ONWA at EMRIP19
- ONWA
- Jul 10
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 22
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 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).
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 - Day 1
Monday, July 13, 2026
In the lead up to the 19th Session of EMRIP, ONWA attended the Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus. The Caucus brings together Indigenous Peoples before the official session begins to learn more about how best to influence at EMRIP, to share knowledge, and build relationships. When it comes to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, we are stronger together!
“Indigenous women participate in EMRIP because decisions made here create opportunities to advance change in our communities. Our voices influence global standards. When we’re in the room, the world is watching. We are not invisible. We are not voiceless. We are here to call for action.”
— Melinda Commanda, President, ONWA
Today, on EMRIP’s agenda is a discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations. ONWA Vice President and Youth Council Board Member, Sophia Carnovale, spoke powerfully to the role Indigenous women and youth play as peacemakers and called for the inclusion of Indigenous women and youth in peace, reconciliation, and security decision-making processes. “The safety, healing, and well-being of Indigenous women and Mother Earth is critical and must remain a priority. – Sophia Carnovale, ONWA Vice-President and Youth Council Board Members.
At the Conference - Day 2
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Today, at EMRIP, ONWA’s CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette acknowledged the Expert Mechanism on their technical advice to Canada regarding the Indian Act and Canada’s legislated sex discrimination against Indigenous women and their families. “We, as First Nations women, have the right to our distinct identities, cultures, communities and Nations, as well as the right to pass down our culture to our children… Canada has an opportunity for a unified act of reconciliation by immediately ending sex discrimination in the Indian Act. Our human rights, our lives, our safety and wellbeing as Indigenous women, depend on it.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette
Today ‘s EMRIP session included a panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence. ONWA recommends that:
Indigenous women are included in the development, governance, and oversight of AI systems and policies.
AI development and design must uphold Indigenous data sovereignty and protect Indigenous knowledge from unauthorized collection and use
Safeguards must be developed to ensure that AI does not contribute to violence, discrimination and the criminalization of Indigenous women and girls.
EMRIP’s afternoon session provided an opportunity to put forward recommendations for the UN Human Rights Council. ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, called for Member States (governments) and the UN to ensure the meaningful participation of Indigenous women’s organizations in decision-making at every level. “Indigenous women are asserting our inherent right to lead. We collectively have an opportunity and responsibility to act now for our future generations. Accountability cannot wait.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO
At the Conference - Day 3
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
This morning, ONWA Vice-President and Youth Council Board Member, Sophia Carnovale, delivered oral remarks as part of EMRIP’s discussion on enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the United Nations – this must include Indigenous women “It is our inherent right and responsibility as Matriarchs, to speak on our own behalf and represent ourselves, our families and our future generations. Our role as Matriarchs – to ensure we are all cared for – must be upheld.” – Sophia Carnovale, ONWA Vice President & Youth Director, ONWA
Today at EMRIP, representatives from United Nations groups that focus on Indigenous Peoples, along with members of UN human rights bodies, gathered to discuss Indigenous rights. ONWA President, Melinda Commanda, spoke to Indigenous women’s leadership and safety “Indigenous women’s rights are non-negotiable, and now, more than ever, Indigenous women’s voices, leadership and solutions are needed” – Melinda Commanda, ONWA President.
At the Conference - Day 4
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Today at EMRIP, ONWA hosted a panel discussion called Moving Indigenous Women’s Stories to Advocacy and Action to Hold States Accountable. This powerful session brought together Indigenous women leaders to share examples of Indigenous women’s advocacy and action to hold governments accountable for Indigenous women’s rights and safety.
It has been 20 years since the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was approved at the United Nations. UNDRIP is an international human rights framework that affirms Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights to our culture, traditions, safety, decision-making, and connections to our lands and waterways.
Today, at EMRIP, we discussed the next 20 years. Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO, called for more action and real change in the lives of Indigenous women: “We are at a critical juncture. The choices and investments made today will determine who succeeds and who gets left behind. As Indigenous women, we refuse to be left behind.”
Today, at EMRIP19, ONWA Youth Council Board Director, Madison Wigwas, delivered an oral statement on the importance of Indigenous languages. She spoke to the fundamental role that Indigenous languages play in Indigenous identities, cultures and self-determination. “For Indigenous women and girls, language is rooted in who we are. It carries the teachings of our Elders, our responsibilities to each generation and our role in our community.” – Madison Wigwas, ONWA Youth Council Board Member.
At the Conference - Day 5
Friday, July 17, 2026
Yesterday, Indigenous Peoples, States and EMRIP members discussed the future work of EMRIP. ONWA calls for the Expert Mechanism to study:
- The gendered impacts of resource extraction and development on Indigenous women
- The barriers to the inclusion of Indigenous women in decision-making
- Domestic and UN mechanisms that enhance accountability and action.
As EMRIP’s 19th Session winds-down, we are reflecting on our participation and what we will bring home with us. EMRIP is an opportunity to bring the priorities, concerns and experiences of our communities directly to international decision-making tables. It is where we speak for ourselves, advocate for our rights, and ensure our voices and solutions are heard by governments, institutions and global leaders.
For Indigenous women, these spaces are important – our voices and solutions must be part of conversations that shape policies and actions impacting our lives, families and communities.
Participation isn’t about travel – it is about representation, advocacy, self-determination, and accountability.
Our work doesn’t end in Geneva – we bring home what we learn, the relationships built, and the commitments to secure real change in our communities. Every oral intervention, discussion, and recommendation is grounded in Indigenous women’s voices and connected to improving our safety in our daily lives.
“Indigenous youth belong in international spaces where decisions about our rights and futures are being discussed. As a youth from Six Nations of the Grand River and Tyendinaga Territory, attending EMRIP is about direct advocacy for my communities. That advocacy does not stop when I leave Geneva—it comes home with me. The knowledge, relationships, and accountability built at EMRIP strengthen my work at home. This is about ensuring governments are not just making commitments on the international stage, but that they are taking meaningful action in their own communities.”
— Sophia Carnovale, Vice President and Youth Director, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)
“As a young Anishinaabe woman, my generation and future generations will inherit the decisions being made today, which is why Indigenous youth must be involved in shaping them. Attending EMRIP allows me to exercise my inherent leadership rights—not only to have a seat at the table, but to have my voice heard. I am here to build relationships, engage in important global discussions, and share my voice, lived experiences, and vision for the future.”
— Madison Wigwas, Youth Director, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)
“By bringing local Indigenous women's issues to the forefront of international Indigenous rights dialogues, we strengthen our ability to hold governments accountable. Indigenous women have a fundamental right to safety, and ONWA will continue to advocate at all levels until that right is fully realized. Every international commitment must lead to meaningful action in Indigenous communities.”
— Mandy Tait-Martens, Director of Community Services, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)
