Search Results

Thunder Bay, ON  – This Mother’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours the sacred roles of Indigenous mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and caregivers. Across generations, their love has nurtured families, carried cultural knowledge, and sustained the deep-rooted strength of community. Motherhood is a sacred gift. Mothers are some of our first teachers; through them teachings are passed down, stories are remembered, and the heartbeat of our Nations continues. Whether through birth, caregiving, or chosen family, Indigenous women carry the strength of generations and embody resilience, compassion, and unconditional love. At ONWA, we hold space for all those who mother — those walking with us today, those we remember with love, and those whose guidance lives on in our hearts. Mother’s Day is a time to pause and reflect on the warmth of shared memories, the laughter held in kitchens and living rooms, and the quiet strength that holds families together. Today is a time to honour the unspoken sacrifices, the healing presence, and the cultural wisdom of Indigenous mothers.   For more information and media inquiries, contact:  Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Collaborative data project seeks to enhance understanding of MMIWG2S+ crisis, strengthen advocacy and highlight lack of action from Canada since the National Inquiry May 5, 2025 (Unceded Anishinabe Territory | Ottawa) — Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and 2 Spirits in Motion Society (2SiMS) announced a collaborative, Indigenous-led data project focused on Missing and Murdered First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender-diverse Peoples today. “Despite the clear path laid out by the National Inquiry, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender-diverse Peoples are still dehumanized, devalued and targeted,” says Pauktuutit President and CEO Nikki Komaksiutiksak. “This project will strengthen ongoing advocacy eff orts and pressure the Government of Canada to implement all 231 Calls for Justice identifi ed by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.” This project is intended to bring in additional Indigenous-led organizations that can assist in data collection on Missing and Murdered First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender-diverse Peoples, which will be used to raise awareness and lead to the creation of a national database — strengthening advocacy, driving social progress and changing policy. “Police forces, child welfare systems and social services lack an understanding of their role in systemic violence, resulting in unreliable and inaccurate MMIWG2S+ data,” says LFMO Director of MMIWG2S Initiatives Kristen Gilchrist-Salles. “We must put an end to the violent systems shaping this crisis — the data we collect will help us accomplish this.” “The data will help support advocacy eff orts on the ground and at the highest levels of government,” says 2SiMS National Research Coordinator Imriel Bissnette. “Today, on Red Dress Day, we ask everyone across the country to come together, hold governments accountable and put an end to the genocide of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender-diverse Peoples.” "This partnership and project is about a shared commitment to truth, accountability and walking alongside each other with respect and responsibility,” says ONWA CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette. “It's about coming together with care and purpose to honour the lives and experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender-diverse Peoples. By using data to shine a light on systemic gaps and injustices, this work aims to support long-overdue accountability and strengthen safety, justice and healing in our communities." The organizations are working alongside CDCI and Wampum Records — who helped build the online data repository for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation together. For more information, visit: https://pauktuutit.ca/mmiwig2s/database -30- Media Contact: Jill McKenzie Director of Strategy and Media Relations pipikwan pêhtâkwan jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.com About Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada : Pauktuutit is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mandate is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development. About Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak : Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LMFO) is the recognized National voice of Métis women from across the Métis Motherland informed by the expressed priorities of grassroots Métis women. About Ontario Native Women’s Association : The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities. About 2 Spirits in Motion Society : The 2 Spirits in Motion Society (2SiMS) is a registered national non-profit society that seeks to create, maintain, and strengthen a safe and supportive environment for 2 Spirit people to express themselves through cultural ways of knowing and being around gender and sexuality; and to succeed and be empowered in all areas that are grounded in the medicines that 2 Spirit people carry.

Thunder Bay, ON –  This May, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to honour and promote mental health awareness. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) theme this year, “Unmasking Mental Health”, reflects the importance of reconnecting with our inner selves. Indigenous women often wear invisible masks as a form of protection, shaped by lived experiences, trauma, and societal expectations. This week, we invite all Indigenous women to gently begin unmasking, to reclaim their inner sacredness, and to embrace their mental wellness journey with compassion, care, and cultural pride. Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being. It includes emotional, psychological, and social wellness. ONWA acknowledges the impacts of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers on Indigenous women's mental health. We continue to advocate for holistic, culturally grounded supports that uplift Indigenous women, families, and communities. As part of ONWA’s initiatives this year, we are honoured to host the Indigenous Women’s Health Talk, a virtual webinar providing space for culturally relevant conversations on wellness, healing, and resilience. The Talk will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and will be available virtually as a live stream through ONWA’s social media accounts (Facebook, YouTube and Twitch): https://www.onwa.ca/social . The Talk will explore the concept of masking —what it means, how it shows up, and how we can begin honouring our true selves through self-reflection activities. This week, ONWA will also be sharing tools and teachings that encourage Indigenous women to reflect, recenter, and reclaim their wellness journeys. We encourage women to pass these teachings along to their families and communities, and to take time to honour themselves through culture, creativity, and connection. ONWA remains committed to the holistic wellness of Indigenous women through traditional practices that support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Together, we can honour and reclaim the sacredness that lies within us all. For more information and media inquiries, contact:  Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

This project raises awareness of violence against women and girls. It includes an annual Poetry Night, Poetry Book, and a collective art project. Strong Hands Stop Violence WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Strong Hands Stop Violence project raises awareness of violence against women and girls. It includes an annual Poetry Night , an annual Poetry Book , and an ongoing collective Art Project . The name Strong Hands Stop Violence comes from the collective Art Project. Participants of Poetry Night are invited to dip their hands in orange and blue paint and press on a canvas to signify standing together to eliminate violence against women and girls. Art as healing trauma is a strong foundation of the work ONWA does, addressing violence from perspectives rooted in cultural teachings. ONWA is committed to supporting communities and providing hope to those on their healing journey. Poetry Night Poetry Night ANNUAL EVENT - NOVEMBER 25 Each year, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) hosts Poetry Nights across Ontario to raise awareness of violence against women in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women ’s #orangetheworld campaign. Poets, storytellers, writers and spoken word artists are invited to help raise awareness of violence against Indigenous women and girls by participating in this virtual event. Poetry Night includes readings from both emerging and established poets, live musical performances, and a collective art project. Poetry Night provides an opportunity to create a space where Indigenous women and families can gather and celebrate their shared strength and resiliency. Art as healing trauma is a strong foundation of the work ONWA does, addressing violence from perspectives rooted in cultural teachings. ONWA is committed to supporting communities and providing hope to those on their healing journey. Submit Poems Submit your Poem(s) FOR VOLUME 8 OF THE STRONG HANDS STOP VIOLENCE POETRY BOOK Click to open Submission Form in new tab Poetry Books Poetry Books CHECK OUT ALL THE PREVIOUS VOLUMES 2023 VOLUME 8 DOWNLOAD 2020 VOLUME 5 DOWNLOAD 2017 VOLUME 2 DOWNLOAD 2022 VOLUME 7 DOWNLOAD 2019 VOLUME 4 DOWNLOAD 2016 VOLUME 1 DOWNLOAD 2021 VOLUME 6 DOWNLOAD 2018 VOLUME 3 DOWNLOAD Collective Mindfulness Poem from Poetry Night 2018 - Thunder Bay Blueberry Close your eyes Put a berry in your mouth One word Tattoo Awaken Explosive Julilious Sour Sweet Fresh Bittersweet Tart Take a moment Appreciate the little things Even blueberries Art Project Collective Art Project CHECK OUT THE ART 2018 2017 2016 Poetry Night Poetry Night 2021 Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Poetry Night 2021 02:57 Play Video Now Playing Jamie Labrador - 3AM 04:45 Play Video Now Playing Jamie Labrador - Unfinished Love Song 04:17 Play Video Now Playing Jasmine McGuire - Class of 2013 01:52 Play Video Videos Top Videos Poetry Night Submit Poems Poetry Books Art Project

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Nihdawin MY HOUSE, A PLACE WHERE I LIVE Overview Nihdawin assists community members in reducing homelessness, justice and legal issues, and health services usage with fewer emergency or police interactions. Services Offered Nihdawin assists Indigenous women and their families who are or are at risk of homelessness with services required to improve self sufficiency, independence, and stability. Assist with housing search, placements, securing and maintaining housing, rehousing and relocation assistance following eviction, and arrears Provides budgeting and life skills guidance Support and advocacy System navigation Referrals (education, employment, partnering agencies) Access to cultural programming, teachings, and healing, Elders and Traditional Healers Assist with addictions and/or mental health issues and recovery support Maintenance and follow up support (POC – plan of care, safety planning, home visits and aftercare) DELIVERY SITES Hamilton K enora Ottawa Thunder Bay Timmins ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES Shelter House Thunder Bay 420 George St. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5Y8, Tel: (807) 623-8182 Emergency Shelter - The Salvation Army 545 Cumberland St N. Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4S2, Tel: (807) 345-7319 Kwae Kii Win Managed Alcohol Centre 400 George St. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5Y8, Tel: (807) 474-4355 Thunder Bay Food Bank 129 Miles St E. Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J5 Tel: (807) 626-9231 Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen 292 Red River Rd. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1A8, Tel: (807) 345-5202 Grace Place 235 Simpson St. Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3H6, Tel: (807) 627-9848 Community Clothing Assistance 404 May St N. Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3R5, Tel: (807) 474-3583 PROGRAM BROCHURE

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison HEALING DOESN'T MEAN THE DAMAGE NEVER EXISTED. IT MEANS THE DAMAGE NO LONGER CONTROLS OUR LIVES. Overview Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison (IVFL) provides support to families of MMIW and those who are experiencing or have experienced violence. DELIVERY SITES K enora Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES PROGRAM BROCHURE Services Offered IVFL supports women and their families and raises awareness in the community on violence related issues. Delivers trauma informed, culturally based, wrap around supports through advocacy Access to cultural programming, teachings, and healing, Elders and Traditional Healers Assistance with understanding the criminal justice process for victims of abuse and the families of missing and murdered women Support at meetings with police, the courts and other service providers Court support Crisis and emergency response for victims/families in need to due to violence and/or death Referrals to Traditional and contemporary counselling Guidance from Elders’ resource groups Referrals Traditional Healing and Ceremony