeting report.
to meet regularly and continues to be without a full-time
coordinator. • Due to new youth joining OFNYPC and some youth
aging out, this was a bit of a transition period and training
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: had to be provided. The following list includes the
meetings and training provided:
OFNYPC participated in the following meetings/training:
• A review of the CFSA
• Participated in meetings with OFNYPC and Social
Services Coordination Unit to discuss the MCYS • Received training on the historical overview of
Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy, and the 5-year OFNYPC
Review of Ontario’s Child and Family Services Act. • Roles and Responsibilities
• Coordinated and provided support to the OFNYPC, • Lateral Violence
Social Services Coordination Unit, and Youth/Social
• Re-Awakening our Spirit
Portfolio Holder in their roles for the Mid-Point First
Nations Leadership Roundtable held on October 8, 2014. • Understanding your life’s purpose
• Attended and participated in the meeting of the • Circle of Self Care
Aboriginal Child Protection Group. • Life Promotion Strategy
• Planned, developed, and coordinated the roles, input, • OFNYPC participated at the following forums:
and participation of the OFNYPC in the Days in the
• Gathering of the Families for Missing and Murdered
Legislature that took place on November 26 and 27,
Indigenous Women and Girls
2014, whereby various issues were discussed including
jurisdiction over child welfare, mental health and life • Our Health, Our Future – 9th Annual Chiefs of Ontario
promotion, and the impacts of the MCYS Aboriginal Health Forum – OFNYPC participated as panel
Children and Youth Strategy. presenters and moderators
• OFNYPC participated in the Social-Health-Education • Role of First Nations traditional ecological knowledge
meeting, held on December 2 - 4, 2014. in protecting the Great Lakes - Following in the
footsteps of our Ancestors Elders and Youth Water
• OFNYPC participated at the AFN Special Chiefs
Gathering
Assembly on December 9, 10, 11, 2014, whereby various
issues were discussed including jurisdiction over child • Education Conference titled ‘Our Children, Our Future,
welfare, the MCYS Aboriginal Children and Youth Our Vision
Strategy, and the 5-year Review of Ontario’s Child and • The following list continues to be completed:
Family Services Act.
• Research funding opportunities
• Finalized an Ontario-wide submission to MCYS for
• Communications Plan
OFNYPC on the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy
and the 5-year Review of Ontario’s Child and Family • 5 Bundles – Review and ensure they are updated and
Services Act, which was submitted to MCYS. ready for training purposes
• OFNYPC presented at the Mid-Point First Nations • Youth Empowerment Policy
Leadership Roundtable held on February 4, 2015.
• The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council held a ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Strategic Planning and Lateral Violence Training session • To apply for funding for OFNYPC continued work
in Toronto on January 24 and 25/15. A portion of the • To plan for a provincial Youth Symposium on capacity
training included a Historical Overview – Where have building for the development of individual First Nations’
we come from and the evolution of OFNYPC. Deputy Youth Councils
Chief Denise Stonefish, Deputy Chief Glen Hare and

Draft Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy: Aboriginal Partners’ Perspectives
Vision Guiding Principles
First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Aboriginal children and youth are • Children and youth • Co-development and • Flexibility
healthy, happy, resilient, grounded in their cultures and languages, and centred partnership
• Shared accountability
thriving as individuals and as members of their families and nations/
• Culture, identity • Outcomes focus
communities. • Acknowledge the past, act now, and look to the
and language as
• Responsive to youth voice future (reconciliation)
foundational
• Respect rights
and jurisdictional
aspirations
Transformed relationships First Nations Jurisdiction/ Prevention, culture, and Coordinated and Monitoring, Holistic Approach
and collaborative action Aboriginal control opportunities responsive circle of care evaluation, and shared
Collaborate to address
accountability
Systemic change through First Nations, Métis, Inuit, First Nations, Métis, Inuit The child and youth service broader needs,
collaborative action and and urban Aboriginal and urban Aboriginal work force is equipped Track progress systems and social
transformed relationships with communities/ organizations children and youth have to provide high quality, through culturally and determinants that
First Nations, Métis, Inuit and take the lead in the care of access to preventative integrated, and culturally contextually appropriate impact outcomes.
urban Aboriginal partners and their children and youth. services focused on appropriate services. monitoring, evaluation
youth. well-being, culture, and approaches.
opportunities.
Relationship agreements Policy and legislative/ Cultural connectors, Address gaps and access Culturally and Continuum of care
between Aboriginal partners regulatory changes, with community coordinators, barriers across ministry services contextually appropriate across government to
and Ontario/MCYS (e.g., self- federal engagement/ and system navigators/ e.g., mental health and special data, research, and address the needs of
determination over children and negotiation as required, for advocates support needs services, travel funding outcomes measurement Aboriginal children,
youth, focus on reconciliation). First Nations jurisdiction and Aboriginal children, youth for service access. and evaluation youth and families:
Aboriginal control over service and families. frameworks, including
Ongoing partnership in Community/regional service
design and delivery and collection of identity • Alignment,
strategy development and Invest in/ focus on: delivery networks for inter-
system governance through: based data. consolidation and
implementation: agency coordination and
• Culturally based and integration across
• Bilateral or trilateral referral, including collaboration, Enhance research, data,
• Renewed/revised culturally specific MCYS programs/
sectoral child welfare protocols, and sharing of and evaluation capacity
engagement structures and programs initiatives (e.g.
agreements recognized in information and best practices. within Aboriginal
partners (e.g., youth and Ontario Youth
legislation • Preventative, organizations.
service providers) Frontline capacity for Aboriginal Strategy, Feathers
family-centered and
• Delegated child and youth service providers to assume of Hope, child
• Critical paths, timelines and strengths-based
service authorities more delivery from mainstream welfare, youth
work plans supports/ programs
organizations, e.g., training, justice)
• Joint system
• Mechanisms for community- Identify medium/ long- recruitment, and retention
management/ • Whole-of-
level engagement and term investments that strategies for Aboriginal child
service delivery and government action
endorsement shift funding to prevention and youth service workers and
administration structures in partnership with
services that are delivered organization administrators.
• Capacity funding other ministries
• Service advisory bodies. by First Nations and
Honour the spirit of Jordan’s (e.g. mental
• Annual Leadership Tables/ Aboriginal organizations.
Supports that build Principle by collaborating to health/addictions,
Meetings.
administrative/ governance support Aboriginal children poverty reduction,
Manage change across MCYS capacity for First Nations and youth accessing health and education,
and the child and youth service jurisdiction and Aboriginal social services among agencies, violence against
sector, consistent with the vision control e.g., funding and communities, and jurisdictions Aboriginal women,
and principles of the ACYS. accountability arrangements (e.g., between Ontario and employment,
that are mutually agreed Manitoba, between Ontario and community
upon and reflect transformed Nunavut, and among Ontario, economic
relationships. Québec, and the US). development, and
Enforced requirements for non- justice)
Aboriginal service providers to • Consolidated and
be accountable to the Aboriginal flexible funding
children, youth, families and approaches and
communities that they serve. expanded agency
mandatesE
• Engage/negotiate
with the federal
government on
funding/ service
coordination and
broader socio-
economic issues,
e.g., 1965 Indian
Welfare Agreement.
Whole of government approach

