top of page
Search

ONWA at CCPR145

  • ONWA
  • Feb 27
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 4

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the CCPR145 from February 28 - March 4, 2026, in Ottawa.


Highlights

Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):




ONWA Amplifying the Rights of Indigenous Women at the 145th UN Human Rights Committee

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the 145th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee at Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland from March 2 – 4, 2026. The UN Human Rights Committee monitors Canada’s and other governments’ implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – a legally binding treaty that protects human rights. At this session, Canada will be undergoing its seventh review. This is an important opportunity for ONWA to hold the Canadian government accountable to upholding Indigenous women’s inherent rights and to ensure that Indigenous women’s voices and perspectives are heard and included in the review process.




At the Conference - Day 1

Monday, March 2, 2026



Today, ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, gave an oral statement to the UN Human Rights Committee as they review Canada’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 


“We need Canada to pick up its responsibilities and act on the recommendations it has been receiving from Indigenous women and this Committee for more than 50 years.” 




ONWA joined other Indigenous organizations and Canadian civil society organizations and met with members of the UN Human Rights Committee to answer qustisons about Canada’s human rights progress. ONWA urged the Committee to continue to hold Canada accountable for its obligations to Indigenous women under the ICCPR.


"Indigenous women have taken up their responsibilities and have both collective and individual rights. Our Shadow Report provides additional information to clarify Indigenous women’s true lived realities as well as clear recommendations for change. We need Canada to pick up its responsibilities and act on the recommendations it has been receiving from Indigenous women and this Committee for more than 50 years." Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO


"Canada often presents itself internationally as a human-rights champion, but within our country there are persistent weaknesses in our mechanisms for human-rights implementation that undermine the protection of all rights, including civil and political right. [...]The truth is that governments in Canada are treating human rights as aspirations, not obligations." Stephanie Mikki Adams, ONWA Board Member



At the Conference - Day 2

Tuesday, March 3, 2026



“It is essential for Indigenous women to be present at Canada’s CCPR review. We are urging the Canadian government to respectfully commit to comprehensive, rights-based approaches developed in true partnership with Indigenous women. Our place at human rights and decision-making tables is essential.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO




Today, ONWA is attending Day 1 of the UN Human Rights Committee’s review of Canada for its progress in implementing its human rights obligations.


Watch the 145th session of the Human Rights Committee and Canada’s review: http://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/.../2/atp-safelinks.html




“Indigenous women continue to provide recommendations - it’s time for Canada to recognize its responsibilities. Indigenous women continue to experience unsafety, and the rights of Indigenous women continue to be undermined. It’s time to act - Indigenous women's voices and experiences must be heard and met with action.” Mandy Tait-Martens, ONWA Director of Community Services



At the Conference - Day 3

Wednesday, March 4, 2026



Members of the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group [(Shelagh Day (FAFIA), Rachel Singleton-Polster (FAFIA), Zoe Craig-Sparrow (Justice for Girls), Sharon McIvor (FAFIA), Mikki Adams (ONWA), Cora McGuire-Cyrette (ONWA), Heather Cameron (ONWA), and Mandy Tait-Martens ONWA)] participated in the UN Human Rights Committee's 145th session calling for Canada to immediately and fully eliminate all remaining sex discrimination within the Indian Act.


Sign the petition to end sex discrimination in the Indian Act: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7200

bottom of page