At ONWA's 54 AGA & Leadership Conference
- ONWA
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 minutes ago
ONWA 54th Annual General Assembly (AGA) & Leadership Conference is taking place September 12-14, 2025, at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre in Ottawa.
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
About
Every year, ONWA Membership gathers from across Ontario to highlight and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and plan for the coming year. The AGA & Leadership Conference provides a platform for membership to engage in discussions on Indigenous women’s current priorities, wise practices, and change opportunities.
The theme for this year’s AGA is “Walking Together: Healing, Leadership and Wisdom”. As Indigenous women our wisdom guides us as we walk together, uplift each other, and reclaim and uphold our roles as leaders. We can collectively overcome challenges by walking together and holding up an unwavering commitment to heal ourselves, our families, our communities and nations.
Day 1: Annual General Assembly (AGA)
Friday, September 12, 2025
Who’s excited for this weekend of learning, connecting, and celebrating Indigenous women’s leadership?
ONWA members from across the province are gathering for ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference in Ottawa! 💜✨
“It is nice to see you again!”
Wisdom Guides and Inspires Us as We Begin
Thank you to Elders Parm Burgie, Irene Compton, and Reepa Evic-Carleton from the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition for welcoming for ONWA members to Ottawa by sharing the sacred lighting of the qulliq and smudge, your teachings, song, and stories.
“Bringing strength to Indigenous women brings strength to our families and to our future generations. Everything ONWA does certainly makes a difference.” – Senator Parm Burgie
“As Indigenous women, we cannot do this work alone. We are stronger together – walking side by side, sharing our wisdom and knowledge, and supporting one another to heal and to lead, and to move forward an organization.” – Melinda Commanda, President, ONWA
“There is something powerful and healing about gathering as Indigenous women to celebrate the reclamation of our voices, our identity, and our leadership. We are the source of healing and change – we are the medicine." – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
Thank you to Mary Daoust and Mikki Adams, Co-Chairs of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, for their powerful opening words, gift, and sharing Mikki's moving poem: "To lead as an Indigenous women today is to honour our past and not look away."
Leading with Wisdom and Intention
🔥 Starting strong with inspiring words highlighting the importance of Indigenous women’s leadership and collective spirit. Here’s to a weekend of full of impact and connection!
"As Indigenous women, we lead with wisdom and intention, and we focus on healing. I know that we will continue to work together and remain steadfast in our dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families." – Melinda Commanda, President, ONWA
"Over the past year – whether it’s at tables, meetings, in our communities, out on the land, or at the UN – we have continued to make the voices of Indigenous women not only heard but respected and acted upon. Tonight, as we reflect on the past year and everything we’ve accomplished together, I look forward to the future and being united in our communities to build a better tomorrow for all Indigenous women today, and for future generations." – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
A Year in Review
The past year was trying and uplifting at the same time. Our journey continues to be guided by our 10-year Strategic Picture as we make progress on the Strategic Goals we’ve set out to achieve. The work of ONWA’s governance, staff, and broader community illustrates the strong leadership, wisdom, and determination of Indigenous women to reclaim our roles and our safety.
Explore some of the collective contributions and highlights of our work in ONWA’s 2024-2025 Annual Report.
Day 2: Leadership Conference
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Rise and shine, it’s Day 2 of ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference in Ottawa! We look forward to a day full of learning, connecting, and celebrating with our ONWA family 💜✨
Following a sacred pipe ceremony on the Supreme Court lawns, ONWA and community members raised red umbrellas in a powerful act to honour the strength, leadership, and resilience of Indigenous women across Turtle Island.
Leadership Continues to Inspire and Uplift
Thank you for your powerful and uplifting words which have set the tone for a positive and inspiring start to the day.