Leaders in the maximize opportunities for all
Chiefs to engage, Chiefs
Legislature of Ontario opted to host
round tables open to all
2014 chiefs and appointed
representatives. Each
On November 26th – round table included
28th, 2014 the Chiefs of all of the cabinet
Ontario coordinated ministers with
the “Leaders in the responsibilities
Legislature” event. relating to the chosen
The event consisted of theme in order to
8 roundtable sessions allow discussion from
between First Nations a whole-of-government
Leaders and members perspective. Round
of Cabinet, and a meeting tables lasted for 60-90
between the Political minutes each
Confederacy and the Premier. The following Cabinet
The event was mandated by Ministers attended the
Resolution 14/30, which called for roundtables within their respective
Chiefs of Ontario to establish regular portfolios:
meetings between First Nations Leadership,
Cabinet and the Premier. • Ministers Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro attended the
Resource Revenue/Benefit Sharing roundtable
The “Leaders in the Legislature” was the first dedicated
advocacy day on First Nations issues in Queen’s Park. It was • Minister David Zimmer attended the Treaty Awareness
attended by The Premier of Ontario, 13 Cabinet Ministers, roundtable
and over 80 First Nations leaders. The topics discussed • Ministers Dr. Eric Hoskins, Tracy MacCharles and Dr.
during the event were: Helena Jaczek attended the Mental Health and Youth Life
Treaty Awareness Promotions roundtable
Resource Benefit/Revenue Sharing • Ministers Mario Sergio, Dipika Dameria and David
Zimmer attended the Palliative Care and Long Term
Palliative Care and Long Term Health Health roundtable
Mental health and Youth Life Promotion • Minister Glen Murray attended the Clean Drinking Water
First Nation Students in the Provincial Education System roundtable
Clean Drinking Water • Ministers Liz Sandals and David Zimmer attended the
Business Development and Poverty Alleviation First Nation Students in the Provincial Education System
roundtable
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women
• Ministers Brad Duguid, Reza Moridi and PA Chris
Ballard attended the Business Development and Poverty
APPROACH Alleviation roundtable
Chiefs of Ontario struck a planning committee consisting
• Ministers Tracy MacCharles, David Zimmer attended the
of leadership and appointed technicians from First Nations
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women roundtable
organizations across Ontario. to guide the implementation
of Resolution 14/30. The Planning Committee highlighted
a number of key topics areas. These areas were chosen as OUTCOMES
themes for discussions with cabinet. “Leaders in the Legislature” was widely received as a success
Chiefs of Ontario worked with the Minister of Aboriginal from First Nations Leaders and Cabinet. The Ministry of
Affairs to secure commitments from the Ontario Cabinet Aboriginal Affairs has agreed to work with Chiefs of Ontario
to meet directly with Leadership on the key themes to make a yearly day for Chiefs to advocate collectively in
identified by the Planning Committee. In order to Queen’s Park.

Since the event, Chiefs of Ontario has worked with the commitments that both parties agree were made by
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to create a final list of Ministers during the event. These commitments are:
Hon. MINISTER COMMITMENT

• Locate transcripts from KI proceedings regarding Ontario’s legal obligations with respect to Treaty #9
• Allocate resources to Chiefs of Ontario on Treaty Awareness
• Determine an engagement system on Treaty Awareness
Zimmer (MAA)
• Joint draft a statement in the Legislature with Chiefs on Treaty Awareness/Treaty Day
• Examine reform to Ontario Works
• Follow up meetings on MMIW
• Discussions about the full scope of Resource Benefit Sharing through a bi-lateral mining table
Gravelle (MNDM)
• Build a direct relationship with First Nations and Chiefs of Ontario
• Incorporate the concept of Life Promotion into the Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
MacCharles (MCYS) • Extend the deadline for the Aboriginal Child and Youth Strategy to ensure proper consultation
• Engage with First Nations on revisions to the Child and Family Services Act
• Work with the Aboriginal Advisory Council
• Commit additional funding to the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy
Hoskins (MOHLC) /
• Work with First Nations on licensing issues
Damerla (MOHLC)
• Build capacity for culturally appropriate care
• Provide support to First Nations palliative care workers
Sergio (Seniors) • Ensure that all Seniors have access to services
• Engagement and strategies on racism in schools

• Opportunities for First Nations educators on-reserve to participate in provincial professional development
Sandals (Education)
• Meeting between First Nations and literacy and numeracy secretariat to discuss planning and mapping of a gap analysis
• Engagement and strategy on the certification of Native Language teachers
• Draft a political letter co-signed by Minister and ORC urging the federal government to do more on safe drinking water
Murray (Environment) • Create a committee for exploring implementation of the Water Declaration
• Engage with First Nations on Climate Change
Duigid (MEDI) • Distribute information about regional economic development funding opportunities
Naqvi (MCSCS) • Follow up meeting on MMIW
Many of the commitments made by Ministers require Chiefs of Ontario will be providing a full report on the status
substantial policy dialogue, dedicated resources, and will of meeting these commitments at the 2015 Leaders in the
take time to complete. At this time, almost all ministries Legislature.
are making progress towards fulfilling their commitments.

Communications
Top cities in
Canada to visit
Chiefs of Ontario
website:
Toronto: 12, 792 users, which increased by 2000 users
Thunder Bay: 3,409 users, which increased by 700 users
Ottawa/Gatineau: 3,367 users, which increased by 700 users
61 News Releases Sudbury: 2,033 users, which increased by 400 users
distributed to media over one year Winnipeg: 1,707 users, which increased by 600 users
Chiefs of Ontario Montreal: 1,372 users, which increased by 350 users
have over 7,300 Followers on Twitter Compiled by Google Analytics
We have over a 500 photos of events (May 2014 - May 2015)
and conference on Flickr

Website stats:
Average monthly viewers: 6743
compared to last year: 5000
Who in the world

visits our website?
The locations of users are mainly from
Canada, with 52,836 users on the site.
Interestingly, other countries include:
United States (2960 users),
India (565 users), Brazil (543 users),
Nigeria (317 users),
United Kingdom (286 users),
Germany (204 users)
and Philippines (133 users).

