
Search Results
477 results found with an empty search
Blog Posts (357)
- ONWA Introduces Cultural Safety Training to Address Systemic Barriers in Healthcare
Thunder Bay, ON – Today, we recognize World Health Day, a Global Day of Action dedicated to advancing health equity and ensuring access to safe and culturally appropriate care for all. At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we know that the health and safety of Indigenous women, families, and communities are impacted by the systems that care for them. Too often, Indigenous women continue to face barriers, discrimination, and unsafe experiences when accessing care. This must change. That is why we are proud to introduce Indigenous Cultural Safety Training for Health Care Providers – grounded in lived experience, Indigenous knowledge, and a commitment to accountability and systemic change. This training bundle consists of knowledge, tools, and resources aimed to improving and equitizing healthcare delivery for Indigenous women and their families. This free training supports organizations, service providers, and communities to: Address racism and discrimination in the healthcare system Apply a gender-based lens and Two-Eyed seeing approach Amplify Indigenous women's voices, healthcare needs, stories, and experiences Our commitment is clear: Indigenous women deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported in every space where care is provided. We invite you to be part of this work. 📍 Connect with our team to learn more or book training in your community or organization 🔗 Learn more and register here: https://www.onwa.ca/truth Together, we can move beyond awareness and toward action—ensuring Indigenous women’s health, safety, and dignity are upheld every day. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-
- Water as Our Bloodline: Indigenous Women Upholding Sacred Responsibility
Thunder Bay, ON – On World Water Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes that protecting water and advancing gender equality are deeply interconnected. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate impacts from water insecurity. “Think about how that water sits on the Earth, our Mother, as her bloodline. I think about the water that lives within us and I think about the water that flows through when we have our children, that river of life - and how we always need to make sure we take good care of our sacred gifts. Our children, and to speak to them kindly, to love them, to nurture them just as we do with the water.” – Audrey Deroy, Knowledge Keeper, ONWA Cultural Program Manager For generations, Indigenous women have stood at the forefront of protecting the water and Mother Earth by taking up their sacred roles as water carriers and land defenders. ONWA recognizes and honours our members and all Indigenous women who work tirelessly to protect the waterways on their traditional lands, often at their own risk. We ask you to pause and take a few minutes to watch and listen to Audrey Deroy, ONWA’s Cultural Program Manager, as she shares her reflections on World Water Day. Watch here: https://youtu.be/r-zoEsgwxhg For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: ONWA Stands with Indigenous Women
Thunder Bay, ON – On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, ONWA stands with Indigenous women, families, and all communities impacted by racism and systemic discrimination. Our recent work at the 145th United Nation (UN) Human Rights Committee reaffirmed a clear message: Indigenous women have inherent rights, and Canada must commit to working with us to ensure that our human rights are upheld. ONWA calls attention to the ongoing racism and discrimination Indigenous women face across all systems we interact with. Our experiences must be understood through the intersecting impacts of racism, sexism, and discrimination we face as both women and as Indigenous Peoples. Canada now has the opportunity to end discrimination against First Nations women and their descendants in the Indian Act by accepting the Senate’s amendments to Bill S-2 to end the second-generation cut-off. Join us in signing the petition calling on Parliament to adopt Bill S-2 with the Senate’s amendments: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7200 To read more about ONWA’s participation in the UN Human Rights Commission’s review of Canada, visit: https://www.onwa.ca/post/un-ccpr-2026 For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-
Other Pages (120)
- Indigenous Women's Services | Ontario Native Women's Association
