ONWA at UNCSW69
- ONWA
- Mar 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 13
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the United Nations (UN) 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
Indigenous Women’s Joint Statement at the 69th Session of the Commission of the Status of Women
Read now:
Press Release
Indigenous Women Call of Recognition for Rights at 69th Session of UN Commission on the Status of Women
New York, NY – Indigenous women across continents and three organizations joined together at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women’s 69th Session (UNCSW69) to amplify their voices and call for dedicated space by and for Indigenous women within the United Nations system.
Parallel Event: Exploring the establishment of an International Indigenous Women's Forum
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:30AM to 12PM EST
Church Centre, 777 United Nations Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, USA
Indigenous women’s organizations from three nations provide their perspectives on the advancement of Indigenous women and girls through the establishment of an international Indigenous women’s forum. The Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL) - Aotearoa New Zealand, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) - Canada, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) – Australia, come together as sister organizations to share our respective thoughts on ways we can work together to mutually support each other across borders.
At the Conference - Day 1
“Indigenous women have always been the medicine needed to heal ourselves, our families, and our communities from persistent colonization. We honour the voices of Indigenous women leaders, including those that led the development of the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women nearly 30 years ago. We need action now—we cannot continue to wait for our safety to be ensured and our inherent leadership to be upheld.” - Ingrid Green, ONWA Interim Chief Executive Officer
ONWA was honoured to attend the Indigenous Women’s Coordination meeting led by Foro Internacional de Mujeres Indigenas. Meetings like these allow for us to collaborate with other organizations on an international level to advance the wellbeing of Indigenous women and girls at a local level.
The CSW69 Political Declaration was adopted this morning. It includes just 3 references to Indigenous Women. Indigenous Women need to be included. Excluding the experiences and voices of Indigenous Women is a propagation of paternalistic and systematically racist and sexist tactics that have long contributed to the silencing and marginalization of Indigenous Women.
Read The CSW69 Political Declaration: https://docs.un.org/en/E/CN.6/2025/NGO/194
Political Participation and Leadership of Indigenous Women
Ingrid Green was honoured to participate on the panel: Political Participation and Leadership of Indigenous Women – 30 Years After the Indigenous Women's Declaration hosted by Les Femmes Michif, Canada.
“If we are to achieve sustainable change, we must deconstruct the systems that perpetuate violence against Indigenous women and rebuild leadership rooted in our matriarchal ways of knowing and being. That includes having the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women recognized as part of the CSW formal process, and Indigenous Women meaningfully included.” - Ingrid Green, Interim CEO, Ontario Native Women's Association
Indigenous Women's Voices
Indigenous women’s voices are powerful, resilient, and unwavering. At #UNCSW69, leaders from across the world came together to demand action, recognition, and respect for Indigenous women’s rights.
“For me, this is deeply personal. My mother was not only a signatory of the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women but a strong advocate. She knew then, as we know now, that Indigenous women have always been leaders.” — Melanie Omeniho, President, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak
“We need to persist to do the right thing—to protect our women and to protect our girls.” — Dr. Hope Tupara, President, Māori Women’s Welfare League
“Indigenous women face a triple burden of discrimination—colonialism, sexism, and racism. These intersecting barriers continue to impact our governance, leadership, and rights.” — Rosemary Cooper, CEO, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
“We have acknowledged that we are not able to move forward if we are not able to heal. Healing is the foundation of our collective strength.” — Norma Don Juan Perez, Continental Link of Indigenous Women of the Americas
At the Conference - Day 2
Indigenous women leaders from the The Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL), Ontario Native Women's Association, and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) came together at the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to explore the establishment of an International Indigenous Women’s Forum. Together, we are building a global movement to support and uplift Indigenous women and girls both locally and across all borders.
