Ontario Native Women’s Association Amplifies Indigenous Women’s Leadership at 2026 Women Deliver Conference

Naarm (Melbourne), Australia – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is joining Indigenous women and others from around the world at the 2026 Women Deliver Conference (WD2026), a leading global gathering focused on advancing the health, rights and well-being of women and girls.

The Women Deliver Conference brings together advocates, policymakers, researchers, and grassroots leaders to drive collective action on critical issues impacting women and girls. The Conference provides a vital space for Indigenous women’s voices to be amplified and centred in global conversations.

The 2026 Conference is hosted for the first time by the Oceanic Pacific region in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. At a time of global unrest, this year’s conference offers the opportunity for strengthened partnerships that advance Indigenous women’s leadership, solutions and rights.

“In a world filled with uncertainty, we recognize that Indigenous women's leadership is needed now more than ever. We are not just participating in the Women Deliver Conference – we are using this forum to mobilize as Indigenous women and influence policies that impact our daily lives. We are here to push beyond presence and into action – where Indigenous women are driving systemic change, shaping priorities and advancing solutions on the ground in their communities. This is an opportunity to strengthen our collective voices as we know that we are stronger together. Our work is about advancing meaningful change for Indigenous women, our families, our communities and our Nations” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA.

As part the Conference, ONWA will host a concurrent session in collaboration with Indigenous women leaders from the Māori Women’s Welfare League and the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute. This session centres Indigenous women’s strengths, teachings and collective power – highlighting how we transform our stories into action. It will celebrate the leadership of Indigenous women across Turtle Island, Aotearoa, and Australia, while fostering dialogue on Indigenous women’s responsibilities to lead change and restore balance in the world.

ONWA remains committed to advocating for the rights, safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families, and driving systemic change. We are honoured be part of global conversations at the 2026 Women Deliver Conference.

Follow ONWA at WD2026 here: https://onwa.ca/wd2026 

Learn more about the 2026 Women Deliver Conference here: https://womendeliver.org/wd2026 

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.