b'FROM THE COOS DESKCOVID-19 and Strengtheningthe CircleTRACY ANTONEChief Operating Officer, Chiefs of OntarioS hekoliOn behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat, I would like to welcome you to the eighth edition of the official Chiefs of Ontario magazine, Advocate.With the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declaring COVID-19 an international pandemic on March 11th, 2020, our nations have doubled down on flattening the curve. Curated by our editorial team members, this issues cover story features the latest content regarding the coronavirus outbreak and how First Nations have been actively responding to the pandemic, including enforcing border closings to outsiders and developing COVID-19 emergency response teams to answer calls for assistance. This edition also highlights the vital work of First Nations health profes-sionals working on the ground to address the impact of COVID-19 within First Nations communities in an attempt to assist with limited capacity and to flatten the curve.We have learned a lot in the last few months as we entered the COVID-19 pandemic world. As we continue to adapt to this new reality, we have seen our leadership and citizens learn new skills, develop innovative solutions to miti-gate the impact of COVID-19, share expertise within and across First Nations communities and champion ownership through hard work and compassion.During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to broaden and strengthen our circle by developing our collective unity through health and well-being alongside the provincial government. Re-establishing this relationship across the various ministries through these unprecedented times allowed us to prog-ress further on specific files, such as human trafficking and child welfare. We look forward to continuing this momentum with the provincial ministries to ensure First Nations in Ontario have their voices heard and are able to thrive. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chiefs of Ontario staff who have been working tirelessly to ensure that our operations and initiatives continue to move forward in these trying times. The Secretariat remains committed to working together with all of you in keeping our nations protected, supported and embracedwhile not possible physically, then with our spiritas we do everything possible to combat COVID-19 and its impacts.Together, we will get through this.12l I ssue1 2020C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'