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Thunder Bay, ON – ONWA would like to thank Mr. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation, for his country visit to Canada on April 8-20, 2024. On April 11, 2024, ONWA met with Special Rapporteur Arrojo-Agudo, in a consultation with civil society organizations and Indigenous organizations and representatives, to discuss the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation and how water and sanitation issues in Canada impact our communities. His visit aimed at understanding and assessing Canada's efforts to implement the human rights to water and sanitation. As an outcome of his visit, the Special Rapporteur provided an End of Mission Statement, with a more comprehensive report to be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council at its 57th session in September 2024. His End of Mission Statement reflects many issues and opportunities that ONWA raised in the consultation and through our written submission. As stewards of our lands and waterways, Indigenous women are at the forefront of action defending their water systems and territories from irreversible harm and frequently face violence as a result. We shared this message in our meeting with the Special Rapporteur and appreciate that it was reinforced in his End of Mission Statement: “Indigenous Peoples' rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression have been breached through criminalization, repression, and persecution, undermining the trust and credibility on the reconciliation commitment.” Further to this, the Special Rapporteur supported the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to stop the criminalization of Indigenous human rights defenders defending their lands and resources from extractive industries and business actors. ONWA was among many organizations that raised concerns around mercury poisoning from historical and current extractive industries impacting Grassy Narrows First Nation in Ontario. This continues to impact the physical and mental heath, and the lives and culture of the community. We are pleased to see the Special Rapporteur specifically reference the ongoing challenges in Grassy Narrows First Nation and his recommendation to guarantee the effective application of the principle of free prior and informed consent, with full respect to the traditional governance and participation avenues of Indigenous Peoples. While recognizing that Canada is a federation, ONWA asserts that jurisdictional divides increase threats to Indigenous women’s safety and wellbeing. With respect to climate destruction, resource extraction, and poor environmental management, Canada must change the way it engages with Indigenous women’s organizations, as we hold the solutions to the issues that disproportionately affect us. We thank the Special Rapporteur for reiterating Canada’s federal level obligation and responsibility to recognize the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, noting: “this division of powers cannot blur the federal government's ultimate obligation to guarantee human rights to drinking water and sanitation throughout the country.” We would also like to echo concerns raised by other Indigenous organizations around lack of access to water and its implications on sanitation for urban Indigenous community members who are homeless or reside in encampments. Lack of access to water restricts people’s ability to wash themselves, including their clothes, and prevents proper wound care and other sanitary practices, such as hand washing. This also inhibits Indigenous women’s ability to engage in proper self-care practices during their moon time. Urban Indigenous women are five times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Indigenous women, and this has significant impacts on their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing and safety. ONWA would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for acknowledging that it “is important to pay special attention to the obligation established by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), domesticated in Canada by the current UNDRIP Act”. Indigenous women must be consulted and engaged in the matters that impact their traditional lands and waterways – this is our right, enshrined in UNDRIP. Throughout all of history Indigenous women have cared for the environment and Mother Earth because we know that when she is safe and well, we are all safe and well. ONWA will continue to advocate for Mother Earth at the local, provincial, federal, and international level. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Leadership from the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Ontario Health gathered today at ONWA’s Mindimooyenh Health Clinic to sign a historic relationship protocol. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous people and communities, especially for Indigenous women and girls, across the province. The protocol, a priority initiative of Ontario Health’s First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Health Framework, establishes an outline for cooperation, mutual respect and shared goals. By formalizing this partnership, Ontario Health and ONWA commit to working together to address health disparities, promote cultural safety and enhance access to quality health care services for Indigenous women, girls and their families across the province. “ONWA believes this relationship protocol is an important step in ensuring Indigenous women’s voices and perspectives inform Ontario Health’s work to improve health outcomes of FNMI and urban Indigenous peoples and communities,” said Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO of ONWA. “As the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, ONWA advocates for health system reform that acknowledges the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness of Indigenous women.” In Ojibwe “Mindimooyenh” means “one who holds the world together.” It is a term that embodies the responsibilities Indigenous women hold within their families and communities. This includes recognizing their pivotal role and hard-earned wisdom regarding life’s passages, such as contending with sickness and disease. ONWA’s Mindimooyenh Health Clinic is filling a community-need through the provision of trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and Indigenous gender-based health services in Thunder Bay. “Everyone should have the same opportunity to reach their best health potential,” said Matthew Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health. “Foundational to this mission is a commitment to partnership on Indigenous health equity and ensuring the voices of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and people are included in the design and delivery of health programs and services in the province. This partnership with ONWA is critical to ensuring that we are responsive to the needs of Indigenous women and girls, in particular.” The Ontario Native Women’s Association has been a leader in providing and advocating for Indigenous women and their families for over 50 years. ONWA’s work includes providing prevention-based services for families involved with the violence against women sectors, child welfare, in the housing and homelessness, ending human trafficking and health care. Pour lire ce communiqué de presse en français, veuillez: For more information, please contact: ONWA at amorriseau@onwa.ca or Ontario Health at mediainquiries@ontariohealth.ca.