Communications Sector • Developing positive messaging and strategy to achieve
implementation
• Using current technology and social media to help
Communications Staff achieve our goal
Jamie Monastyrski, Director of Communications • Routine updates to the Chiefs of Ontario
Communications Strategy
OVERVIEW
The Chiefs of Ontario Communications Sector works
to ensure that the messages, activities, and priorities of • Consideration of development of public awareness
the Ontario Regional Chief, Political Confederacy, and campaigns on political priorities.
Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat are brought to the forefront • Using traditional teachings and knowledge from our
of public attention. To this effect, the Chiefs of Ontario Elders as a basis of understanding and a foundation for
Communications Sector coordinates public relations and external communication.
facilitates the exposure of First Nations priorities through • Highlights of a specific issue and COO’s work on that
an array of mediums such as press releases, speaking issue with an invitation to know more.
engagements, conferences, videos, radio, interviews with
media outlets, and social media. • Create basic information the Anishinabek, Mushkegowuk
and Onkwehonwe Peoples and their distinct cultures and
perspectives for posting and distribution.
KEY ISSUES: Communications Strategies
• Information about Treaties and Treaty concepts. These
Communications is an essential tool for COO in reaching out
Treaties will include the Two-Row Wampum and
to First Nation citizens and communities.
the Great Chain Covenant which were made before
The Anishinabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, and Lenape Confederation and an explanation of their concepts and
— the First Peoples of Turtle Island — have been always the spirit and intent of the Treaties.
placed a strong emphasis on communicating with their
• Specific First Nation concepts and ideas about the their
Nations, Elders, Youth, Women and Leaders. Our Nations
traditional lands and resources
were strengthened and sustained through the teachings they
taught and the traditions they passed down through each • Encourage the creation of positive editorials and “good
generation. It was by being great communicators that our news” stories about First Nations.
ancestors were able to set down our original laws, establish • Focus our messaging on citizens so that they become key
our institutions, make Treaties and trade agreements communicators on Nationhood, Treaties and inherent
with other Indigenous Nations and define our sacred rights and responsibilities.
relationships.
To support First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario has developed KEY ISSUE: Building Capacity and
a Comprehensive Communications/Media Strategy Improving Accessibility
addressing communication priorities. This strategy has
been rolled out over the last year. Chiefs of Ontario’s ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
communication strategy focuses on First Nations citizens.
We strive to support those who are passionately defining • Media monitoring: Daily Media Clips are currently
our rights, jurisdictions and world views. Internally, the distributed to all PTOs, Chiefs identifying current issues,
communications strategy supports our leadership and priorities and headlines in the news regionally and
technicians so that they can use effective tools to address nationally.
First Nations’ key priorities. Externally, Chiefs of Ontario • Media outlets are routinely monitored throughout the day
seeks to bring focus to First Nations priorities and advocacy by communications with relevant articles forwarded as
efforts. The Communications Sector places an emphasis on necessary.
Youth Perspectives and the teachings and wisdom of our • Coordinated the first LIVE webstream of the 2015
Elders. Education Conference. The Conference had over 5,000
viewers online that also participated by asking questions
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: and posting comments. Upon approval, this will be
• Progress on implementing existing communications standard for all upcoming conferences and events.
strategy

• A Monday Memo is distributed weekly to inform PTOs, Now that COO has expanded its communications into an
Chiefs the weekly schedule of Ontario Regional Chief and online media space, it can better craft its messaging to ensure
COO staff and also acts as a Bulletin Board of events and that First Nation citizens are able to enter into a dialogue on
conferences. living as Nations, implementing the Treaties and asserting
• Continue to work with First Nations and PTOs to help their inherent rights and jurisdictions.
create communications strategies, templates for media
advisories and press releases. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Field calls and emails daily from community members, • Identifying key media contacts and building a strong
general public and media seeking information on issues relationship with reporters, editors, news outlets.
and priorities. Currently strengthening database of media contacts,
regionally and nationally.
• Coordinated Communication Committee comprised
of communication personnel from First Nation • Responding to mainstream media propaganda and
communities and PTOs for discussion, sharing of info negative reporting about First Nations though letters
and coordinated responses on certain issues. to the editor, columns, news releases, press conference,
social media posts, etc.
• Sending regular Government Affairs updates
highlighting key activities in the Ontario Legislature and • Meeting with editorial boards to address the biased
Canadian Parliament reporting against First Nations.
• Providing rapid information about key government • Creating capacity to develop reports that challenge
releases, such as budgets and high profile reports mainstream media facts and figures to respond in a
timely manner through: One-pagers, information FAQs,
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Myths and Misinformation, etc.
• This summer (2015) communications will launch an • Field calls and emails daily from community members,
e-newsletter using the Constant Contact platform. This leadership, general public and media seeking information
will enable us to produce a monthly newsletter that will on issues and priorities.
include links and messages from leadership and COO • With the addition of equipment such as the web-
staff on current and upcoming issues and priorities. It streaming camera, a web streaming site, digital cameras
will also enable us to collect polls and surveys from our and editing software, further messages to a much wider
readers. audience on a more regular basis can be achieved.
• Standardize internal communication processes so
leadership and First Nation organizations get the most ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
impact from the work done by COO. • Put in place more media monitoring to measure the
• Continue to strengthen Communication Committee effectiveness of COO’s external communications and
comprised of communication personnel from First Nation enhance follow up.
communities and PTOs for potential communications- • Basic stats around disparities and challenges faced by
centred workshops and conferences. First Nations in Ontario.
• Production of videos relating to current First Nations
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Outreach and issues, ie. documentaries, public service announcements,
Public Awareness etc.
Communications unit continues to inform the general public • Create comprehensive media kits that can be used
through mainstream media sources about First Nation by writers and editors so that they understand our
priorities. To advance the Chiefs of Ontario’s internal and perspectives on the issues at hand.
external communications and public awareness initiatives • Build more relationships with newspaper editorial boards
by ensuring the greatest possible impact in supporting First and news networks to reconfigure the representation of
Nation citizens and leadership revitalizing their Nationhood. the First Nations in Ontario in the media.
First Nations’ priority areas, such as education, water security,
health promotion and the protection of our lands and KEY PRIORITY AREA: Support to
resources are granted greater exposure when multiple media
Secretariat Sectors
converge to produce clear, concise and consistent messages
about these pertinent topics. The Communications Sector continues to provide

communications services and expertise to the various sectors issues, important events, or decisions that may impact them.
within the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat. It also serves to increase public awareness on topical issues.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Provided communications services in support of: • Regular updates to the Chiefs of Ontario Facebook page
• Treaty of Niagara Gathering are made on an ongoing basis, including news clips,
photos, videos, and links to news items that are relevant to
• Honouring Our Leaders Gala held in Toronto First Nations in Ontario.
• Fundraiser for MMIW held in Thunder Bay • Increased to over 7,500 followers to the Chiefs of Ontario
• Health Conference Twitter account.
• Education Conference • Implementation of Google Analytics which monitors and
reports on how many people have visited the website,
• Coordinated several press conferences in support of the
what pages they’ve accessed, where they’ve come from
following issues and events:
(whether directly, through a Google search or through
• Bill C-10, on tobacco one of our social media sites), what country or city they
• Sixties Scoop case at the Divisional Court accessed the website from and the number of new and
returning visitors.
• Notice of Assertion by Ontario Regional Chief in front
of Queen’s Park
Anticipated Accomplishments:
• We launched Paypal on the website this year which allows
• Include more videos and photos of events within social
visitors to register for events and conferences and pay
media platforms.
directly online via online payment. This will be standard
for all upcoming conferences and events. • Improving engagement with Youth, Women, and Elders
to improve on information shared through social media.
• Worked with First Nation communities, PTOs and groups
who sought support for media and public awareness
of activities and events. From creating on-line web KEY PRIORITY AREA: Website
fundraising sites and producing videos to coordinating The Chiefs of Ontario website is the central tool used
press releases and conferences to connect with its 133 member First Nations, acting as
the primary hub for information related to all political
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: and technical activities of the Chiefs of Ontario. The
• Further coordinating and outreach for future events such Communications Sector oversees the day-to-day
as fundraisers, conferences and media events for MMIW, maintenance of the Chiefs of Ontario website, www.chiefs-of-
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Wrap-up, Sixties ontario.org, and posts timely communications updates such
Scoop hearings and annual conferences for Education, as press releases, events, bulletins, etc. It also connects our
Health, Youth and Environment. visitors to the Chiefs of Ontario social media platforms.
KEY PRIORITY AREA: Social Media ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Modernized Chiefs of Ontario website.
First Nations citizens are more connected than ever before
in their communities, using social media in order to obtain • Increased number of Chiefs of Ontario website viewers.
information about their communities or political actions • Regular and timely updates to the Chiefs of Ontario
taken by First Nations organizations. Social media platforms, website.
which offer a “direct-to-audience” style of communication,
are increasingly being used by First Nations leadership to ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
communicate how they are representing the interests of their
citizens. • Expansion of information provided by Youth, Women,
and Elders.
Since 2011, the Chiefs of Ontario has used social media
to highlight developments made by the Secretariat to • Continue to monitor statistics provided by Google
implement the mandates provided by the Chiefs-in- Analytics.
Assembly. Social media allows us to connect directly with
First Nations citizens to convey information about emerging

