ONWA Celebrates the Life and Contributions of Elder Elize Hartley

Thunder Bay ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences to the family of Elize Hartley, “Listening Fox Woman.” Ms. Hartley, a proud Red River Métis, touched countless lives in her commitment to cultural preservation and the well-being of her people. Family, friends and community celebrate her passion, strength, and resiliency as she travels to the spirit world.

Elize Hartley was a long-time member of the Ontario Native Women’s Association. She was a founding member of the Métis Women’s Circle located in Hamilton, ON. Her work focused on working in community to ensure that Metis and Indigenous women had access to much needed programs and services. She was very passionate about ensuring the history of the Métis people and Métis ways of knowing were shared throughout the community. As an author and storyteller, Elize knew the importance of knowing who you were and where you came from. Her gift was ensuring that others knew this as well.

“Elize embodied Indigenous women’s leadership. Her accomplishments were many. A member of the ONWA Board of Directors, Elize also served on the ONWA Grandmother Council and was the representative for the southern region for many years. She served as a leader who selflessly contributed to the richness of the lives of Indigenous women across the country. Her life promoted and celebrated Métis culture, helping new generations on the path to rediscovering their identities and for this we are forever thankful,” stated ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette.

ONWA Board President Dawn Lavell-Harvard remembers, “She was not just a role model she was an inspiration. She always had the highest of expectations for all of us and she never gave up on making sure we achieved our dreams.”

It is the beauty and context of lives well lived and world’s changed by the passion and strength of women like Elder Hartley that we hold dearly at times like this.

For More Information:

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

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