Honouring Our Sacredness from Within May 6-12, 2024, is the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week. Throughout the week, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is supporting mental health with a series of teachings and mindfulness activities that honour the sacredness within. Highlights Learn more, reflect on the teachings, and explore the mindfulness activities (click to jump to section): Supports Monday, May 6 - Press Release Tuesday, May 7 Wednesday, May 8 Thursday, May 9 Friday, May 10 Saturday, May 11 Sunday, May 12 Supports Talk4Healing Beendigen’s Talk4Healing Helpline offers help, support, and resources 24/7 in 14 languages. Call or text 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) and live support will be there to listen, any time of day. Click on our live chat option and start your session to begin your path to healing at https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ ONWA Mental Health and Community Programs Learn more about ONWA's programs and services: https://www.onwa.ca/services Contact ONWA: Telephone: 1-800-667-0816 ​Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm https://www.onwa.ca/contact-us Monday, May 6 - Press Release Honouring Our Sacredness from Within ONWA is honouring and promoting awareness about Mental Health Awareness in alignment with the CMHA Mental Health Week campaign. Tuesday, May 7 Focus: “Replenish, Renew, and Recenter Yourself” In the hustle and bustle of life, find moments to pause and embrace the power of replenishment, renewal, and recentering. Take a step back, breathe, and focus on nurturing your mental health. You matter. Remember, self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary. Teaching: Flower Moon The Flower Moon is the time for healing and cleansing. During this moon, we begin again, acknowledging the time for replenishing our spirit. It is the time we feast our bundles and recharge, readying ourselves for the coming moons. It is when we prepare our gardens for the planting of seeds, knowing what is to come. Learn more about the Thirteen Grandmother Moons at: https://www.onwa.ca/full-moon-ceremony Mindfulness Activity: May Moon Meditation Amidst the noise of the world, meditation offers a sacred pause. Embrace stillness, calm the chatter, and cultivate mental clarity. With each breath, find solace, clarity, and resilience. Let go of stress, invite serenity, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Wednesday, May 8 Focus: “Connection to Ancestor, Self, and Community” Cultivating mental well-being is a journey of connection—to our ancestors, ourselves, and our community. Let's honor our ancestors, embrace self-discovery, and uplift our communities. Teaching: Tobacco (Sehmah) The gift of Tobacco is communication. It is used as an offering for everything and in every ceremony; for seeking help and advice, for expressing gratitude, and for harvesting medicines. During challenging times, we can offer tobacco to the Creator and ask for help and advice; or to thank him for the good things we have in our lives. Mindfulness Activity: Tobacco Offering for Mother Earth During this day, how can we be kind to mother earth? For this activity, take a small handful of tobacco and go out to the land and place it down under a tree or in a spot that you feel is calling you today. Notice why you were called to this space. What is the tobacco and land telling you? Thursday, May 9 Focus: “Kindness to Yourself and Others” In the journey of mental health, kindness is both the destination and the path. Kindness is a gift we can give freely—to others and to ourselves. Be gentle with yourself and radiate that same kindness to those around you. Teaching: Sweetgrass (Weengush) Sweetgrass has a calming effect and is used for smudging and to purify the spirit. It is considered the sacred hair of Mother Earth, its braid and sweet aroma remind people of the gentleness, love, and kindness she has for the people. Mindfulness Activity: Spreading Kindness and Love Sweetgrass is a kindness medicine. Take some time to spread kindness and love to others and to yourself. Remember, you don’t know what others are going through in their daily lives. Give compassion and love, and you will attract those good energies back to yourself. How do you show kindness to yourself and others? Friday, May 10 Focus: “Release What Does Not Belong to You” In the journey of mental well-being, sometimes the bravest act is to release what does not belong to you. Release what weighs heavy on your heart—whether it's past pain, future