“Gender equality requires dismantling the systems that harm Indigenous women and rebuilding leadership rooted in our voices, honour, and empowerment.” Jennifer Bolton Interim Director of Research and Evaluation (ONWA)
“We are here because we aren’t happy. We need the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to formally recognize colonization. We aren’t just participants. We are decision makers.” — Dr. Hope Tupara, President, Māori Women’s Welfare League
ONWA’s delegation attended "Driving Actionable Change and Strengthening Global Solidarity Among Indigenous Women," hosted by Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak at UNCSW69.
This vital discussion reflected on progress since 1995 and focused on:
✅ Strengthening the Beijing+30 agenda for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
✅ Showcasing Indigenous women's leadership in gender equality and systemic change
✅ Exchanging best practices to implement the Indigenous Women’s Declaration
Together, we are building a future where Indigenous women lead global change.
“A threat to Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people anywhere is a threat to women, girls, and gender diverse people everywhere.” — Marissa Moar, 2 Spirits In Motion Society (2SiMS) At #UNCSW69, we reaffirmed that the fight for Indigenous rights is a fight for global gender equality. Together, we must continue to uplift and protect our communities.
“A threat to Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people anywhere is a threat to women, girls, and gender diverse people everywhere.” — Marissa Moar, 2 Spirits In Motion Society (2SiMS) At UNCSW69, we reaffirmed that the fight for Indigenous rights is a fight for global gender equality. Together, we must continue to uplift and protect our communities.
At the Conference - Day 3
Canada’s Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – A Critical Discussion
"We can’t solve any of the inequality across the key areas [of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action] without looking at them together." – Jackie Neapole, Executive Director, CRIAW
Systemic inequality requires systemic solutions. We must address all intersecting barriers to achieve real gender equity.
Gender-Based Violence in Canada – The Alarming Reality "We used to say we see a woman killed every week… this is now every 4 to 5 days. We aren’t seeing accountability, we aren’t seeing a plan… We lack consistency in consultation and continue to see inequitable access to services." – Robyn Hoogendam, Women’s Shelters Canada
We need urgent action to end gender-based violence. Survivors deserve better.
Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health is a Right, Not a Privilege
"The biggest issue remains access. If you live in northern British Columbia or Toronto, your ability to access Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights will vary." – Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
Equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare is essential for gender equality. No one should be left behind.
"Ensure that government sees Indigenous women’s solutions and leadership as necessary to systems change work. Encourage government partners to proactively engage with us from the onset to ensure meaningful engagement and co-development." - Ingrid Green, Interim CEO, Ontario Native Women's Association
ONWA continues to advocate for the recognition of Indigenous women’s leadership at all levels. True reconciliation requires partnership.
At the Conference - Day 4
Today kicked off with Marci Ien, Canadian Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, addressing organizations at the Permanent Mission to Canada at the United Nations in New York City.
She reminded us of the power of empathy in leadership, stating: “Leading with empathy is always the way to go.”
As discussions continue, we remain committed to ensuring that Indigenous women’s voices, leadership, and priorities are at the forefront of global decision-making.
ONWA attended the High-Level Interactive Dialogue: Accelerating Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action at CSW69.
Ambassador Bob Rae delivered a critical message on the urgent need to protect gender equality progress, stating:
➡️ “We need to get focused on action and response.”
➡️ “We have come such a long way in making advances, and we must not lose them.”
➡️ “Women’s voices must be a critical part of the conversation.”
The UN’s liquidity crisis threatens essential funding for women’s rights globally. Indigenous women’s voices, leadership, and priorities cannot be overlooked. We must act now to ensure that the hard-fought gains in gender equality, justice, and Indigenous rights are not lost.
Women’s rights are not optional—they are fundamental. We call on global leaders to protect and sustain funding for the work that safeguards and advances gender equality.
"With the growing anti-feminist and anti-women’s rights movements and fronts with multilateralism […] we wish to reiterate that any changes to the Commission on the Status of Women must be made with the determination to strengthen it rather than reduce its budget and impact." – Jackie Neapole, CRIAW, speaking on behalf of the Canadian Beijing+30 Network
At #CSW69, ONWA and our partners in the Canadian Beijing+30 Network are standing firm: gender equality cannot be compromised.
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