The Ontario Coalition of Indigenous People (OCIP) is an incorporated, not–for- profit, membership based coalition formed to advocate for the rights and interests of Métis, Non-Status, Inuit and Off-Reserve status people living in urban, rural and remote areas throughout Ontario.
OCIP is designed to be a flexible, “bottom-up” community-based coalition that supports projects and priorities identified by local community members. The OCIP approach embodies innovation in government, given that community members participate in the decision making process alongside government members. The goal of OCIP is to implement programs and services that address the ever-increasing needs of its members. OCIP has implemented a governance structure that is geographically equal across the province of Ontario. The current Board of Governors consists of a President/Chief, Vice-Chief, Elder, Special Advisors, Youth Representative, and 9 Community Representatives or Governors.
OCIP was structured to help communities build on their successes and focus on broadening and strengthening partnerships across the province, as well as increasing the participation of members in each area. Community-based local solutions reflect local realities and needs and can form the basis of an appropriate and effective response. Building capacity within community based organizations at the local level, and developing partnerships within each community is among the objectives of OCIP.
OCIP officially became the recognized Ontario affiliate of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in November, 2007, when delegates of the Congress’ Annual General Assembly unanimously ratified OCIP’s application for recognition as the Ontario affiliate of the Congress.
Collaboration continues to be the driving force behind OCIP, with 23 affiliate community organizations or 9 Regions throughout Ontario. With partnerships being solidified and a strategic plan being developed that will provide long-term solutions to address the needs of Indigenous Peoples across Ontario
