b'MESSAGE FROM THE ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEFProtecting the Health, Safety and Well-beingof First NationsROSEANNE ARCHIBALD Ontario Regional ChiefW ahcheeyay, Aanii! Welcome to the eighth edition of the official Chiefs of Ontario magazine, Advocate. As Ontario Regional Chief, I would like to send my warm regards to our readers and thank all of those who graciously donated their time to ensure this edition is a success. When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020, First Nations leaders in Ontario were at the forefront, adjusting quickly to fluid situations. Throughout the pandemic, communities have focused on preparing and responding through the development and implementa-tion of their pandemic plans and declarations of emergencies to allow the active deployment of personal protective equipment and resources. Further, in late April, my office established that our highest purpose would be to protect the health, safety and well-being of First Nation members. One of our goals is zero new and zero active COVID-19 cases in First Nations. At the time of writing this article (September 8, 2020), we have reached this goal. While we recognize that active cases will go up and down according to where the virus is circulating during this pandemic, its heartening to know that we can get to zero.Within this edition, youll find critical highlights from First Nation communities that practiced various precautions such as closing their borders to outsiders, imposing curfews and actively promoting public education about physical distancing and handwashing. Youll also find important updates from First Nations leaders who have launched emer-gency response teams to distribute essential services that address food security issues, emergency housing, medical transportation and other programs to support community members. These are uncertain times, and while the extent of the adverse nature and potential of COVID-19 is unknown and the situation continues to evolve around the globe, so do the guidelines coming from public health agencies and directives. The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to work to ensure First Nations are engaged and our specific needs and priorities are addressed and included in the COVID-19 response.Ninanaskamon!10l I ssue1 2020C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'