Justice
1
1. Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau

addresses the Planning Gathering for the
Families of the Murdered and Missing
Indigenous Women and Girls
2. Mike Metatawabin presents at the Gathering
3. Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Chair Justice Murray Sinclair addresses the
Gathering
4. Chief Isadore Day of Serpent River First
Nation and Chief Shining Turtle of Whitefish
River First Nation

Justice Sector • Implementing the mandates set out in the Chiefs of
Ontario Resolution 14/19: Our Inquiry into Missing
and Murdered Indigenous Girls, into identifying and
addressing issues of violence against Indigenous women
OVERVIEW and girls, and within our communities.
The Justice Sector was established in response to the
• Advocating Indigenous perspectives within federal and
growing need for representation and advocacy on justice
provincial legislation and policies, i.e. Canada’s Victims
issues impacting First Nations in Ontario. The creation of
Bill of Rights, Ontario’s Child and Family Services Act,
the Justice Sector is rooted in Resolution 95/25: Support for
Ontario’s Raw Leaf Tobacco Regulations.
Justice Development Worker Proposal, which was passed
at the 21st All Ontario Chiefs Conference in June 1995. • Developing and implementing legal advocacy and
Currently, the Justice Sector continues to focus its efforts political strategies to assert Indigenous perspectives in
in addressing issues held within federal and provincial cases before the courts, ie. Caring Society, Sixties Scoop,
legislation and policy, as well as identify and advocate for the Daniels, Inquest into the Death of Seven First Nations
remedy of injustices arising out of state action or inaction. Youth
This past year, the Justice Sector has undergone a shift The Justice Sector applauds the collective efforts of First
in regards to funding. The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Nations leadership, Elders, women, youth, and technicians, as
abandoned its commitment and support to participation listed below, for the successes achieved over the course of the
in the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee 2014-2015 fiscal year.
(IIPAC). This process was designed in 2007 to allow for
Ontario and First Nations to work together towards the Justice Sector Staff
implementation of the recommendations put forth in the Karen R. Restoule, Director
Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry. Despite the cuts to funding,
Jessica Keeshig-Martin, Senior Policy Analyst
the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat continues to press Ontario
to address the issues identified in the Ipperwash Inquiry, Adam Kahgee, Senior Policy Analyst
such as heritage and burials, policing, Treaty, jurisdiction, Teala Nadjiwon, Policy Analyst
consultation and accommodation, and resource benefit
sharing, through various political and technical processes. Political Confederacy, Justice Portfolio
As we continue to work towards reconciliation in many areas Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, Justice Portfolio Holder
affecting First Nation communities and citizens we have
placed strong focus in our efforts to address the root issue of Ogichidaa Warren White, Justice Portfolio Alternate
the tragedy at Ipperwash Park: discriminatory legislation and
policy related to heritage and burial sites in Ontario. We are Chiefs Committee on Justice
committed to working with Ontario towards the repatriation Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare, Anishinabek Nation
of Indigenous human remains, the legal recognition of
Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Association of
Indigenous heritage and burial sites, and the repatriation of
Iroquois and Allied Indians
Indigenous sacred items.
Chief Karen Loran, Mohawks of Akwesasne
Additionally, the Justice Sector wishes to highlight several
deliverables achieved over the course of the past fiscal year: Chief Steve Miller, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
• Coordinating the efforts of the 19 communities who Chief Kirby Whiteduck, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan
operate under the Ontario First Nations Policing Chief Marcia Brown Martel, Beaverhouse First Nation
Agreement to address the discriminatory and inequitable
Chief Dan Miskokomon, Bkejwanong Territory
clauses contained within this agreement.
Chief Louise Hillier, Caldwell
• Participating in Ontario’s Joint Working Group on
Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women alongside Chief Donna Big Canoe, Chippewas of Georgina Island
4 other Aboriginal partners and 10 Ontario Ministries to Chief Thomas Bressette, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point
develop a strategic plan on addressing violence against
Chief Arlene Chegahno, Chippewas of Nawash
Indigenous women and girls.
Chief Vernon Roote, Chippewas of Saugeen
• Coordinating advocacy efforts on the issue of murdered
and missing Indigenous women and the need for an Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chippewas of the Thames
independent commission of inquiry.

Chief Greg Peters, Delaware Nation Barb Harris, Six Nations of the Grand River
Chief Greg Cowie, Hiawatha Quinn Meawasige, Ontario First Nations Young Peoples
Chief Fawn Wapioke, Iskatewizaagegan No.39 Council
Chief Reg Niganobe, Mississauga #8 First Nations Heritage and Burial Working
Chief Kelly LaRocca, Mississaugas of Scugog Island Group (Technicians)
Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Terry Wilson, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Chief Roger Thomas, Munsee-Delaware Nation Kevin Restoule and Al Dokis, Union of Ontario Indians
Chief Dean Sayers, Ojibways of Batchewana Ashley Albert and Victoria Deleary, Association of Iroquois
Chief Sheri Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Allied Indians
Chief Pierre Pelletier, Red Rock Diane Maracle-Nadjiwon, Independent First Nations
Chief Arnold Paul, Temagami Joanne Thomas, Six Nations of the Grand River
First Nations Heritage and Burial Advisory First Nations Women’s Caucus
Committee (Knowledge Keepers) Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Association of
Gilbert Smith, Grand Council Treaty #3 Iroquois and Allied Indians
Morris Naveau, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Donna Debassige and Adrienne Pelletier, Union of Ontario
Indians
Ron Bernard, Union of Ontario Indians
Lyndia Jones, Independent First Nations
Bruce Elijah, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
Christine Simard-Chicago, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation
Vernon Roote, Independent First Nations
Megan Logan, Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council

