International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls

Thunder Bay, ON – On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours the critical roles and responsibilities that Indigenous women play in our families, communities, and Nations. Indigenous women are leaders, knowledge keepers and caregivers with inherent rights that must be upheld. At the same time, we know that Indigenous women also experience racism, systemic discrimination and unacceptable levels of violence. Since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) launched in 2016, the levels of violence against Indigenous women in Canada have been increasing at an alarming rate.

The theme for the 2026 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls is rights, resilience and leadership. Indigenous women are experts in their own lives and hold the solutions to the issues that we face. We celebrate the rights, resilience and leadership of Indigenous women and girls, and call for immediate action and investments into Indigenous women’s safety. Governments must listen to Indigenous women and invest in Indigenous women-led solutions. When Indigenous women are safe and supported, our communities become safer and stronger.

To learn more about the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls, visit: International Day of Indigenous Women | United Nations

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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