Congratulations to the winners of ONWA's 2025 Recognition Awards
- ONWA
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
Each year, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) recognizes women whose work and contributions to the Indigenous community have made an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous women and their families. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and are based on the listed criteria. Awards were presented at ONWA's 54th Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference.
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The Alice Souliere Bursary Award to commemorate Alice's contribution to the Association. This bursary was established to encourage individuals to pursue First Language Studies. The recipient should have demonstrated either the personal pursuit of language development or have assisted in community projects that promote language development.
Recipient of the Alice Souliere Bursary Award
Tia Adams
Tia Adams has dedicated her adult life to preserving the Inuit language, with a particular focus on the endangered Inuinnaqtun dialect. She is currently partnering with both the Government of Nunavut and Google to integrate Inuinnaqtun into translation technologies.
Tia, your perseverance and dedication to preserving and revitalizing your language is inspiring, and your journey reflects the strength and vision of Indigenous women who are continuing to uplift Indigenous knowledge and bring back their ways of being.
The Indigenous Women's Movement Award honours and celebrate the contributions and impacts this woman made to the Indigenous community and Canada as a whole. This award recognizes an Indigenous woman who best displays the qualities and depth of commitment towards the Indigenous Women's Movement.
Recipient of the Indigenous Women's Movement Awards
Dr. Lindsay Brant
Dr. Brant is a Mohawk scholar and educator whose work has significantly advanced the education, wellness, and visibility of Indigenous women in Canada.
Through her leadership in Indigenous curriculum development, health education, and community-engaged research, Dr. Brant champions decolonization and Indigenization within the health system.
Dr Brant, your contributions have created meaningful impact, uplifting Indigenous women, families, and communities across Canada. We are humbled by your dedication and proud to recognize your outstanding achievements.
The Dorothy Wynne Award and bursary was established to honour and celebrate the life and contributions of Dorothy Wynne who was instrumental in building the foundation that would become ONWA. As an admired trailblazer for Indigenous women, Dorothy forged paths forward at the grass roots level that changed and empowered the lives of many Indigenous women and families. This award is presented to a local member of the Association nominated by her peers for her endeavors and contributions to her community, having an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous women and their families.
Recipient of the Dorothy Wynne Achievement Award
Breanne Rose Fisher
Breanne Fisher is committed to uplifting the voices of Indigenous women.
She was critical to establishing the Anishnaabe Kateri Association in Geraldton, ON.
She carries many gifts – she empowers women, youth, and families to unite and create healthy circle settings, and dedicates her time and efforts to youth drop-in programs, which have created safe circle environments, inspiration, and encouragement that include Ojibwe traditions, crafts, and cultural practices.
Breanne is currently pursuing her Indigenous Language Teacher Diploma at Lakehead University and plans to further her contributions to Indigenous women career in Anishnaabemowin Language, and plans to work with Elders and Seniors.
Indigenous Woman of the Year Award is presented annually to an Indigenous woman who has served her people compassionately in all areas of community service, and demonstrated skill and dedication to the Provincial movement of the Ontario Native Women's Association.
Recipient of the Indigenous Woman of the Year
Dr. Jamaica Cass
Dr. Jamaica Cass is a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Turtle Clan. She is the first Indigenous woman in Canadian history to earn both a Medical Degree and PhD, breaking barriers in education and healthcare and creating space for others to follow.
As a physician, educator, mentor, and policy leader. Dr. Jamaica Cass provides culturally safe primary care on-reserve in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, where she supports individuals and families facing systemic barriers to health and wellness. She is the only Mohawk doctor on Territory.
Dr. Cass, your work is breaking barriers to addresses structural racism in healthcare and helping young Indigenous women see themselves in medicine.
🧡These incredible recipients were nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions — and this year’s honourees truly embody the heart of community, culture, and advocacy.
Thank you to each of you for the work you do, the paths you pave, and the inspiration you share.