Justice Policy • Identified and developed necessary processes for
government and First Nations interaction with
Indigenous human remains.
KEY ISSUE: Heritage and Burial Sites, and
Sacred Items
Mandates put forth by the Chiefs-in-Assembly regarding
• Finalizing the Terms of Reference for both the First
Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations continue as priority
Nations Heritage and Burials Advisory Committee and
for the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat. The Justice Sector
Working Group. and the Joint Working Group on First
continues to work with Ontario through coordinated efforts
Nations Heritage and Burials Sites and Sacred Items.
of the First Nations Heritage and Burials Working Group
and Advisory Committee. Specifically, recommendations • Following up on initial contact with proposed members of
23 through 28 relate to First Nations heritage and burials in the Joint Working Group on First Nations Heritage and
Ontario that include, among other points: development of Burials Sites and Sacred Items.
policies that ensure recognition and respect of First Nations • Continuing with quarterly meetings of the First Nations
burial and heritage sites; obligation to respect Indigenous Heritage and Burials Working Group and Advisory
values within burial sites; notification regarding excavations Committee to advance the mandates.
of heritage and burial sites; establishment of a First Nations
• Developing and delivering policy forum on First Nations
burials and heritage sites advisory committee; development
Heritage and Burial Sites and Sacred Items to increase
and use of archaeological master plans; delivery of public
awareness of issues and build capacity.
education materials; new approaches that ensure First
Nations are informed and included in decision making
impacting burials and heritage sites. KEY ISSUE: Ontario First Nations
In late 2013, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ministry of Policing Agreement
Tourism, Culture, and Sport, entered into a partnership to In 2013, Canada pushed for a five-year tripartite policing
coordinate the repatriation of MTCS collection of Indigenous agreement to all First Nations police services across Canada.
human remains. The Justice Sector coordinates input into Due to some unresolved issues, First Nations tripartite
the project through the First Nations Advisory Committee policing agreements in Ontario were renewed for one year
and Working Group, who have worked collaboratively only. Over the course of 2013-2014, Canada unilaterally
towards achieving the following accomplishments. made significant changes to the First Nations tripartite
policing agreements without the knowledge, engagement,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: consultation, or participation of any First Nation or First
• Bi-weekly meetings of the First Nations Heritage and Nation police service and refused to engage in negotiations.
Burials Advisory Committee and Working Group to They pushed all First Nations policing bodies in Ontario,
advance the work. including the self-administered, the self-directed, and the
First Nation communities under the OFNPA, to renew their
• Actively participated, as an equal partner, in the planning tripartite policing agreements before March 31, 2014 for a
and initiation of the process of returning ancestral period of four years (2014-2018). The Justice Sector has been
remains currently held within three Ontario facilities. working with leadership of the 19 First Nations who operate
• Coordinated input, advice and participation in the under the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement to
transportation of ancestral remains and sacred items from coordinate their collective efforts to address the outstanding
the Toronto storage facility to the London facility to allow inequities contained within the proposed 2014-2018 tripartite
for procedures essential to the repatriation of the human policing agreement.
remains. The First Nations Policing Program was created in 1991
• Drafted and proposed First Nations version of the formal to address concerns about policing in First Nations
agreement with MTCS to guide the process. communities. It was originally created as a contribution
• Drafted Terms of Reference and developed a three-year program to facilitate the funding and negotiation of policing
work plan. agreements between the federal government, provincial/
territorial governments, and First Nations and Inuit
• Initiated contact with the Huron-Wendat specifically to communities. It was established to enhance the policing
discuss the repatriation project. services in First Nations communities, so that they are
• Identified and developed Indigenous protocols. dedicated, professional, effective, and responsive to the
particular needs of the communities they serve. Since 1991,

Public Safety Canada has made several efforts to diminish its’ investment of $2 million over two years (2014/15-2015/16)
responsibilities and commitments to the implementation of was announced in support of the efforts of the JWG-VAAW.
the First Nations Policing Program. The commitment and support by Ontario will allow the JWG
to respond to the needs of Aboriginal women and girls who
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: have experienced, or at risk for violence. It will also aid the
development of community-based initiatives that will inform
• Weekly/bi-weekly meetings of leadership of First Nations
the development of the long-term strategy.
operating under the OFNPA.
• Collective refusal to sign the government proposed 2014- ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2018 OFNPA.
• Weekly/bi-weekly meetings of the First Nations Women’s
• Developed, initiated, and coordinated negotiations Caucus.
between First Nation leadership and Canada and Ontario
from January to March 2015. • Secured funding commitment to coordinate the input of
First Nations into the development of strategies to ending
• Achieved collective position to agree to a one-year violence against our women and girls.
interim agreement for 2014-2015, under the following
conditions: • Contributed to the development of a long-term strategic
approach to ending violence in First Nations.
• removal of language naming the First Nation as the
employer; • Initiated development of an awareness campaign to
end violence against women and girls in First Nation
• commitment from Ontario to paying their share (48%) communities.
of the 8.55% required to bring the OFNPA police officers
to parity with the OPP officers, to be retroactive to • Initiated the development of a website to increase access
January 1, 2014; and to information on initiatives to end violence in First
Nation communities..
• commitment from Canada and Ontario to negotiate for
the 2015-2018 agreement. • Coordinated the Safe and Accepting Schools project for
all five “Aboriginal partners” of the JWG-VAAW.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Initiated the development of four Youth Video Projects to
explore how Youth from various First Nations in Ontario
• Negotiations on the 2015-2018 Ontario First Nations
Policing Agreement. are involved in Indigenous education and learning.
• Continued advocacy on First Nations policing in Ontario. • Initiated the development of a ‘Safe and Accepting
Schools’ calendar to empower children and youth to
identify healthy relationship choices and what makes
KEY ISSUE: Ending Violence Against them proud to be Indigenous.
Aboriginal Women • Initiated the development of a ‘Safe and Accepting
Ontario First Nations leadership recognizes that First Nation Schools’ toolkit to be provided to school staff and
women and girls are the most at risk group in Canada for students to identify and promote ending violence and
issues related to violence. Through PC Motion 11/22, the bullying within schools.
Chiefs of Ontario are one of five “Aboriginal partners who
are participate in the Ontario Joint Working Group to ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
End Violence Against Aboriginal Women (JWG-VAAW).
• Coordinate the endorsement and signing of the last
The JWG-VAAW was convened in 2010 with a mandate
dozen or so First Nations to the Declaration by First
to: “identify priorities and opportunities for support,
Nations Political Leadership to Support Ending Violence
development and implementation of policies, programs
and Abuse in Our Communities and Against Our Peoples.
and services that prevent and reduce violence against
Aboriginal women and their families”. Currently, the focus • Continued participation on the JWG-VAAW to develop
of the JWG-VAAW is on the development of an Ontario- an Ontario-wide strategic plan and to implement the
wide strategic plan to end violence against our women. This Strategic Framework.
commitment was supported in the 2014 budget, where an • Implementation of the awareness campaign and website
• Completion of our contribution to the ‘Safe and Accepting
Schools’ project.

