ONWA Releases Latest She Is Wise Magazine with Focus on how Indigenous Women are Addressing Barriers to Housing

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to honour National Indigenous People’s Day and the power of spirit on this Summer Solstice with the release of the latest edition of She Is Wise magazine.

This timely fourteenth edition centers the safety of Indigenous women and families against the backdrop of a housing crisis that has disproportionately affected Indigenous peoples since contact. As colonial governance and barriers continue to marginalize Indigenous peoples, we are shining light on the incredible work being done by Indigenous women to support and create the safety needed for generations to come.

Every year, Indigenous History Month amplifies an opportunity to share important facets of life for Indigenous Peoples while opening minds and hearts to the harsh realities that Indigenous women face every day. Housing is but one issue of many: but the home is where everything begins and provides necessary fire for our daily lives. Like the arms of our mothers, aunties, sisters, and grandmothers, home offers refuge, comfort, opportunity and safety.

This Summer Solstice welcomes us to the changing seasons, enveloped in the warmth of Mino Giizis, the powwow trail, and the beauty of Indigenous culture all around us. Each year, we release She Is Wise magazine on this important day, returning focus to the needs of Indigenous women and their families, communities, and nations.

The cover story for this issue, “Culture is the Core,” spotlights the groundbreaking work of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) who are creating the safety needed for Inuit women in Ottawa with construction of their upcoming Inuit Violence Against Women (VAW) shelter. Indigenous women, such as co-chair of the OAC Mikki Adams, are proving with action how community partnership and conversation build safety for Indigenous women as they make this first-of-its-kind shelter in Canada a reality. The shelter is the result of the OAC’s commitment to creating a safe space that meets the specific needs of Inuit women and their children who are facing violence: one that recognizes culture as central to safety, healing, and home.

Join us as we navigate some of the critical issues of Indigenous housing through nine stories of resilience, advocacy, and community-driven solutions. Featuring perspectives from Indigenous women leaders, housing advocates, and our relations in Aotearoa. This issue emphasizes the powerful work being done by Indigenous women to create culturally grounded shelters and address housing inequities in northern communities. It also explores the impacts of climate change on infrastructure and the growing need for safe, affordable housing for Indigenous women, children, and youth.

“This edition of She Is Wise magazine highlights the strength of Indigenous women as they continue to build the future literally from the ground up. Using their voice and determination to change the narrative by tearing down colonial barriers and narratives while constructing a better future for their children and communities.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette CEO ONWA

To read more about this remarkable work, please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/she-is-wise-magazine

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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