ONWA Calls for Stronger Implementation of UNDRIP at UN EMRIP19

Geneva, Switzerland – 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). EMRIP provides the United Nations with advice on the 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). As we approach the 20th anniversary of UNDRIP in 2027, we recognize the importance of advancing the rights, dignity, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples around the world. 

ONWA is committed to raising awareness of Indigenous women’s priorities, rights, and solutions.  Attending EMRIP is a key opportunity to ensure that Indigenous women’s voices are included in international human rights recommendations.

“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 to stronger accountability at home.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA.

The 19th EMRIP Session will include discussions on the Indigenous languages, Artificial Intelligence, and implementation of UNDRIP. Participating in discussions at EMRIP provides ONWA with an important opportunity to raise concerns and advance recommendations grounded in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and the voices of Indigenous women and youth. ONWA’s delegation includes two ONWA Youth Council Board Members, who are taking up their inherent leadership roles in speaking out on the rights of Indigenous women, youth and families on an international stage.

“Indigenous youth belong in international spaces where decisions about our rights are being discussed. As a youth leader from the Mohawk community of Six Nations of the Grand River, attending EMRIP is about direct advocacy for my community. That advocacy doesn’t stop when I leave Geneva – it comes home with me. The knowledge, relationships and accountability built at EMRIP strengthens my work at home. This is about ensuring governments aren’t just making commitments on the international stage but that they are taking meaningful action back home.” — Sophia Carnovale, Vice President & Youth Director, ONWA

ONWA will also host a Side Event (workshop) called Moving Indigenous Women’s Stories to Advocacy and Action to Hold States Accountable. This session will provide an opportunity for Indigenous women leaders to share examples of Indigenous women’s advocacy an action in holding governments accountable for Indigenous women’s rights and safety.

Follow ONWA’s journey at EMRIP here: https://www.onwa.ca/emrip19 

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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