Ontario’s Indigenous Nations Opposing Forest Herbicide Spraying

Since the 1980s, Indigenous Nations in Ontario have formally opposed forest herbicide spraying through resolutions, public statements, billboards, protests, and direct appeals. When governments ignore formal opposition for decades and continue the same harmful practice, that is systemic neglect – not consultation, and not reconciliation.

A group of Indigenous elders holding signs opposing aerial herbicide spraying, including messages like 'STOP THE SPRAY!!' and 'Glyphosate Kills All'.

In 2015, the Government of Ontario signed a Political Accord with First Nations, committing to respect Indigenous self government, treaty relationships, and shared stewardship of the land. By that time, Indigenous Nations had already been calling for an end to aerial herbicide spraying for decades.

The Indigenous resolutions listed below are not symbolic. They represent nearly 40 years of Indigenous leadership and warnings to protect land, water, food, and future generations. Ontario has acknowledged Indigenous rights in words. These resolutions show what Indigenous Nations have asked for in action.

Resolutions are reproduced as part of the public record, exactly as provided by the issuing Indigenous Nation. They are shared for informational and advocacy purposes and remain the intellectual and political property of the Nation.

Statements, Press Releases, Resolutions are listed from newest to oldest. Click a name to view. Jump to 1989 ↓

2025

👉🏻 Anishinabek Nation – 2025 (Also in 2014)

PDF document from the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly, June 3–5, 2025, held in Southwest London. The document includes a carried resolution supporting the discontinuation of glyphosate use in aerial spraying, citing health, environmental, and Indigenous rights concerns, and calling for meaningful consultation with First Nations.
👉🏻 Métis Nation of Ontario – August 22, 2025

Metis Nation of Ontario calls for an end to aerial spraying glyphosate in forestry
👉🏻 Matawa First Nation – Resolution – Aug 20, 2025

Matawa Chiefs Council statement
👉🏻 Nipissing First Nation – Aug 15, 2025

👉🏻 TEK Elders Press Release – August 1, 2025

Direct Action Announcement (Anishinaabek knowledge keepers from the Robinson Huron Treaty territory who share Traditional Ecological Knowledge about the land, water, and ecosystems and advocate against aerial herbicide spraying in their territories.)

Tek Elders issue press release for Direct Action after government ignores their signed resolutions.
👉🏻 The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations communities across Ontario – July 31, 2025 (also in 2008)

Chiefs of Ontario demanding for an immediate end to spraying herbicides over forests and treaty territories

2023

👉🏻 Temagami / Teme-Augama Anishnabai – Feb 22, 2023

Temagami First Nation

2021

👉🏻 Flying Post First Nation – Jan 15, 2021

👉🏻 Matachewan First Nation – Jan 15, 2021

Matachewan First Nation calls for an end to aerial herbicide spraying

2020

Chapleau Cree First Nation – Jul 15, 2020: Letter highlighting ongoing concerns as resolutions go unheeded.

👉🏻 Serpent River First Nation – Feb 2, 2020

Serpent River First Nation Resolution against Herbicide Spraying in Forestry
👉🏻 Mattagami First Nation – Jan 31, 2020

Mattagami First Nation Band Council Resolution document regarding Aerial Spraying, dated January 31, 2020.
Screenshot
👉🏻 Foleyet Métis Pathfinders – 2020

Foleyet Metis Pathfinders resolution against aerial spraying herbicide in Ontario's forests
👉🏻 Brunswick House First Nation – Jan 29, 2020

Brunswick House First Nation

2018

👉🏻 Garden River First Nation – July 24, 2018

Garden River First Nation Resolution against spraying herbicides in ontario's forests
👉🏻 North Shore Tribal Council, representing several First Nations Communities – Dec 3, 2018

North Shore Tribal Council resolution against aerial spraying herbicides over forests

2017

👉🏻 Tek Elders Group – Jan 27, 2017

2014

👉🏻 Anishinabek Nation (representing 40 First Nations) Special Assembly & Ojibways of Garden River – Nov 18, 2014

Anishinabek Nation & Ojibways of Garden River resolution against spraying forests with herbicides

2008

👉🏻 The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations communities across Ontario – June 3, 2008 (Also in 2025)

2004

👉🏻 Mushkegowuk Council, representing Several First Nation Communities – Sept 15, 2004

Mushkegowuk Council resolution against aerial spraying herbicides over forests

1999

👉🏻 Métis Nation of Ontario – 1999 (Also in 2025)

Métis Nation of Ontario resolution asking for the end of chemical spraying in forests

1989

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, representing First Nations Listed below ~ Sept 28, 1989

  • Independent First Nations (10): Apitipi Anicinapek; Beaverhouse; Brunswick House; Flying Post; Ginoogaming; Long Lake #58; Matachewan; Missanabie Cree; Mocreebec Council of the Cree Nation; Taykwa Tagamou (New Post).
  • Keewaytinook Okimakanak / Northern Chiefs (6): Deer Lake; Fort Severn; Keewaywin; McDowell Lake; North Spirit Lake; Poplar Hill.
  • Matawa First Nations Management (8): Aroland; Constance Lake; Eabametoong; Hornepayne; Martens Falls; Neskantaga; Nibinamik; Webequie.
  • Mushkegowuk Council (7): Attawapiskat; Chapleau Cree; Fort Albany; Kashechewan; Missanabie Cree; Moose Cree; Taykwa Tagamou (New Post).
  • Shibogama First Nations Council (5): Kasabonika Lake; Kingfisher Lake; Wapekeka; Wawakapewin; Wunnumin Lake.
  • Wabun Tribal Council (5): Beaverhouse; Brunswick House; Chapleau Ojibwe; Matachewan; Mattagami.
  • Windigo First Nations Council (6): Bearskin Lake; Cat Lake; Koocheching; North Caribou Lake; Sachigo Lake; Slate Falls.
  • Independent First Nations Alliance (5): Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake); Lac Seul; Muskrat Dam; Pikangikum; Whitewater Lake.
Tyler made a sign - Stop the Spray Ontario
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