worries, or the expectations of others. Create space for healing, growth, and self-love. Teaching: Sage (Sukodawabuk) Sage is used in ceremonies, in traditional healing, and to cleanse homes, sacred items and individuals. It can help release what is troubling the mind & remove negative energy. Mindfulness Activity: Removing negative energy through journaling or mindful breathing To begin, take your sage and place it in your smudge bowl (if you have it with you) or place some in the palm of your hand. Begin by taking a long, slow breath and notice the feeling of air moving in through your nose, going down the back of your throat and into your lungs. Take another breath and watch what happens in your body as you inhale and exhale. Keep breathing and watching. Notice the sensations in your body as you breathe and begin to connect to Mother Earth beneath you. Now turn your attention to what you feel emotionally. Look inside and find the emotion you are experiencing right now. Or find an emotion that you felt recently. Notice whether the emotion is a good or bad feeling. Notice if it is pleasant or unpleasant. Just keep your attention on the feeling until you have a sense of it. Pause here for a minute or maybe write it down if that is helpful for you. Now look for words to describe the emotion. For example, is it elation, contentment, or excitement? Is it sadness, anxiety, shame, or loss? Whatever it is, keep watching and describing the emotion in your mind. Notice any change in the feeling and describe what’s different. If any distractions or thoughts come to mind, do your best to let them go without getting stuck on them. Notice if your feeling is intensifying or diminishing and describe what that’s like. Pause here for a minute or maybe write it down if that is helpful for you. Keep observing your emotions and letting go of distractions. Keep looking for words to describe the slightest change in the quality or intensity of your feeling. If other emotions begin to weave in, continue to describe them. If your emotion changes into an altogether new emotion, just keep observing it and finding the words to describe it. Thoughts, physical sensations, and other distractions will try to grab your attention. Notice them, let them go, and return your focus to your emotions. Stay with it. Continue observing it. Keep going until you’ve observed your emotion or change diminish. Notice anything else that you wrote in your journal or anything you noticed throughout this activity. Tip: You can record yourself following the instructions of this exercise and repeat whenever you are looking to let go of negative energy that you may be experiencing. Saturday, May 11 Focus: “Keeping Yourself Safe” Prioritize your mental health by keeping yourself safe—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Set boundaries, seek support, and trust your instincts. Your well-being is worth protecting. You deserve to feel safe and supported in every aspect of your life. Teaching: Cedar (Keezhik) It is said that Cedar has protection powers, that a guardian spirit lives amongst it and will chase away bad spirits. Cedar is used in ceremonies to purify and cleanse the body, mind, heart, and spirit. Mindfulness Activity: “What is your Safety Plan?” Having an effective safety plan is beneficial. It helps guide and support individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and crisis to ensuring their well-being and safety. Safety plans are to be done when an individual is not experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts and can be supported by a professional or trusted person. Take a break during the writing of your safety plan if any overwhelming feelings come up. Safety plans are focused on an individual’s strengths and identifying supports and strategies to help when a crisis occurs. Free template of a safety plan: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/safety-plan Tip: If your feeling unwell, try a cedar bath to help heal your body or try cedar tea for cleansing, purification or energy. Cedar baths are used to cleanse yourself from any negative energy, heal your body, provide protection and help improve your well-being. For more information on cedar tea, check on ONWA Tea Recipes Booklet: Sunday, May 12 The Medicine Wheel teaches us that our wellbeing is best when the four dimensions/directions of self (body, mind, heart, and spirit) are healthy and in balance. The restoration and maintenance of Indigenous women’s mental wellbeing is integral to the wellbeing of themselves, their families and community.

