A Voice for Indigenous
Women's Issues
Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and the Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO) have entered into a collaborative partnership in order for ONWA to attain the designation of Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO). ONWA is part of the first cohort of Indigenous BPSO’s which will support ONWA in promoting the health, well-being and safety of Indigenous women across the province.
As part of this project, ONWA will be implementing two Best Practice Guidelines (BPG): Woman Abuse: Screening, Identification and Initial Response, and Promoting Commercial Tobacco Free Health and Wellness in Indigenous Parents, Families and Communities (working title). This work builds upon ONWA’s existing commitment to ending violence against Indigenous women and supporting healthy families and communities.
ONWA successfully launched our BPSO project internally and externally across the province of Ontario in Fall 2020.
“Congratulations to the Ontario Native Women’s Association, one of our first social services BPSOs, for launching your journey… thank you so much for the effort, expertise and strength that you will put into this program. From the RNAO, the entire board of directors, President Morgan Hoffarth, myself Doris Grispun, CEO and the entire staff, we thank you endlessly. We will be shining light into your success and accomplishments.”
Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO) CEO Doris Grispun
“The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is honoured to be part of the first cohort of Indigenous BPSO’s, and the first social service organization to participate in the project. We are looking forward to bridging Indigenous wise practices and mainstream best practices in the delivery of vital services in our communities. We look forward to new partnerships, collaborations and shared learning in the months and years ahead.”
ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette
What is a BPSO?
( BEST PRACTICE SPOTLIGHT ORGANISATION )
What is a BPG?
( BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINE )
Women's Abuse:
SCREENING, IDENTIFICATION, & INITIAL RESPONSE
The overall purpose of the Woman Abuse Screening, Identification and Initial Response guideline is to facilitate routine universal screening for woman abuse by ONWAs frontline programs and staff.
Ending Violence against Indigenous Women
ONWA RESOURCES
HELPLINE
Talk4Healing
A culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages.
MAGAZINES
She Is Wise Magazine
A new empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and online.
MODEL, 2020
Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis
Graphic representation of the 28 systems and our roles and responsibilities based on teachings from the turtle.
REPORT, 2015
Breaking Free, Breaking Through
An arts-based research project to examine violence against Indigenous women.
REPORT, 2020
Reconciliation with Indigenous Women
Recommendations for the National Action Plan to Address Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls
Promoting Commercial Tobacco Free
HEALTH & WELLNESS IN INDIGENOUS PARENTS, FAMILIES, & COMMUNITIES (WORKING TITLE)
The overall purpose of the Promoting Commercial Tobacco Free Health and Wellness in Indigenous Parents, Families, and Communities guideline, is to provide evidence-based and culturally safe ways to reduce the negative impacts of nicotine in Indigenous communities.
Bringing with us over 50 years of experience working directly with Indigenous women, ONWA has also participated in the RNAO expert panel to inform this BPG that ONWA will implement.