Ontario Native Women's Association - Empowering indigenous women throughout Ontario to be leaders in their homes and in their communities Find out what programs, events and promotions ONWA is currently running. CLICK HERE Program Calendar Learn about the programs and supports that ONWA offers. Programs & Services CLICK HERE Want to work with ONWA? Visit Career Opportunities to see what job we are currently hiring for. Join Our Team CLICK HERE Looking for cultural teachings? Want to learn more about critical issues? Read ONWA reports? CLICK HERE Learning & Resources Centralized Intake Do you need access to immediate supports and brief services across the province of Ontario? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA What's Happening NEWS & PRESS RELEASES READ MORE News Follow Us On Social Media Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Mindimooyenh Line Mindimooyenh Health Clinic WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE OR FLU SHOT? Open to everyone who is Indigenous, lives in an Indigenous household, or work in an Indigenous community Clinic is locat ed in Thunder Bay at 380 Ray Boulevard (parking off of Dalton Ave.) Need help finding a COVID-19 clinic in your area? Contact the Mindimooyenh Registration Line! Call 807-697-1753 to b ook an appointment now or drop-in during clinic hours! OPEN: Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM EST (closed through the lunch hour 12:00-1:00PM EST) If you have any questions or concerns: Email: vaccine@onwa.ca LEARN MORE She Is Wise Magazine An empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and on-line. The She Is Wise magazine is a platform that actively supports ONWA’s on-going work celebrating Indigenous women’s accomplishments and successes and tireless commitment to end racism and violence. The magazine framework centres on Indigenous women’s leadership. It honours collective wisdom by reclaiming that which colonization had targeted, our inherent knowledge as leaders in our families and communities. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL VERSION SUBSCRIBE TO PRINT VERSION CHECK OUT THE MAGAZINE Magazine Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages. GO TO WEBSITE Talk4Healing Top Mindimooyenh Line Magazine Talk4Healing News Programs & Services 6 Follow Us On Social
- MoccWalk
General Rules & Regulations MOCC WALK General Rules & Regulations MOCC WALK General Rules and Regulations - "Mocc Walk" These are the official contest rules and regulations for the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) "Mocc Walk" Contest. Entry in “the contest” constitutes acceptance of these rules and regulations (the “contest rules and regulations”), and entrants are bound by these contest rules and regulations. Contest Name: Mocc Walk Contest Period: Beginning 7:00 AM EST May 1st, 2024, and ending 11:59 PM EST June 30th, 2024. Overview: The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative intended to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Participants are encouraged to get active and record the number of minutes spent exercising/walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning prizes. Definitions For the purpose of these official contest rules and regulations the following terms/definitions apply: ONWA: Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Contest Qualifying Period: The 24-hour period from 12:01AM ET on one day to 11:59 PM the following day during the contest period. Contest Prizing: A draw(s) for the number of prizes during the contest period. Qualified Entrant: A resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. Individuals who are ineligible include employees of the (ONWA), all sponsors related to “the contest”, their dealers, subsidiaries, agents and affiliates and their respective advertising agencies, members of such employees’ immediate families, same household members. For the purposes of all contests, immediate family is defined as mother, father, in-laws, grandmother, grandfather, brother or spouse, sister or spouse, children, and grandchildren. Qualified Entry: Entry ballots are generated when a Qualified Entrant enters the contest in accordance with these Contest rules and regulations. How to Enter 1. There is one (1) way to enter the Mocc Walk 2. Beginning 12:01 AM EST on May 1 up to and including 11:59 PM EST on June 30, qualified entrants can visit www.onwa.ca directly or via a link provided in the advertising, and complete an online registration. 3. As part of registration participants must agree that ONWA has the right to use and publish submitted stories/descriptions, photos, videos, names for the purpose storytelling, sharing and honouring, via social media platforms and website (onwa.ca). Weekly Challenge 1. To qualify to be entered into the Weekly Challenges, participants must first be entered into the Mocc Walk. Once a participant has registered for the Mocc Walk, they can join the Weekly Challenges that take place every week during the course of the Mocc Walk promotional period (May 1 to June 30). 2. Weekly Challenges will be posted every week at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk and on ONWA's social media. 