KEY ISSUE: Community Safety transitional programs and after-care for Indigenous
peoples leaving the provincial and federal justice and
Leadership continues to prioritize the issue of community correctional systems, as well as exploring the notion
safety. The current over-representation of Indigenous of a First Nations female-only post-release transitional
peoples who are before criminal law and family law courts housing and supports.
and the disproportionate representation of Indigenous • Implementation of Phase II of the Community Safety
peoples within provincial and federal jails, institutions, and Wellness Project, named “Youth, Our Sacred Bundle
and penitentiaries are of great concern. The system lacks Carriers – Effecting First Nation Community Change
culturally appropriate approaches to justice, community Through Youth Empowerment”, where First Nations
safety and healing.. leadership, First Nations police services, First Nations
Ontario’s current approach to First Nations justice issues mental health professionals, and First Nations youth will
does not present opportunities for the identification of joint participate in a second meeting to finalize community
priorities on the development of joint processes to address safety and wellness plans, and toolkits.
serious challenges faced by First Nations and the justice
system. First Nations leadership in Ontario have stated Justice and Legal Advocacy
numerously that the current situation does not respect
Indigenous legal principles and practices. The Chiefs of KEY ISSUE: Caring Society Case
Ontario continue to advocate the Ministry of Community
In February 2007, the First Nations Child and Family Caring
Safety and Correctional Services, the Ministry of Children
Society of Canada (“Caring Society”) and the Assembly
and Youth Services, and the Ministry of the Attorney General
of First Nations filed a complaint alleging that the federal
to consider culturally appropriate policies, programs and
government’s provision of First Nations child and family
services for Indigenous peoples, and initiate exploratory
services flawed, inequitable and in violation of the Canadian
discussions on jurisdiction.
Human Rights Act. In September 2008, the case was referred
to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (“Tribunal”) at
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
which time the Canadian Human Rights Commission joined
• Initiated discussions with MCSCS, MCYS, and MAG on the proceedings acting in the public’s interest. In 2009,
justice related issues which disproportionately affect First the Tribunal granted Amnesty International Canada and
Nations peoples and communities. the Chiefs of Ontario interested party status. The federal
• Developed a Healing Lodge Discussion Paper which government spent over $3 million to try to have this case
explores notions of Indigenous justice and healing, dismissed by arguing that child welfare services delivered
current practices, justice system failures and the relevance to First Nations should not be compared to those delivered
of culturally appropriate methods of justice for First to all other Canadians and that funding is not considered to
Nations in contemporary times. be a “service” as set out in the Canadian Human Rights Act.
After lengthy delays, the Tribunal began hearing evidence in
• Held justice forum to discuss justice issues experienced
February 2013 through to May 2014. Closing arguments for
by the families of murdered and missing Indigenous
the case were heard in October 2014.
women and girls.
• Delivered Phase I of the Community Safety and Wellness ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Project, named “Youth, Our Sacred Bundle Carriers –
• Mandate secured to move participation in the Caring
Effecting First Nation Community Change Through
Society case as an “interested party”.
Youth Empowerment”, which brought together First
Nations leadership, First Nations police services, First • Key arguments identified, developed, and delivered to the
Nations mental health professionals, and First Nations Tribunal, i.e. Crown obligations under Jordan’s Principle,
youth to discuss the necessary elements to community the role of fiduciary duty, and honour of the Crown.
safety and wellness plans, and guiding handbook. • Potential legislative and policy impacts of the Caring
Society case identified, in anticipation of various
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: outcomes at the Tribunal.
• Continued discussion with MCSCS, MCYS, and MAG on
justice related issues which disproportionately affect First ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Nations peoples and communities. • Ruling is expected to be released in mid 2015.
• Development of a discussion paper that focuses on

• It is anticipated the Tribunal’s ruling will set out a prece- claim to allow the plaintiffs to amend their claim so that it
dent for addressing inequitable service delivery by the fed- would support a class action proceeding. In January 2013,
eral government to First Nations in areas outside of child the “conditional certification” was overturned by the Ontario
welfare, including education, health, housing, and water. Court of Appeal because it was found that doing that was
• It is expected that an appeal will be pursued regardless of not possible, and the amended claim had to be certified once
the outcome. again.
• Continue to support the Caring Society in their fight for The second hearing took place in September 2013; Justice
equitable service delivery by the federal government. Belobaba certified the claim as a class action. Canada
appealed to the Ontario Divisional Court in November 2014.
Canada’s appeal was rejected in December 2014. Canada then
KEY ISSUE: Sixties Scoop Case sought leave to appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal, but it
In February 2009, a class action lawsuit against Canada was was denied on March 27, 2015.
filed by Chief Marcia Brown-Martel from Beaverhouse First
This means that as of March 27, 2015, the claim is certified
Nation and Robert Commanda from Dokis First Nation
as a class action. Certification means it is now cleared and
(“plaintiffs”) on behalf of themselves, and over 16,000 First
approved to go through the full litigation process, including
Nations children who were victims of the Sixties Scoop. Chief
disclosure of documents, discovery of potential witnesses,
Marcia Brown-Martel and Robert Commanda claim that
and a trial with the presentation of all the evidence.
because Canada removed them and thousands of children
from their First Nations families and communities between
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1965 and 1984, they were stripped of their Indigenous
identities resulting in prolonged physical and/or mental • Meetings held with legal counsel for the plaintiffs to
health issues. The claim also includes that Canada failed develop legal and political strategies in support of Chief
in its responsibility to ensure the maintaining of cultural Marcia Brown-Martel and survivors of the Sixties Scoop.
identity by allowing Ontario’s child welfare system to impose • An opening ceremony and press conference attended
their policies. In 1965, Ontario and Canada entered into the by various First Nations leadership, organizations, and
Canada-Ontario Welfare Services Agreement, under which citizens was held outside the Ontario Divisional Court on
Ontario agreed to extend its provincial welfare programs November 13, 2014, in support of Chief Marcia Brown-
to “Indians with Reserve Status”, and Canada agreed to Martel and survivors of the Sixties Scoop.
reimburse the province for doing so. In 1984, Ontario passed
• List of names of First Nations leadership, organizations,
the Child and Family Services Act (S.O. 1984, c.55), which
and citizens attending the hearing on November 13,
incorporated protections regarding cultural identity into law.
2014 was read by legal counsel and put on the record to
In May 2010, the first class action certification hearing took inform the Court that the Sixties Scoop is an issue that is
place. Justice Perell originally “conditionally certified” the supported by all First Nations throughout Ontario.
• Continue to support Chief Marcia Brown-Martel and
survivors in their fight for justice for those impacted by
the Sixties Scoop.
• Continue to monitor case closely and report on
developments.
• Develop and finalize political strategy to complement
legal strategy.
KEY ISSUE: Daniels Case

Chiefs of Ontario organized a rally to support the SixtiesScoop In 1999, the case was initiated at the Federal Court, where the
Appeal Hearing in November. Pictured are: Nishnawbe Aski Nation Daniels party asked that the Federal Court declare:
Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakagamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief
1. that Métis and non-status Indians are “Indians” within the
Patrick Madahbee, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians meaning of the expression “Indians and land reserved for
Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish and Ontario Regional Chief Indians” in s 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867;
Stan Beardy.

2. that the Queen (in right of Canada) owes a fiduciary duty KEY ISSUE: Inquest into the Death of the
to Métis and non-status Indians as Aboriginal people; and
Seven First Nations Youth
3. that the Métis and non-status Indian peoples of Canada
The Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario will hold an
have the right to be consulted and negotiated with, in
inquest into the deaths of seven First Nation youth in
good faith, by the federal government on a collective
Thunder Bay who was from First Nations in northwestern
basis through representatives of their choice, respecting
Ontario. Due to a lack of educational infrastructure, the youth
all their rights, interests and needs as Aboriginal peoples.
were forced to leave their homes, families and communities
On January 8, 2013, the Federal Court issued its decision to attend school in Thunder Bay.. The circumstances of the
ruling that Métis and non-status Indians are considered deaths share many similarities. For example, five of the seven
“Indians” under s.91 (24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. youths were found dead in rivers after getting separated
Canada appealed this decision. from friends. The youth died in an 11 year period between
In October 2013, the appeal was heard at the Federal Court of 2000-2011. The seven youths are: Jethro Anderson, Curran
Appeal. On April 17, 2014, the Federal Court of Appeal issued Strang, Paul Panacheese, Robyn Harper, Reggie Bushie, Kyle
its decision and allowed Canada’s appeal in part by removing Morrisseau, and Jordan Wabasse.
“non-status Indians” from the declaration, and refusing to The inquest will look into: (1) the basic facts of the deaths
grant the other two components of the declaration. (e.g. when, how, etc.); and (2) ways to avoid deaths in similar
The case has been tentatively scheduled to be heard at the circumstances in the future. A five-person jury will hear the
Supreme Court of Canada on October 8, 2015. The questions evidence. At the end of the inquest, the jury will report on
that will be before the Supreme Court of Canada are: the basic facts of the deaths and will make recommendations
to avoid deaths in similar circumstances. The inquest is
1. Whether Metis and non-status Indians are “Indians”
expected to begin in Fall 2015 in Thunder Bay.
pursuant to s.91 (24) so that the federal government has
jurisdiction to make laws with respect to those peoples.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2. Whether court of appeal erred in varying terms of
• Secured the mandate to make an application to the Office
declaration; and
of the Chief Coroner to be included as an intervener in
3. Whether court of appeal erred in declining to grant this case.
additional declarations sought by applicants –
• Standing for the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Young
Constitution Act, 1867, s.91 (24).
Peoples Council was secured.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Identified and developed key arguments: perspectives,