Thunder Bay, ON – This May the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to honour and promote Mental Health Awareness, in alignment with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week campaign. This year’s theme highlights the importance of compassion and kindness within ourselves and communities. ONWA is committed to helping Indigenous women and their families to be able to replenish, renew, and recenter ourselves in order to honor and celebrate the sacredness that comes from within. We encourage the community to establish a holistic approach in maintaining their mental wellness. Mental health encompasses a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is important to recognize people can experience periods of positive and negative mental health throughout their lives. ONWA acknowledges how mental health continues to impact the lives of Indigenous women and their families. “Providing the tools and resources that support better mental health for Indigenous Women, families, and communities is at the core of the work ONWA does. Providing support for sustainable change is needed to address underlying systemic practices that lead to mental health challenges. Through the inherent leadership roles of Indigenous women, collectively we can build healthier communities.” - Tina Bobinski, Senior Director of Community Development, ONWA Throughout the week, ONWA is offering a series of virtual mental health activities. We encourage Indigenous women to share these teaching within their families and communities to continue to replenish, renew, and recenter ourselves to create a strong connection to our ancestral roots and culture. ONWA is committed to the holistic wellness of Indigenous women, families, and communities; through cultural and traditional practices Indigenous women can foster healthy emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Follow ONWA on social media (https://www.onwa.ca/social) or visit https://onwa.ca/post/mentalhealthweek2024 to take part in virtual mental health activities. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is recognizing the importance of mental health supports, cultural reclamation and wellness for Indian Residential School Survivors (IRS) and their families.  ONWA is launching a 13-part Wellness video series from March 25th to April 5th with videos that focus on themes of healing from grief and loss, family and connection, restoring safety, healthy coping and ongoing mental health strategies. Traditionally and today, Indigenous women hold leadership roles in their lives, families, communities, and Nations. As grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, and friends, Indigenous women are trusted supports for younger generations passing on wisdom and knowledge about our traditional teachings. Due to colonization, Indigenous women are still being directly, or indirectly impacted by egregious experiences they had in residential schools. As residential school survivors, Indigenous women’s trust in mainstream systems impacts their ability to access support and other wellness-related services. This video series will recognize the legacy of IRS and the impacts on Indigenous women and their families and provide opportunity for cultural reclamation and the celebration of the resiliency of IRS survivors and intergenerational survivors. During this campaign viewers will have an opportunity to win one of 100 wellness bundles that correspond to the themes in each video.  The bundle includes hand drumming, rattle making, healing turtle and smudge kits as well as items like the Legend of the Four Winds dice game and mental health resources. To enter to win a wellness bundle, please visit ONWA’s social media platforms; one video for each of the 5 themes will be captioned with the details on how to enter, and 20 people per theme will win. As the ONWA understands how the legacy of IRS impacts other mental health issues survivors currently face, the 13-Part Wellness Series is being presented as part of National Gambling Awareness Month. To learn more, please visit https://www.onwa.ca/indigenous-responsible-gambling. If you or a family member needs support, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. For more information and Media Inquiries: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30- Watch the Video Series Join Matt Richer in a heartfelt discussion about restoring safety in your life. Learn about how to protect your body, mind, and spirit. Trust your intuition and pay attention to your surroundings. Join Matt Richer as he discusses understanding anger and the cycle of escalation. Learn how to deescalate situations by staying calm, giving people space, and controlling your body language to avoid further escalation in a crisis. Join Matt Richer as he explains practical methods to assess and potentially diffuse violent situations. Learn valuable skills to help manage and deescalate challenging encounters. Join Amy Vanderzide in the first video of the Mini Meditation Series as she gives an overview of the Community Affirmation Deck. This deck, built by the Ontario Native Women's Association, provides daily positive affirmations in a format similar to tarot cards. Join Amy Vanderzide in the second video of the Mini Meditation Series as she walks you through the Grandmother Moon Meditation exercise. Connect with the soothing energy of the moon and experience a sense of peace and calm. Join Amy Vanderzide in the third video of the Mini Meditation Series as she guides you through the Grandmother's Water Meditation exercise. Connect with the healing and purifying energies of water as you experience a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. Join Amy Vanderzide in the final video of the Mini Meditation Series as she leads you through the Shine Bright Meditation exercise. Tap into your inner light and radiate positivity and strength. This meditation is designed to uplift your spirit and promote a sense of empowerment. Join Lindsey Lickers, ONWA's Community Safety Liaison and Oshkabewis, as she expands on what it means to be a carrier of a sacred bundle. Learn how this connects to stewardship and being in relation to spirit. Join Lindsey Lickers, ONWA's Community Safety Liaison and Oshkabewis, as she shares teachings on grief and loss. Learn how these emotions are stored in the body and how the bundle can help break up stagnant energy, fostering safety of spirit from within. Join Lindsey Lickers, ONWA's Community Safety Liaison and Oshkabewis, as she demonstrates the process of making a drum from start to finish. Gain insights into the teachings of the drum from an Indigenous perspective. Join Lindsey Lickers, ONWA's Community Safety Liaison and Oshkabewis, as she demonstrates the process of making a shaker/rattle from start to finish. Gain insights into the teachings of the rattle from an Indigenous perspective. Join Janine Desmoulin and Cherie Toffoli as they provide an overview and teachings on the Healing Medicine Turtle. Learn about the significance of the turtle in Indigenous culture and its role in healing. Gain insights into how the Healing Medicine Turtle can be used to promote wellness and balance. Join Janine Desmoulin and Cherie Toffoli as they demonstrate the use of the Healing Medicine Turtle. Learn how to incorporate the turtle into your wellness practices for healing and balance. Join Janine Desmoulin and Cherie Toffoli as they demonstrate how to build your Healing Medicine Turtle. Follow along as they provide step-by-step instructions for creating your own turtle for healing purposes.