"Standing in front of this big building I'm reminded that we struggle to find allyship, even to this day, with the decisions that are made in buildings like that. Monuments are everywhere in [Ottawa], but monuments crumble. Monuments need renovations. Monuments need to be fixed up and shined up. Roofs need to be replaced. Ceremony is our monument, and it never needs to be renovated, never needs to be fixed. Its foundation will remain strong forever. We are the monument. Who's feeling momentous this morning?!" – Stan Wesley, MC
"This conference is an opportunity to share our light [...] and empower every woman and girl to rise in their own gifts. Let today be more than just a conference. Let it be a circle of renewal, a safe place for dialogue and a source of inspiration. We are trailblazers, change makers, and healers." – Stephanie Mikki Adams, Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Co-Chair / ONWA Board of Directors Secretary, & Mary Daoust, Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Co-Chair, Minwaashin Lodge Executive Director
"Day in and day out you’re working to ensure Indigenous women are safe and free to reach their full potential. As a government we understand the critically important role Indigenous women play in all communities. We want to make sure Indigenous women voices are heard in decision making. None of [the work government does] is possible without the leadership in ONWA [...] We are proud to stand with you in partnership." – The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
"If you think about the ONWA circle – why are we here in this circle together? To make change; to make systemic change." – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
Healing, Leadership, Wisdom
Deep gratitude to Dr. Rennie Linklater, Dr. Patricia McGuire, Dr. Kathy Absolon, and Dr. Carol Hopkins for sharing your powerful insights, knowledge, and truths during our panel. Your voices continue to guide and inspire meaningful change. 💜
"Once we have that strong spirit, use that as medicine […] even when it is really hard, even when circumstances are [not ideal]. As women we can bring that light into places that removes that darkness it many different ways.” – Dr. Rennie Linklater
"We need to change the nature of our relationships and create relationships of peace with each other." – Dr. Patricia McGuire
“I do not aspire to be a leader. I came here to be a helper. My life of unlearning, and healing, and decolonizing my whole self has been about recovering who I am as a helper. Creator sent me here to be a helper.” – Dr. Kathy Absolon
“Culture is the foundation, that is what people across Canada said. That wellness starts with culture, it is not an afterthought, it is the beginning thought." – Dr. Carol Hopkins
“We share our stories – especially some of those hurtful, harmful stories – so that our young children, our young daughters, our future leaders don’t have to go through that same experience. We are also sharing our stories of leadership […] about reclaiming our ways and being those trailblazers – for bringing back our evidence, for bringing back our teachings, and remembering who we are.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
During the She is Wise Framework presentation we discussed the power of what happens when Indigenous women tell their stories and their truths, and corresponding impact that brings resources to communities and makes change. Through art we explored what leadership means.
"My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back." - Louis Riel
🌿 At ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly, the Community Change Workshops created space for hands-on learning, leadership development, and healing — focusing on building capacity within our membership to lead change in their communities. 💪🏽
🪙 The "Indian Auction" is an annual fundraiser started by the late Dorothy Wynne! We’ve got some amazing items up for grabs, with all proceeds supporting Indigenous women initiatives. What a fun and meaningful way to end the day!
Day 3: Cultural Teaching & Activity
Sunday, September 13, 2025
Can’t believe it’s already last day of ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference in Ottawa! Grateful for every connection, every story, and every moment shared. 💜✨
Chi-miigwech to Wabanoonkwe for your presence, your truth, and the incredible gift of creativity you bring.
“We give away our time, our energy, our love, and it is not because it is demanded of us; we give it away because it is taught to us. We were taught to share space, to make safe spaces for one another, and be very inclusive. […] Let’s create something where we can create Indigenous prosperity.” – Wabanoonkwe
“I do not know how to dream small. In everything I do I want to create space, and grow our community, and give opportunities. I feel as though Indigenous communities are huge pockets of talents, but they have not had access to the resources to develop those talents. I call myself a connector; if I can connect people, to get you to where you want to be, I will help you. I am not doing it for an agenda, I am doing it because I don’t know you, but I love you. I know that you have passion and drive, and if you don’t, I will help you find it.” – Wabanoonkwe
Art is Medicine
✨ Art is not just medicine, but stories, strength, and the spirit of healing. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their gifts in the We Are Medicine activity during Wabanoonkwe’s presentation at ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference in Ottawa. 💛
🧡 Honouring those who lead with heart, purpose, and passion with ONWA 2025 Recognition Awards! Thank you for the work you do, the change you create, and the legacy you’re building.
“Thank you for who you are, for the love you give all of us every day, and for creating beautiful spaces that we can be safe and belong.” - Joan Riggs, on behalf of Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC)
The OAC honored ONWA leadership with a gifted shawl, thanking us for standing and supporting the circle and marking a beautiful end to a powerful weekend.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable weekend of connection, culture, and celebration. Your presence and contributions made ONWA’s 54th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference incredibly meaningful and impactful. 💜✨