knowledge, and input submitted by First Nations youth
• Identified and developed key arguments: Nation to
themselves, (e.g. perspectives of First Nations youth
Nation relationship rooted in the Treaty of Niagara,
outside NAN who must leave home to attend high
1764; new approach to the s.91(24) analysis to include
school); Ontario-wide perspectives on the problems and
the rights in s.35; the right to self-determination; and
possible recommendations; and focus on the systemic,
defining “reconciliation with First Nations” in light of the
Ontario-wide problems that helped contribute to these
recognition of Indigenous legal principles and traditions.
deaths (e.g. widespread underfunding of programs, flawed
• Secured the mandate to move forward with an application government programs, etc.).
to the Supreme Court of Canada to be included as an
• Participated in hearing on the scope of the inquest.
intervener in the Daniels case.
• Anticipated impacts of the Daniels case on federal policy ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
have been identified.
• Participate in the inquest.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Develop communications and political strategies to raise

awareness of the inquest and issues identified.
• Continue to monitor case closely and report
developments to leadership. • It is expected the Coroner’s findings and
recommendations will have an impact on programs,
• Develop and finalize political strategy to complement
services, and educational opportunities for First Nation
legal strategy.
communities across Ontario.
• Identify various policy issues that are likely to arise, in
anticipation of various outcomes.

KEY ISSUE: National Inquiry into Roundtable held on February 27, 2015, in Ottawa.
Murdered and Missing Indigenous • Drafted and submitted positions to the United Nations
Women Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women during their investigative visit to Canada.
There is information to show that more than 1,200
Indigenous women and girls have been murdered or • Drafted and submitted positions to James Anaya, the
disappeared over the course of the past 35 years. A national United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of
inquiry to examine the issue has been heavily supported Indigenous Peoples, during his visit to Canada.
across Canada. However, Harper’s government has been • Drafted a position paper on an independent commission
relentless in their position and remains heavily opposed to of inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women
a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous and girls.
women and girls. In response to the lack of action by the
federal government, five national Aboriginal organizations ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
and all 13 provinces and territories gathered in Ottawa in • Actively participate in the 2016 National Roundtable.
February 2015 for a National Roundtable to engage in a
dialogue on the issue, identify solutions, and develop a plan • Develop a political strategy, particularly in light of the
of action. upcoming federal election.
At the international stage, the United Nations has played an • Continue to advocate for an independent commission of
important role in keeping Canada accountable. On March inquiry.
5, 2015, the United Nations Committee for the Elimination
of Discrimination Against Women publicly released their KEY ISSUE: Our Inquiry into Murdered
finding that, “Canada has committed a ‘grave violation’ of and Missing Indigenous People
the rights of Aboriginal women by failing to promptly and
At the All Ontario Chiefs Conference in June 2014, Chiefs-
thoroughly investigate the high levels of violence they suffer,
in-Assembly passed a resolution in support of “Our Inquiry”,
including disappearances and murders.” The report, which
which would see the development of a truth-seeking process
is a result of a 2013-2014 confidential inquiry into allegations
within First Nations that would bring out the stories and
by Canadian NGOs that Indigenous women in Canada faced
truths to help understand why First Nations women, girls,
grave and systematic violations of their rights, concludes that
men and boys are being murdered or going missing. “Our
Canada has violated a number of articles of the Convention
for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
Among the 38 recommendations set out in the report is the
call for an independent national inquiry and a comprehensive
coordinated national action plan. In May 2014, United
Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples James Anaya released a report that recommended
a “comprehensive, nation-wide inquiry” into the issue of
missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to be
organized in consultation with Indigenous peoples.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Advocated for a National Inquiry through the Roundtable
into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and
Girls during the Day in the Legislature at Queen’s Park,
attended by First Nations leadership and three Ontario
Cabinet Ministers.
• Secured a seat and speaking role as part of the Assembly
of First Nations delegation at the National Roundtable
held on February 27, 2015, in Ottawa.
• Secured seats and speaking roles for each of the two
Ontario families of murdered or missing Indigenous
women as part of the Ontario delegation at National

Inquiry” would not replace a necessary National Inquiry ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
commissioned by the federal government but would feed into
• Made submission to Canada on the development
it and assist with empowering First Nations to be informed,
of the federal Victims Bill of Rights with a strong
to put forth our own solutions and recommendations, and to
recommendation to improve its consultative
act.
processes with First Nations, particularly as it
To inform the development of “Our Inquiry”, the Chiefs pertains to development of legislation as well as a
of Ontario held a Planning Gathering for the Families of list of recommendations to strongly consider in the
the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls development of the Victims Bill of Rights Act.
(“Planning Gathering”) on February 10-12, 2015, that brought
• Appeared before the House of Commons Standing
together 15 Ontario First Nation families of murdered and
Committee on Justice and Human Rights to make
missing Indigenous women and girls with Ontario First
submissions on how the proposed Victims Bill of Rights
Nations leadership, Chiefs Committee on Justice, Ontario
Act can better reflect the unique circumstances and needs
First Nations Women’s Caucus, and Ontario First Nations
of First Nations persons who become victims of crime,
Young Peoples Council. For three days, leadership sat with
and their communities.
the families and heard the stories and truths of their loved
ones. They also heard the barriers and challenges the families
encountered in seeking justice for the death or disappearance
of their loved ones, heard input on what “Our Inquiry” would • Received Royal Assent on April 23, 2015.
consist of, and heard input on the purpose and role of a • Monitor government’s reliance and implementation of the
national inquiry. Victims Bill of Rights Act.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: KEY ISSUE: Child and Family

• Participated on the Roundtable into Murdered and Services Act
Missing Indigenous Women and Girls during the Day
in the Legislature at Queen’s Park, with three Ontario The Minister of Children and Youth Services is required
Cabinet Ministers. to review the Ontario Child and Family Services Act and
report back to the public on the review every five years. For
• Held a Planning Gathering for the Families of the the 2015 review, Ontario alleges to focus on two key areas, 1),
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls on improving outcomes for children and youth; 2), modernizing
February 10-12, 2015, in Thunder Bay which resulted in a and clarifying the language of the Act. Between October to
report that was shared with participants. A fundraising December 2014, Ontario held an engagement process, which
event was also held during this time included regional engagement sessions, engagement with
• Drafted framework for the development of “Our Inquiry”. First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and urban Aboriginal partners, and
received written submissions. In April 2015, a summary report
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: of the engagement process and submissions was released.
Ontario states it will take into account the contributions to
• Fundraising events are scheduled for June 2015 and
the review as they consider updating this legislation. Note
September 2015.
that Ontario is also conducting a second process that strongly
• Coordination of “Our Inquiry” over the course of the year implicates First Nations children, i.e. the development of an
with implementation slated for April 2016. Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy.
KEY ISSUE: Victims Bill of Rights Act ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

On April 3, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper introduced • Drafted and submitted an integrated written submission
Bill C-32: An Act to Enact the Canadian Victims Bill of to Ontario, in partnership with Dr. Cindy Blackstock
Right and Amend Certain Acts alleging that it would give and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
victims of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice of Canada, that supports the unique directions of First
system. The Victims Bill of Rights Act is a piece of legislation Nations and their respective PTOs by emphasizing
that alleges: to seek to create clear statutory rights at the respect for self-determination, by calling on Ontario
federal level for victims of crime, to establish statutory rights to respect First Nations’ inherent jurisdiction, by
to information, protection, participation and restitution, and highlighting common issues informs both processes, and
to ensure a complaint process is in place for breaches of these by supporting First Nations achieve their own goals for
rights. their children.