Thunder Bay ON - Please join the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) at our virtual event on Sunday April 7, 2024 to recognize World Health Day to celebrate and support the importance of access to safe Indigenous focused healthcare.  ONWA is honoured to have guest speaker Dr. Alexa Lesperance join us to share an Indigenous perspective on health care and the topic of “Our Minds, Our Rights”. To register go to: https://bit.ly/3TLPMV0 ONWA recognizes the importance of the health of our Indigenous communities.  All communities have an inherent right to equitable, safe access to culturally focused healthcare. ONWA will continue to work with our collective communities to build, foster and grow Indigenous specific programming that draws Indigenous perspectives on holistic health and healing. We encourage our communities to take up their leadership roles to address current health inequities that surround us and to help amplify Indigenous women’s voices. Encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to ask questions about their health, practice traditional ways of being, stay up to date with vaccines, honour yourself in safe health practices and educate yourselves regarding health issues in your area. Join ONWA and Dr. Lesperance each month as she shares her knowledge on a variety of health topics important to Indigenous Women and their families. Watch ONWA’s social media each month for registration. Presently in Ontario, we are experiencing an increase in cases of syphilis and measles. Through collective action we can advocate for preventable measures to protect ourselves and our families. For further information on health-related topics such as syphilis and/or measles, please feel free to contact the Mindimooyenh Health Clinic at 807-697-1753 or  https://www.onwa.ca/health For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Today is World Water Day, a global event to celebrate water and raise awareness of the 2 billion people living without access to safe water. Water is necessary for human survival, but for Indigenous communities it also holds spiritual and cultural significance. It is a living spirit, sacred to Indigenous peoples because it gives life and is used in many ceremonies. Indigenous women have traditional and inherent roles as water carriers and protectors of traditional lands and waterways. In my role as CEO of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), I hear from and uplift the voices of more than 30 Indigenous women’s organizations and the countless Community Members we serve and represent. As an Indigenous woman, I understand that to make real systemic change and ensure Indigenous women’s safety, we will always begin with water, land, and ceremony: that as stewards of their lands and waterways, we are at the forefront of action. The right to safety for water protectors must be ensured at all levels of government, whether local, territorial, national, or international. When I think about the strong Indigenous women taking up their roles as water protectors, Judy Da Silva always comes to mind. Judy is an incredible leader in community, a water and land activist from Grassy Narrows First Nation in Northwestern Ontario whose work is grounded in Indigenous women’s ways of knowing and being and is internationally recognized for her advocacy and action. Judy leads with strength as she advocates and reminds the world of the mercury poisoning from logging that is impacting the safety of her community. This World Water Day’s theme ‘Water for Peace’ focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. We understand water to be inextricably linked to Indigenous women’s safety, wellness, and leadership. Throughout all of history Indigenous women have cared for the environment and Mother Earth because we know that when she is safe, well and at peace, so too are we. Our teachings show us that we are part of the environment and world around us, not separate from it. We must restore harmony and live in balance with Mother Earth because we are all related, we are all responsible for caring for her. Just as our ancestors ensured that our lands and waters were cared for, we must ensure that we care for and restore balance with Mother Earth for us and also for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. Indigenous women lead differently. We lead from the heart. We lead from a community perspective, imbedding cultural understandings and Indigenous worldviews from the ground up. As Canada’s oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization, we at ONWA understand that to be a national and international leader is to encourage peace in the world. Our organization is grounded in ensuring Indigenous women’s safety, which we understand to be tied to the safety of Mother Earth. We strive to protect Indigenous women’s safety and the safety of Mother Earth through our advocacy, programming, leadership in community, policy, and research. In doing so, we will demonstrate the strength of our culture and continue the healing and wellness that ceremony and land and water-based practices bring. I urge you to reflect on the state of water and the role it plays in your life. We must take action to make a difference no matter how small to take up our responsibilities as Water Protectors, and to restore peace and balance with Mother Earth. Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO

International Women's Day is a call to action for accelerating women’s equality and this year’s theme is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. ONWA celebrates the importance of Indigenous women throughout the world. Investing in Indigenous women and their organizations is an investment in the whole community – it has a critical multiplier effect on poverty eradication and helps develop safer communities. “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to honour Indigenous women and girls who continue to lead the way and push boundaries as disruptors of colonial systems that perpetuate racism, sexism, and discrimination. Indigenous women have an inherent right to exercise our roles in community, nationally and internationally. Today, and every day, we recognize and celebrate Indigenous women’s strength and leadership in the work they do to support their families and communities.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO Watch Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA, CEO video message above or at: https://youtu.be/N9YFA68UssE?si=m8xw6WklvOYht87G Throughout Women's History Month, ONWA is honored to present videos featuring our membership and community leaders, sharing their thoughts on the significance of this month. Join us as we celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of Indigenous women throughout history and in our communities today. Watch the entire "What does Women's History Month mean to you?" video series below or at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLglECoax3u41QLkVM_uO--dT3lErm72JK&si=5NrnUfdGjv_68oMY

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is celebrating Indigenous women during Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, ONWA is publishing a video series amplifying the voices of Indigenous women sharing what Women’s History Month means to them. These Indigenous women are leaders in their community who work tirelessly to elevate the voices of Indigenous women. Community members are invited to raise their voices by submitting what Women’s History Month means to them to be entered into a draw for chance to win prizes. “Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honour Indigenous women and girls who continue to lead the way and push boundaries as disruptors of colonial systems that perpetuate racism, sexism, and discrimination. Indigenous women have an inherent right to exercise our roles in community, nationally, and internationally. This month, and every day, we recognize and celebrate Indigenous women’s strength and leadership in the work they do to support their families and communities.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA ONWA recognizes Indigenous women are stronger together. As a collective we work together to reclaim Indigenous women’s role as matriarchs in their families and communities. We are committed to restoring Indigenous women’s identity and inherent rights beyond a jurisdictional approach. We must reconcile relationships to ensure that Indigenous women have a right to safety regardless of location and recognize Indigenous women are the medicine needed to heal ourselves, our families, and our communities. Honour, celebrate and learn about ONWA’s Membership by visiting: https://www.onwa.ca/about To view the powerful video messages from Indigenous women leaders throughout the month of March, be sure to follow ONWA on social media at: https://www.onwa.ca/social To enter ONWA’s draw for chance to win prizes, submit “What does Women’s History Month means to you?” at https://forms.office.com/r/DR2dSgULNk before 11:59 PM EST on March 31, 2024. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – This National Awareness Day for Human Trafficking (February 22), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) continues to meet the needs of Survivors of Human Trafficking (HT), especially their identified need of creating community safety. ONWA has engaged communities to identify solutions, build awareness, and create change in Ontario, nationally, and internationally. “HT Awareness Day is an important day for people to learn about the devastating consequences of this type of criminal activity. There are awareness activities and resources in numerous communities across Ontario, and I encourage people to utilize these resources to learn more about the violence that many community members are dealing with and how we can support them.” – Jennifer Richardson, Senior Director, Strategy & Communications, ONWA Creating safer spaces for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people begins with creating awareness, having truthful conversations, and creating strong foundations rooted in culture for those most at risk and beyond. Together we can strengthen the circle and make our communities safer for the next 7 generations. The development of ONWA’s new 3-part Anti-Human Trafficking Toolkit was grounded in ONWA’s previous work and was created as a guide for educators, parents, and community to equip themselves with knowledge of HT. The goal of the toolkit is to increase recognition of the signs of grooming, luring and coercion, to stop exploitation before it has a chance to start. This toolkit will be a resource for anti-HT advocates to carry in their bundle. “ONWA’s response to addressing HT is the reason for the success of the program, we began by sitting and listening to the experts, Survivors of HT. We listened with humility and then actioned their recommendations by building community resources, targeted advocacy for policy changes and addressing the gap of critical front-line services. There is more work to be done as a community, in all of our communities. We are honored to have done this work alongside the late Mona Hardy who reminded us that ‘The oldest living profession is actually motherhood’ and this is where communities can begin this work, by caring, loving, and supporting Survivors. It is up to us as leaders to build safer communities.