(August 21, 2020, Toronto, ON) A historic day, for the first time ever, the Chiefs of Ontario hosted their #TogetherApart Chiefs Assembly, entirely online with more than 100 Chiefs, delegates and technicians with participation from all regions and organizations. Those in attendance discussed and provided insight on various topics, including infrastructure, economic development, Bill: 197, the Environmental Assessment Act, and the COVID-19 First Nations Emergency Response.
“During this meeting, we were able to truly listen to our Nations’ leadership in a new way,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “Our communities have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 emergency since it began and have gone to remarkable lengths to keep our communities and citizens safe.
This meeting provided Leadership and technicians with an opportunity to discuss and work collaboratively to move forward on critical priorities, while also reiterating our shared experiences and challenges presented by COVID-19. Leadership also agreed on the importance of all government levels to continue the COVID-19 support in ensuring First Nations emergency response needs are met. Going forward, we will work with our government partners to ensure immediate action in anticipation of the second wave.
I want to thank our partners, territorial and community leaders for their attendance and everything they’ve done to ensure this meeting was a success. In this moment of crisis, we have all come together as Nations in the fight against COVID-19. I especially wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Chiefs of Ontario staff, my political office staff, Harold Tarbell and Tap Resources in preparing and implementing this online assembly. A highlight was the hopeful and positive message we received from the Ontario First Nation Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC).
I look forward to working alongside our youth in their ongoing leadership role in taking on the challenges and fights for the betterment of our future generations and keeping this momentum going.”
Ninanaskamon.
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald
