RPTV News - Ontario First Nations Leaders Address Community Wellness and Policy Impacts at Toronto Media Event

RPTV’s Indigenous coverage continues with highlights from a recent media conference hosted by the Chiefs of Ontario during the 2nd Annual First Nations Community Wellness Conference in the heart of Toronto. The event brought together First Nations leadership, youth representatives, and community advocates to address urgent challenges affecting communities across Ontario — including those living in Toronto. Speakers discussed the social determinants of health impacting First Nations communities, such as housing, infrastructure, education, land-based connections, and economic stability. Leaders also raised serious concerns about the impacts of Bill 5 and Bill C-5, which they argue threaten Treaty rights and First Nations sovereignty. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict was joined by Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier of Temagami First Nation, Chief R. Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and Kyra Willoughby from the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. This conference underscored the importance of collaboration between leaders and youth in shaping policies that directly affect First Nations communities. For Toronto’s urban Indigenous population, these discussions are crucial to understanding how federal and provincial decisions influence local realities.