Shekoli, Swakweku A s the new Chief Operating Officer at the Chiefs of Ontario, I would like to personally welcome you to the fifth edition of the Chiefs of Ontario’s Advocate magazine. On behalf of everyone here at the Chiefs of Ontario, we are so proud of the continued success of the Advocate as a source of information, inspiration and advocacy. I would like to encourage all of our readers to continue submitting your input and feedback so future editions can continue to be tailored to fulfil the information needs of the 133 First Nation communities across Ontario. The theme of this edition of the Advocate – Environment – is vital to all of us with our inherent connection to Mother Earth. With this theme in mind, I would be hard pressed not to mention the successes of First Nations youth across the province in being stewards for the land they, and the next seven generations, have and will inherit: First Nations youth across Ontario have been active in being steadfast champions for this land. This year, both Grand Council Treaty 3 and the Chiefs of Ontario Environment Department, with the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, held a highly successful youth climate change summit with youth and Elder representatives from across all regions. This allowed First Nations youth and Elders to reconnect with each other as well as Mother Earth, and provided all the participants with the opportunity to discuss climate change priorities for each region in Ontario. Great emphasis was placed on the desire for youth and Elders to engage culture and land-based learning initiatives. Ultimately, youth and Elders had four climate change-related recommendations: building community awareness and education; connecting young people with Elders; continued advocacy to protect lands; and more gatherings to share knowledge and dialogue. Chiefs of Ontario looks forward to working with youth and Elders to foster climate action in First Nations in Ontario. Megan Logan, former Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council Member (now Youth Coordinator at Chiefs of Ontario) is also working on an exciting initiative: Wahnapitae Sustainability Superheroes. This land-based learning program for youth teaches the sacred responsibilities in caring for the Earth, based on traditional teachings, science and ethics. And how could any of us forget the pivitol year Autumn Peltier of Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve has had as a Water Protector? From being nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize to telling the United Nations General Assembly to “warrior up” on World Water Day. Only following up this pivotal work by endorsing the Y7 Call to Action on Climate Change and the Environment, calling on G7 leaders to generate innovative ways to protect all bodies of water through legal rights, banning microplastics, and better global coordination. At this fall’s recently held Special Chiefs Assembly, we were honoured to host a blanket dance for Autumn’s aunt and one of her greatest inspirations as a Water Walker, Josephine Mandamin. We are all praying for her safe recovery during this time. On behalf of everyone at the Chiefs of Ontario, we could not be any more proud of the active role these youth are playing to ensure a sustainable future for all, in our communities and abroad. We look forward to celebrating our young First Nations leaders who are working to keep our air breathable, our water drinkable, our food edible and our place values liveable. They are working to achieve their dreams and become a shining example to the seven generations yet to come. We hope you enjoy the fifth edition of the Advocate, and we hope you will stand in solidarity with these youth in the important work they are doing to protect our lands. Yaw^ko FROM THE COO’S DESK Charting their Path First Nation youth environment advocates TRACY ANTONE Chief Operating Officer, Chiefs of Ontario SUMMER/WINTER 2018/19 – Chiefs of Ontario Advocate magazine   14  l