Honouring Indigenous Mothers: A Statement from ONWA for Mother’s Day

Thunder Bay, ON – This Mother’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours the sacred roles of Indigenous mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and caregivers. Across generations, their love has nurtured families, carried cultural knowledge, and sustained the deep-rooted strength of community.

Motherhood is a sacred gift. Mothers are some of our first teachers; through them teachings are passed down, stories are remembered, and the heartbeat of our Nations continues. Whether through birth, caregiving, or chosen family, Indigenous women carry the strength of generations and embody resilience, compassion, and unconditional love.

At ONWA, we hold space for all those who mother — those walking with us today, those we remember with love, and those whose guidance lives on in our hearts.

Mother’s Day is a time to pause and reflect on the warmth of shared memories, the laughter held in kitchens and living rooms, and the quiet strength that holds families together. Today is a time to honour the unspoken sacrifices, the healing presence, and the cultural wisdom of Indigenous mothers.

For more information and media inquiries, contact: 

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

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