3. Submissions for the ongoing challenge should be submitted using the Time Log form available at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk Classroom Challenge To be eligible for this challenge you must be: - Be a teacher entering on behalf of your class - Be located in the province of Ontario, Canada Teacher of the class will contact sanderson@onwa.ca to enter Participants of the Classroom Challenge are still eligible for individual participation in the Mocc Walk. Smoking Cessation Challenge 1. To qualify to be entered into the Smoking Cessation Challenge, participants must first be entered into the Mocc Walk. 2. Submissions for the challenge should be submitted using the Time Log form available at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk Winners, Draw(s), Draw Date(s), Prizes: Winners Announcements and Eligibility Winners of draws will be notified via ONWA's social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn), www.onwa.ca , and through an email to the email address submitted during registration. Every attempt will be made to contact winners. In the event the winner cannot be contacted, a message will be left, and/or an email notifying a winner will be completed. Winners of the "Weekly Challenge" draws, "Smoking Cessation" draw, and the "Classroom Challenge" draw are still eligible for the "Final Participation" draw and the "Grand Prize" draw. Employees of the ONWA and their households are only eligible for the Employee contest, which will be communicated internally through ONWA. NOTE: No cash options are available for any of these draws. Grand Prize Draw This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30, 2024. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Time Log form entry. All participants of the Mocc Walk will be entered into a two (2) random draw to win one (1) of the two (2) prizes. The two (2) Grand Prizes are as follows: Draw #1 - Handmade Moccasins Draw #2 - $500.00 Sport Chek gift card Participation Draws This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30, 2024. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Time Log form entry. All participants of the Mocc Walk will be sorted into their Direction (East, South, West, and North) based off of the ONWA Ontario Direction Map and the Mailing Address the participant provided in their Registration. There will be three (3) random draws to win one of the three (3) prizes for each Direction (East, South, West, and North), for a total of twelve (12) prizes total. The twelve (12) Participate Draws will take place as follows: North Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle South Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle East Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle West Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle Weekly Challenges Draws These draws will take place every week during the course of the Mocc Walk promotional period (May 1 to June 30). These draws are part of the optional Weekly Challenges available for participants. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at the Time Log form entry for the associated week within the time span of that week. Every Mocc Walk week (listed below) there will be two (2) random draws for a total of eighteen (18) individual prizes over the course of the full promotion. Every Weekly Challenge will have two (2) prizes as follows: ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler Draw dates: Week 1: May 1 to May 5 Week 2: May 6 to May 12 Week 3: May 13 to May 19 Week 4: May 20 to May 26 Week 5: May 27 to June 2 Week 6: June 3 to June 9 Week 7: June 10 to June 16 Week 8: June 17 to June 23 Week 9: June 24 to June 30 Smoking Cessation Draw This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Smoking Cessation Journal entry using the Time Log form. All participants of the Mocc Walk who submitted a "Smoking Cessation Journal Entry" will be entered in a random draw to win one (1) of three (3) prizes. The three (3) Smoking Cessation prizes are as follows: Draw #1 - Wellness Package Draw #2 - ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler Draw #3 - BPSO Yeti Tumbler Classroom Challenge Draw This challenge runs from May 1 - May 26. This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. This draw will take place on May 26. All classes participating in the Mocc Walk Classroom Challenge will be entered into a random draw to win one (1) cultural craft / activity for the winning classroom, provided by ONWA. The age and preference of the winning class will determine the cultural craft / activity. Winning class will be consulted once the draw has taken place. The one (1) Classroom Challenge Prize will be one (1) of the following options, depending on the age of the winning class: - A double ball set with teachings - Making your own double ball ONWA Employee Draw This draw is for employees of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and their households, and will be communicated internally. This draw will be conducted separately from the other Mocc Walk draws, and will not impact other draws. General Rules and Regulations 1. By participation in “the contest”, entrants agree to release/indemnify/hold harmless Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 2. By participating in the "consent" you agree to allow ONWA to use stories/descriptions/photos/video submissions on social media channels for the purpose of storytelling, sharing and honouring Indigenous women and families. 3. ONWA acknowledges that “the contest” is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 4. No purchase is necessary to participate in “the contest”. 5. All winners must answer a skill testing question before any prize is awarded. 6. There is no maximum of the number of entries per person per promotional period. 7. Personal information collected from contest entrants will be used solely by ONWA for the purpose of administering “the contest”. By participating in “the contest”, each entrant consents to collection, use and disclosure of personal information for these purposes. 8. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, and are non-transferable, nor do awarded prizes have cash value. 9. Prizing will be mailed to contest winners according to mailing instructions completed in the online ballot (see R&R 2). 10. To claim a prize, you a resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. 11. ONWA is not responsible for complications that take place with email servers, telephone lines and/or computer delivery. 12. ONWA is not responsible for misdirected entries. 13. In the case of an email entry, if the identity of an entrant is in disputed, the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry will be deemed to be the entrant. The individual assigned to the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address is considered the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the selected entry. 14. All entries must be submitted from a valid e-mail account that may be identified by reverse domain name search. The sole determinant of time for the purposes of receipt of a valid entry in this contest server machine(s). 15. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, ONWA reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. 16. ONWA reserves the right to deny a contest entrant a contest prize in the event a contest entrant fails to meet any of the above conditions. 17. ONWA reserves the right to amend these official contest rules and regulations at any time. Should amendments occur, ONWA will take action to communicate new rules within 48 hours of amendments to the official contest rules and regulations. 18. All entries acquired through entry into “the contest” become property of ONWA and shall in no case be returned to the contest entrant. 19. Subject to applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws, these rules govern all aspects of this official contest rules and regulations and are binding. 20. If “the contest” is cancelled for any reason, “the contest” will end with no compensation offered to existing qualified entrants or contest prize winners. ONWA is not liable for delays or cancellation of “the contest”. 21. ONWA reserves the right to cancel “the contest” or disqualify a participant due to fraud, technical failures, or human errors, the contest cannot be held as originally planned by the station and associated sponsors. Any person entering the contest in such a way that it will corrupt the fair and honest conduct of the contest or could interfere with any other contestant’s chances of participating or winning, will be disqualified. 22. All prizes will be mailed within 30 days of winning.
- Mocc Walk | ONWA
MOCC WALK GET ACTIVE - GET FIT - HAVE FUN REGISTER SUBMIT TIME LOG SUBMIT WEEKLY ENTRY What is the Mocc Walk? The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Whether it is exercising in your living room or walking around the block, participants are encouraged to get active and record the number of minutes spent exercising/walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning some cool prizes ! How to Participate STEPS TO SUCCESS 1) REGISTER Complete Registration Form to join. 2) EXERCISE Exercise and keep track of how many minutes. 3) SUBMIT MINUTES Submit a weekly Time Log with the amount of minute you spent exercising. 4) PARTICIPATE Join Optional Challenges for a better chance of winning. Other Ways to Participate ABOUT OPTIONAL CHALLENGES Weekly Challenges Smoking Cessation Challenge Classroom Challenge Weekly Challenges Every week during the course of the Mocc Walk, there are optional Weekly Challenges available for participants. These are meant to help encourage you to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun” and keep you engaged in the Mocc Walk. They also offer the chance to win additional prizes in the weekly draws. What are this year's challenges? Check the Weekly Challenge listed below . Also, be sure to follow ONWA on social media to keep up-to-date with the Weekly Challenges. Where do I submit my entries? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter you Weekly Challenge submission. There are 8 weeks and 8 chances to win! Resource: Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker Smoking Cessation Challenge Are you looking to reduce the impact of smoking in your life? Submit a journal entry reflecting on how you are reclaiming your health by reducing smoking. Complete this challenge by the end of the Mocc Walk to be entered into the Smoking Cessation Prize Draw . Where do I submit my entry? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter your submission. Prize drawn at the end of the promotion. Resource: Mocc Walk Smoking Cessation Journal Pages In partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Indigenous Cohort Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) on Promoting Smoking Reduction and Cessation with Indigenous Peoples of Reproductive Age and their Communities. Classroom Challenge Are you a teacher looking to encourage youth exercise and diabetes awareness in your classroom? Every week gather and submit your class' combined exercise minutes to be entered into the Classroom Challenge Prize Draw . Prize drawn at the end of May. The Classroom Challenge runs from May 1 - May 29 . This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. Contact MOCCWalk@onwa.ca to enter. Resource: Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker Prizes THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO WIN 1) Grand Prize Draw 2) Participation Draw 3) Weekly Challenge Draws 4) Smoking Cessation Challenge Draw 5) Classroom Challenge Draw 1) Grand Prize Draw At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participants who have registered and submitted at least one Time Log will be entered into a draw for the Grand Prize. Grand Prize: $200.00 Manitibah Muklucks Gift Card + $300.00 Sport Chek Gift Card 2) Participation Draw At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participants from each Direction (East, South, West, and North) who have registered and submitted at least one Time Log will be entered into a draw with to win one of the 3 prizes . Each Direction (4) will have a draw for the 3 prizes, for a total of 12 prizes total. Prizes: Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch Fitness Bundle (YETI 1.36L water bottle, Goodrs sunglasses, Ciele hat, lip chap and sun screen) Hydration Vest and $50.00 Sport Chek Gift Card 3) Weekly Challenge Draw OPTIONAL Every week during the Mocc Walk participate in the Weekly Challenge by submitting an entry using the Time Log form. At the end of each week, 2 winners will be drawn from participants of that week's challenge . Prize: 36 oz. YETI Water bottle 4) Smoking Cessation Draw OPTIONAL At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participates who submitted a Smoking Cessation Journal entry using the Time Log form will be entered into a draw for one of 3 prizes . Prizes: Self-Care Bundle Beading Bundle Art Therapy Bundle 5) Classroom Challenge Draw OPTIONAL At the end of the May , all classes who participated will be entered into a draw for an (1) additional prize. Prize: (Prize will be a cultural activity delivered by ONWA, details depending on the age of the winning class.) 2026 Mocc Walkers (NUMBERS UPDATED WEEKLY ON MONDAYS) - PEOPLE ACROSS ONTARIO - MINUTES SPENT EXERCISING 2026 Weekly Challenges Week 1 (May 1-10) Week 2 (May 11-17) Week 3 (May 18-24) Week 4 (May 25-31) Week 5 (June 1-7) Week 6 (June 8-14) Week 7 (June 15-21) Week 8 (June 22-30) Week 1 (May 1 - 10) Reason to Participate Welcome to Mocc Walk 2026! As the ice melts and the waters begin to flow, Mother Earth shows us how to take care of ourselves and one another. This change of season brings new life, the buds are growing on the trees, and the fish are spawning. Now is a good time to set your intentions for the new season. Let us know why you are participating in the Mocc Walk for this week’s challenge! Week 2 (May 11 - 17) Honouring Our Women Take some time this week to appreciate the women in your life, whether it’s a daughter, sister, mother, auntie, or grandmother. Make space to connect and share meaningful moments together. Go for a walk, move your bodies, and enjoy each other’s company. These small moments of connection can mean so much. For this week’s challenge let us know how you spent your time together, or feel free to share a photo of you and the women in your life . Week 3 (May 18 - 24) Full Moon Reflections May is known as the Flowering or Sucker Moon, a time of growth, healing, and renewal. It reminds us that this is a season for cleansing, reflection, and replenishing our spirit, a chance to begin again. Take some time this week to step outside and connect with the land or water. Breathe it in, slow down, and be present with the natural world around you. We invite you to share a photo or a journal entry about what this month means to you . Week 4 (May 25 - 31) 150 Minutes of Movement Putting in the work to build a strong, healthy body helps us do the things we love now and into the future. Diabetes Canada recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, along with resistance training 2–3 times weekly. This can include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups. Challenge yourself this week to reach 150 minutes of movement and let us know how you did for this week’s challenge. Week 5 (June 1 - 7) Strawberry Strong June brings the Strawberry Moon, a time that represents growth and reminds us of the importance of building strong relationships with all of Creation. According to Diabetes Canada, strawberries and other berries, are low on the glycemic index, making them a great choice for supporting overall health. They can help manage blood sugar, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. For this week’s challenge, take a moment to reflect on what the Strawberry Moon means to you . Week 6 (June 8 - 14) Water is Life Our bodies are made up of mostly water, and staying hydrated is essential for our overall health and well-being. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, boosts energy, and keeps our minds clear and focused. This week, take a step toward caring for yourself by making water your drink of choice. Carry a water bottle, sip throughout the day, and notice how your body feels when it’s properly nourished. This week, challenge yourself to choose water more often and make hydration a daily habit . Week 7 (June 15 - 21) Stay Active Staying active doesn’t always have to mean structured workouts, sometimes it looks like laughter, connection, and playing traditional games. Traditional games are a powerful way to move our bodies while honoring culture, building community, and passing knowledge between generations. They remind us that physical activity can be joyful, meaningful, and rooted in who we are. This week, take time to get outside, gather with family or friends, and play a traditional game. Whether it’s running, throwing, or teamwork, every movement helps build strength, balance, and connection. Share how you stayed active and which traditional game or activity you participated in this week . Week 8 (June 22 - 30) Mocc Walk Commitment Our moccasins remind us to walk the good life with respect, gentleness, and kindness toward ourselves and others. As we finish the Mocc Walk, let’s carry this intention forward. Keep moving, stay active, and honor your body throughout the year. Let us know how you will continue to stay active . 2026 Resources Exercise Tracker DOWNLOAD & PRINT Smoking Cessastion Journal DOWNLOAD & PRINT Frequently Asked Questions What is the Mocc Walk? The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative that calls on Indigenous women and their families to get active, get fit, and have fun while promoting a healthy lifestyle and diabetes awareness. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Whether it is exercising in your living room or walking around the block, participants are encouraged to walk/exercise and record the number of minutes spent walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning some cool prizes! How long is the Mocc Walk? Begins: 12:01 AM EST on Sunday, May 1st Ends: 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, June 30th Exception: The Classroom Challenge contest period is shorter. It runs from May 1 - May 29. This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. “I registered for the Mocc Walk but I did it late, am I still registered?” Yes – There is no registration deadline, you can join and participate starting at any point during the Mocc Walk. Where is the Mocc Walk? All across Ontario – anywhere you can walk or exercise. Who can participate? All residents of Ontario - everyone! Elders, adults, youth and children! Can I still enter the Mocc Walk individually if I am participating in the Classroom Challenge? Yes - please do! Participants taking part in the Classroom Challenge are still eligible for individual participation in the Mocc Walk. Can I participate as a part of a team? At this time, we are only accepting individual registrations. However, we encourage you to make your own teams/groups and challenge each other. Encourage your family and friends to join you in getting active. What are the types of registrants? You can enter as one of three types of registrants: Community Member ONWA Membership (Chapters and Councils) ONWA Employee - Please note: This draw is for employees of ONWA and their households, and will be communicated internally. It is conducted separately from the other Mocc Walk draws, and will not impact your chance of winning. Why should I participate? Get Active ∙ Get Fit ∙ Have Fun Help raise awareness about diabetes - a key public health concern for Indigenous people Chance to win cool prizes How do I participate? Register Walk/exercise, keep track of how many minutes Submit minutes to ONWA every week, using our online Time Log form Participate in Optional Challenges for more chances to win prizes Submit to ONWA before 11:59 PM EST on June 30 Do I have to walk to participate? No, any type of exercise will do – garden or rake outside, watch and follow along a YouTube exercise video, walk up and down stairs, jump rope, etc. You can exercise standing up, sitting down, as long you are exercising! Be creative! When should I log my exercise time? Once a week – Friday’s are a great time to log your time ! TIP: Having trouble keeping track of your time? We have created a Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker to help! How do I win prizes? Register and submit at least one Time Log to be entered into a draw for the Grand Prizes and Participation Prizes at the end of the promotion. Participate in Weekly Challenges to be entered into weekly draw. Participate in Smoking Cessation Challenge to be entered into a draw at the end of the promotion. Participate in Classroom Challenge to be entered into a draw at the end of the promotion. Be sure to track and submit minutes to qualify! What are the prizes? Prize details can be found above . Where do I submit my Weekly Challenge/Smoking Cessation Challenge entry? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter you Weekly Challenge submission. What are the Rules and Regulations of this promotion? Click to read the full Rules & Regulations for this promotion. Please be aware that by participating in this promotion you agree to follow the Rules & Regulations outlined for this promotion. Have more questions? Contact the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Indigenous Diabetes Education & Awareness Program Toll Free: 1-800-667-0816 Email: moccwalk@onwa.ca Top Submissions What is Mocc Walk How to Participate Ways to Participate Prizes Mocc Walkers Weekly Challenges Resources FAQ