• Met with MCYS Deputy Minister to declare interest ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
in First Nations leadership to work with Ontario in
• Follow up with Minister of Finance staff to ensure issues
reviewing and amending the CFSA to reflect First
raised at meeting between First Nations leadership and
Nations submissions.
Minister Charles Sousa are adequately addressed.
• A large portion of our submission is reflected in the
Ministry’s summary report that was issued in April 2015.
KEY ISSUE: Taxation
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 2010, the point-of-sale exemption under the Retail
Sales Tax (RST) was codified under the HST framework.
• Monitor Ontario’s response to the engagement process First Nations in Ontario secured an “exemption” to the
for the CFSA Review. Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which came into effect on July
• Advocate for responses to the issues raised by First 1, 2010. This exemption is to occur at the “point-of-sale” and
Nations and PTOs in the engagement process. is officially known as the “point-of-sale exemption under
• Continue to advocate for First Nations leadership to be the HST.” Prior to the introduction of the HST, First Nations
meaningfully included in discussions about legislative in Ontario were exempt from Ontario’s RST at the point-
changes to the CFSA, particularly those that impact First of-sale. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the
Nation children and youth. Government of Ontario and Political Confederacy of the
Chiefs of Ontario was signed on May 3, 2010, establishing
a commitment to continue the First Nation point-of-sale
KEY ISSUE: Raw Leaf Tobacco tax exemptions under the HST. As stated by the MoA,
In October 2012, the Ministry of Finance assumed oversight status Indians in Ontario are to benefit from a point-of-sale
of raw leaf tobacco in Ontario after raw leaf tobacco exemption as per the Memorandum of Understanding with
provisions were added to the Tobacco Tax Act. A grace Ontario signed May 2010.
period for implementation of the regulation was provided
First Nation peoples have experienced challenges with
until January 1, 2015. The Ministry of Finance will assume
obtaining point of sale exemption across Ontario. Frontline
the full responsibility for the oversight of raw leaf tobacco
retailers, frontline government staff, and the public at large
including the licensing of registrants, inspections and
lack the knowledge and understanding of the agreement
investigations as required. In October 2014, the Ministry
between Ontario and the Chiefs of Ontario on point-of-sale
of Finance released a draft regulation on raw leaf tobacco
tax exemption for status Indians. Retailer resistance and
that sets out requirements for registration, reporting, and
non-compliance continues to be of issue in some areas across
compliance.
Ontario, where it has been reported that some retailers have
First Nations leadership views Ontario’s role on the Raw Leaf been verbally abusive while others will impose a higher price
Tobacco Regulation as an imposition on our right to self- for items purchased by First Nation peoples. Additionally,
determination with respect to the cultivation, use, and trade some retailers outright refuse to process the exemption
of tobacco within Indigenous lands. Ontario’s efforts have at point-of-sale. Following the changes to point-of-sale tax
also been identified by the Chiefs of Ontario as a continued exemption, staff at the Ministry of Finance has been less
legislative and regulatory imposition and control on the informed and thereby a lot less helpful with bringing remedy
protected inherent and Treaty rights of First Nations in to complaints.
Ontario, for Ontario’s fiscal benefit.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Attended meeting held between First Nations leadership
• Made a written submission to Ontario stating that the and Minister of Finance Charles Sousa to discuss issues
Chiefs of Ontario does not support Ontario’s Raw Leaf related to point-of-sale taxation.
Tobacco Regulation, nor do we support the Tobacco Tax
Act, as a whole. ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Attended meeting held between First Nations leadership • Follow up with Ministry of Finance staff to ensure issues
and Minister of Finance Charles Sousa to communicate raised at meeting between First Nation leadership and
in-person our position on raw leaf tobacco legislation and Minister Charles Sousa is adequately addressed.
regulations.

Other Events
1. Elder Agnes Kabatay from Mitaanjigaming First

Nation presents Eagle Feathers to Treaty #3 Youth
Executive Council members Brenna Adams from
Couchiching and Peshanakwut Kinew from Ojibways of
Onigaming during a January ceremony in Mitaanjigamiing
in January.
2. The Chiefs of Ontario Notice of Assertion was
announced at Press Conference July 29, 2014 on
the steps of Queens Park. Ogichidaa Warren
White Grand Chief, Grand Council Treaty
#3, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief
Harvey Yesno, Serpent River Chief
Isadore Day and Grassy Narrows Chief
Roger Fobister each made statements.
3. Opening of Grand Council Treaty
#3 Fall Assembly in Seine River First
Nation 2014. Pictured: Ogichidaa
Warren White, Grand Chief, Grand
Council Treaty #3; Seine River Chief
3
Earl Klyne; Ontario Regional
Chief Stan Beardy; co-chairs
Eric Fisher and Francis
Kavanaugh.
4 4. Ontario Regional Chief Stan
Beardy, Six Nations Chief Ava Hill,
Members of the Political Confederacy, Kris
Green of the Six Nations Trade Collective
and Chiefs from across Ontario held a press
conference in June 2014 to Reject Bill C-10
which criminalizes the tobacco trade.

Toronto Administration Office Location Political Office Location
111 Peter Street, Suite 804, Toronto, ON, M5V 2H1 109 Mission Road, Fort William First Nation, ON, P7J 1K7
Toll free: 1 877 517 6527 Phone: (807) 626 9339 Fax: (807) 626 9404
Phone: (416) 597 1266 Fax: (416) 597 8365 www.chiefs-of-ontario.org

Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015

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Chiefs of Ontario

Annual Report 2014 - 2015

2 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Honouring Our Leaders.........................................................................................12

Social Services/Youth Sector............................................................................56

Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships 3

4 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

6 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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8 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Grand Chief Gordon Peters Chief Ava Hill

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12 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

1. Former Ontario Regional Chief Charles Fox addresses

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14 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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First Nations FNECU & CEC Outside Government

• Internal Collaboration Social, • Roundtable sessions

16 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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18 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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20 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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22 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

OVERVIEW • Energy: topics pertaining to long term energy planning

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KEY ISSUES: Land

24 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Chief Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation and member of the

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26 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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28 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our RelationshiPS

THE CHAIR and mutually-beneficial and collaborative working

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30 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Changes to terms of references of HCU and OCCOH

• to advance the development of political relationships, e.g. ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

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34 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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36 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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38 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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40 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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42 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

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KEY ISSUE: JEMS (Joint Emergency Accomplishments:

44 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Management Education Fund (CDMEF): ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Begin building relationships and political support to

46 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships 47

IFN: Lyndia Jones Strategic Planning

48 Chiefs of Ontario Annual Report 2014 - 2015 | Strengthening our Relationships

1. Former Ontario Regional Chief Charles Fox addresses

1. Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau