ONWA at AMO 2025
- ONWA
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference from August 17-20, 2025, in Ottawa.
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
What is the AMO Conference?
The AMO Conference is the annual conference organized by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). It's the premier event for Ontario's municipal sector, bringing together elected officials and staff from all 444 municipalities to discuss key issues, learn from each other, and advocate for solutions to challenges facing local governments. The conference includes sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to meet with provincial ministers.
Why We Are Attending the Conference
ONWA is attending to ensure Indigenous women’s voices, perspectives and solutions are included in local decision-making, and our unique needs are considered in policy and program development.
We are building and strengthening relationships across government - together we can create safer more prosperous communities for all.
In the News
Ottawa Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Robin Jones, the AMO president and Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO of Ontario Native Women’s Association discuss the first of its kind action plan aimed at inclusion for Indigenous communities across the province.
At the Conference - Day 1
Monday, August 18, 2025
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, met with Minister Rickford at that #AMO2025 Annual Conference to discuss opportunities to prioritize Indigenous women’s healing and wellness.
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, met with Minister Parsa and Minster Williams at that #AMO2025 Annual Conference to discuss opportunities to address gender-based violence and the over-representation of Indigenous children in care by recognizing Indigenous women’s right to mothering.
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, met with Minister Piccini at that #AMO2025 Annual Conference to discuss Indigenous women’s employment and economic empowerment. Indigenous women strengthen the economy as leaders and helpers.
ONWA’s CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette joined Robin Jones, AMO President, Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier, from Temagami First Nation and COO Leadership Council, Margaret Froh, MNO, and Armand Jourdain Sr., President, OFIFC on stage to launch AMO’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). The IRAP reflects AMO’s commitment to fostering relationship building between municipalities and Indigenous partners and advancing progress municipalities’ reconciliation responsibilities.
“Reconciliation starts with relationships, and you have an opportunity to have a positive impact in Indigenous women’s lives by building relationships with us and our organizations. […] Your role as municipal leaders is to be helpers and allies in the work that we are already doing to heal ourselves, our families, and our communities.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette #AMO2025
At the Conference - Day 2
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, participated on a panel with OFIFIC and MNO members and facilitated by Wendy Landry, Mayor of Shuniah to discuss the development of AMO’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP).
ONWA highlighted the need for municipal reconciliation with Indigenous women and Indigenous women’s organizations.
ONWA was honoured to facilitate a Concurrent Session with our local membership and partners at the #AMO2025 Annual Conference on working with municipalities to address gender-based violence.
Panelists shared their recommendations and solutions as to how municipal partners can be allies and helpers in this work.
“We have a duty to care about the wellbeing of human beings […]. When we have the correct allies and partners in place, it does work. Municipalities are art of the solution” - Mary Daoust, Executive Director, Minwaashin Lodge and ONWA member
“Municipalities need to honour our ways of healing, honour our right to safety. We need you to walk beside us with courage and resources, with deep commitment to justice, so that we can have a future where safety, dignity and hope is in the forefront of every Indigenous person” - Mikki Adams, Executive Director, Inuuqatigiit and ONWA member
“We need municipalities to walk with us and not ahead of us. Like the Two Row Wampum belt, always walking beside us and not trying to take over and impose […]. Community Safety and Wellbeing Plans are an underutilized but powerful municipal tool” - Anita Armstrong, Executive Director, Odawa Friendship Centre
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, met with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones and Deputy Minister Deborah Richardson, at the #AMO2025 Annual Conference to discuss opportunities to prioritize Indigenous women’s healing and wellness in urban centres.
At the Conference - Day 3
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Coming soon!
