International Women’s Day: Indigenous Women’s Safety Must Be a Priority

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) celebrates International Women’s Day. This day recognizes the leadership, social and political achievements of women across Turtle Island and globally. It also serves as a call to action for advancing women’s equality, rights, and safety.

Indigenous women are still not safe. Recent Statistics Canada data shows that the homicide rate for Indigenous women has doubled from 2016-2024. This is not just data – this is our sister, our mother, our auntie, our niece, our grandmother.

The path to safety for Indigenous women has already been laid out before us – for decades, it has been documented in recurring, longstanding recommendations across multiple reports developed by Indigenous women, and amplified through the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice. This path is paved with Indigenous-led solutions focused on prevention and healing, rather than the aftermath of violence. It includes Indigenous women’s leadership in all decisions that impact, or have the potential to impact our lives, and our families.

Tomorrow, the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) begins, focusing on access to justice for women and girls, women’s full participation and decision making in public life, eliminating violence, and achieving gender equality. In the current global climate, we see growing backlash against human rights and gender equality. CSW70 serves as a critical international forum to reaffirm commitments and accelerate safety, equality, and the human rights of all women and girls.

ONWA honours the tireless work of Indigenous women, who are matriarchal leaders in their families and communities advancing safety and healing. We recognize Indigenous women leading the fight to end the second-generation cut-off – and we stand alongside them, actively working to dismantle this discriminatory policy and break cycles of assimilation for future generations. We call for renewed commitment to work with Indigenous women and our organizations to uphold Indigenous women’s inherent rights, beyond a jurisdictional approach. We call for action to address Indigenous women’s safety and recognition that Indigenous women are the medicine needed to heal ourselves, families, and communities.

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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About the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA):

ONWA is a not-for-profit organization that empowers and supports all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development, and programs that focus on local, regional, and provincial activities.

Established in 1971, ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Indigenous women and their families regardless of their status or locality. We are committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantee the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language, and heritage.

Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well-being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage, may live their best life.