b'SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLIESChiefs of Ontario Host Special Chiefs AssembliesA renewed vision of a stronger way forwardD uring the months of November 2018 and April 2019, Chiefs of Ontario held two Special Chiefs Assemblies. Gathered together in Toronto were First Nations leaders, elders, women, youth, delegates and other government officials such as the Minister of Energy, Northern Develop-ment and Mines, Greg Rickford and Minister of Indigenous Services, Seamus ORegan, where they participated in meaningful dialogue regarding First Nations priorities, creating partnerships and the overall advancement of First Nations in Ontario. Over the course of these two three-day periods, many topics were high-lighted and discussed that are impacting First Nations in Ontario: in particular environment, health, education, economic development and partnerships, cannabis, rights recognition, legislation, among many other high priority items; many resolutions were also passed. Namely, Resolution 43/18, Rejection of Federal Recognition and Implementa-tion of Indigenous Rights Framework, was passed in November 2018 by the Chiefs in Assembly. This was in responseto the tabling of the governments Recog- governance and law-making efforts of nition and Implementation of Rightsall Nations in protecting and exercising Framework and Legislation, whichtheir inherent rights and responsibilities.is viewed as a clear infringement ofSince this resolution was passed, jurisdiction and rights for First Nationsnumerous protests and rallies have been in Ontario and across Canada. Thisheld across Turtle Island in opposition Resolution recognizes the First Peoplesto the governments proposed legisla-on Turtle Island and that their inherenttion, with the Association of Iroquois rights are to be respected in accordanceand Allied Indians and other grass-with their own Indigenous legal systemsroots campaigns spearheading the way and Nations, as well as respecting thefor renewal. Nation-to-Nation agreements made between many of these Nations beforeOther high levelpriorities have European contact. Guided by the Chiefsalso beenaddressed by the Chiefs in in Assembly, the Chiefs in OntarioAssembly during this year on both a COO Director of Communications Scott Cavan and Mohawkpassed this resolution while keeping inprovincial and federal level, such as Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict. mind the need for self-determination,Resolution 07/19, Bill C-92: An Act 18l ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE'