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ONWA at EMRIP19

  • ONWA
  • 1 hour ago
  • 2 min read

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the 19th session of the United Nations (UN) Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) from July 13-17, 2026, in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.


Highlights

Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):




Press Release


The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is amplifying Indigenous women’s voices at the 19th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP19).




ONWA Side Event


Moving Indigenous Women’s Stories to Advocacy and Action to Hold States Accountable


1-2PM | 13h00-14h00

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Room XI, Building A, Palais des Nations


Indigenous women are reclaiming their roles as leaders and restoring their families, communities, and Nations. This event is a space for Indigenous women and their organizations to share how they use international advocacy as a tool for addressing systemic discrimination.


Through storytelling, dialogue, and wise practice examples, we will explore how our international advocacy and collective action can work to hold States accountable domestically and create lasting impact and systemic change for Indigenous women.


Speakers:

  • Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Native Women’s Association

  • Sophia Carnovale, Vice President, Ontario Native Women’s Association

  • Melanie Omeniho, President, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak



What is EMRIP 19? A UN expert body that advises on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, conducts studies, & makes recommendations to help governments implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from July 13-17, 2026.

What is the EMRIP19?


The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) is one of only a few UN bodies focused on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.


EMRIP provides the UN with advice on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, conducts studies to advance the promotion and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and makes recommendations to Member States (governments) in achieving the goals of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).



“Change for Indigenous women begins by ensuring our voices shape decisions at every level—from our own communities to international forums. Our participation at EMRIP is about ensuring the realities facing Indigenous women in Ontario are heard where international human rights standards are shaped and where governments are held to account. We bring the issues Indigenous women face, and our solutions, to the global stage; build relationships and alliances to strengthen our advocacy; and carry home new tools to advance systemic change. International engagement is one way we ensure commitments to Indigenous women translate into stronger accountability at home.” — Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)

Why is ONWA at the Conference?


In an uncertain world where human rights are at risk, ONWA is using all mechanisms to hold governments accountable to the rights and safety of Indigenous women. This includes leveraging human rights mechanisms like the United Nations’ Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP).


ONWA is attending the upcoming session to:

  • Ensure Indigenous women’s voices are included in decisions that impact our lives. We are speaking on our own behalf and bringing forward issues and solutions from our communities to drive action.

  • Hold Canada to account. We’re using this global stage to demonstrate that there is still much work to do to ensure Indigenous women’s rights are safeguarded and Indigenous women’s safety is prioritized.

  • Build relationships and strengthen our collective advocacy.



At the Conference


Coming soon!


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