(August 28, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to an Executive Order signed by U.S. President Trump to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
“The word ‘Ontario’ has its roots in the Wendat language,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our languages, our people, our Nations have been here long before Confederation. Long before the U.S. Constitution. Long before the newcomers came to these shores. It is and always will be Lake Ontario. It has sustained our people on both sides of the medicine line since time immemorial. I stand with First Nations and all those who call for respect for the name, for the First Peoples, and for our shared history. Like the lake itself, our people will be here long after any administration has come and gone.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
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