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA Community members such as our dear friend, Mona Hardy, who passed away on February 13, 2024, taught us how to provide a nurturing environment where we all could learn, practice kindness and love. Her tireless dedication and support of Survivors was instrumental in building the foundation of ONWA’s work combatting human trafficking. About ONWA’s Human Trafficking work ONWA’s Journey to Safe SPACES Report continues to be integral to the work that ONWA has advocated for in fighting HT. The report was based on extensive engagement with over 3,360 community members and the ongoing relationship with 250 self-identified HT Survivors who have shared their stories. The report resulted in 14 recommendations to address HT and has enabled ONWA to create the largest Indigenous led anti-human trafficking program in Canada. ONWA also contributed to the Speak Out: Stop Sex Trafficking resources https://endindigenoustrafficking.com/ ONWA’s Anti-HT programs continue to support Indigenous women, youth, and Two-Spirit people to exit human trafficking/sexual exploitation. ONWA uses a living model to address anti-human trafficking which requires the programs to adapt to the needs of Indigenous women, youth, and Two-Spirit people. ONWA’s programs have been highly successful at providing safe and successful HT outreach and exits. Since its launch in 2017, the Courage for Change program has supported 2,027 Indigenous women to exit from HT, including 622 Indigenous women exiting HT in this fiscal year. The program has housed 89 Indigenous women in safe independent housing and provided cultural interventions to 184 participants. ONWA’s Courage for Change program expanded to additional communities: ONWA service delivery sites in Ottawa, Kenora, and Timmins, and Chapters in Sioux Lookout (Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle), Ottawa (Minwaashin Lodge), Niagara (Native Women’s Inc.), Midland (Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association), and Hamilton (Hamilton Wentworth Chapter of Native Women’s Centre). ONWA uses a Life Cycle approach to demonstrate how Indigenous women, youth, and Two-Spirit people are groomed for exploitation. It illustrates the issues they face, and where systemic change is needed to address systemic barriers such as racism, colonial violence, residential school/60’s scoop, devaluation of Indigenous women and normalization of sexual violence. This year, the Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison program added one additional site, bringing the total to 7 program sites. Program sites include Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario (Akwesasne), Niagara Chapter of Native Women (Fort Erie), Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services (Fort Frances), Métis Nation of Ontario (Ottawa), Minwaashin Lodge (Ottawa), Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto, and now the Orillia Native Women's Group. To learn more about human trafficking: ·         Visit ONWA’s HT Learning & Resource page: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-ht ·         Read ONWA’s Journey to Safe SPACES report at: https://bit.ly/3wywozx ·         https://www.ontario.ca/page/human-trafficking ·         https://endindigenoustrafficking.com/ ·         https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/htapp/ ·         https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/ ·         https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

It is with a heavy heart that the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) shares the passing of our dear friend Mona Hardy. Mona’s life was driven by sharp humour, activism, and advocacy. She was a woman who dedicated her life to giving and fighting for marginalized and forgotten people. As a proud trans-woman, she was always ahead of her time in addressing the rights of the Trans-community and Two-Spirit peoples. In Mona’s recently released memoire Lost Between the Cracks she openly shares her heart, love of community, and life path. “…here I am. Some say victim, some say survivor, I say I’m Mona.” Mona’s life was a tapestry of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination, inspiring countless others to find their voice and take up their leadership. Mona’s journey was one of challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs. She overcame adversity and discrimination, refusing to be defined by limitations others tried to impose on her. Mona’s life shaped her into a warrior, a fearless leader who fought tirelessly for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people’s rights. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and her infectious spirit ignited a fire in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to spend time with her. Her ability to empower others to challenge oppression and demand change will live on in those folks who received her gift, and they too will pass that to the next generation. Mona led a support group for Trans and Two-Spirit people through the Northwest Community Health Centre. She volunteered for many agencies and institutions; she was also a member of ONWA’s provincial advisory committee for the Anti-Human Trafficking programs and a strong advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Two-Spirit people. Mona’s guidance was fundamental in the development of ONWA’s Journey to Safe SPACES Report. The report was based on extensive engagement with over 3,360 community members and the ongoing relationship with 250 self-identified human trafficking Survivors who have shared their stories. The report resulted in 14 recommendations to address Human Trafficking. The Province of Ontario used this report to guide the development of the second Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, which is now the largest in Canada. Mona was also incredibly supportive as ONWA created several of our other programs that collaborate with trafficked Survivors. Mona’s values were grounded in giving and helping others, “Before people managed without money. They managed with community. They helped each other; they built together as a community.” Mona’s experience and love was open to the wider world she travelled and lived in. “That little girl I used to be would be proud of me, too, and perhaps that is most important.” Mona, you will be extremely missed, and your legacy will carry on for generations to come. Your selfless life’s work embodies Creator’s way, may he hold you close on your journey to the stars. Mona leaves behind a legacy of transformative impact and a world that is more compassionate because of her efforts. Sending condolences to her family, friends, and community. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

ONWA's She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin: 5th Annual Conference is happening January 22-24, 2024 at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Stay tuned for up to the minute updates by exploring this blog or following ONWA on social media: onwa.ca/social Highlights Overview of She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin Conference Read the Press Release In the News Day 1 - Grandmothers Day 2 - Mothers & Aunties Day 3 - Daughters Overview What is the She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin Conference? Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin (she is wise in ways of life) captures the voices and perspectives of Indigenous women, that seek to change the narrative of violence, through collective cultural and gendered empowerment. It acknowledges the wisdom and intelligence of women, as well as the life-giving power she carries within her. ONWA is committed to creating safe spaces for Indigenous women’s storytelling that are culturally grounded, gender-based, and trauma-informed. This training will build upon the work of Indigenous women; retelling a story that has largely gone untold and replenishing our bundles with wise practices that will support efforts to build Indigenous women’s leadership. In doing so, we envision empowered women, strong families, and safer communities. Learners can incorporate these wise practices into their work while continuing to support Indigenous women and their families. 2024 Theme The theme for this year’s conference is honouring the roles Grandmothers, Mothers, Aunties, and Daughters play in preserving and protecting Mother Earth. She is us and we are her. When she is well, we are well. Women are the sacred carriers of water, without water life is not sustainable. The knowledge shared throughout the conference will enrich participant’s understanding of the vital historical roles Indigenous women have played and continue to play in sustaining life on Mother Earth. This year we acknowledge, honour, and celebrate Indigenous women as they take up their leadership roles protecting Mother Earth for generations to come. Click to read the Press Release In the News Cora McGuire-Cyrette: She Is Wise Conference | Superior Morning with Mary-Jean Cormier | Live Radio | CBC Listen ONWA CEO Cora Mcguire-Cyrette discusses being a disruptor, making waves, and being leader. Click here to listen. Aired: January 25, 2024 'Be disruptors' is the message at 5th annual She Is Wise Indigenous women's conference Ontario Native Women's Association held the conference in Niagara Falls, Jan. 22 - 24 | Lisa-Marie Esquega | CBC News. Click here to read. Released: January 26, 2024 Welcome & Pre-Registration: Sunday, January 21, 2024 Excited to welcome all participants to the empowering She is Wise Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario!  Let's celebrate the strength and wisdom of Indigenous women, fostering connections, and inspiring positive change. Together, we're shaping a brighter future!  #SheIsWise2024 #ONWA A heartfelt chi miigwetch (big thank you) to Joe, Ariel, and Lance from the Six Nations Smoke Dancers for gracing ONWA with their incredible presence and leading us in traditional Haudenosaunee dances, including the powerful Social Women's Song. It was an absolute honor to have them guide us through these meaningful movements during the early registration for the #sheiswise2024 Conference. Their talent, wisdom, and generosity filled the space, leaving a lasting impact on all of us. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dedicated individuals who share not only their artistry but also the rich cultural heritage behind each dance. Day 1: Monday, January 22, 2024 - Grandmothers "She Is Wise is about affirming and acknowledging of greatness, and celebrating our greatness. You are magnificent." - Joan Riggs “Your wisdom remains the cornerstone of building stronger and more resilient communities” -Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River “I was responsible for my healing path forwards. As I got older, I realized I had a fire in my soul. ... Wisdom, we already have it, it is already inside of us (called Elder, she told me). The true gifts are already inside us, and they are ...” - Chief Claire Sault, Mississauga's of the New Credit First Nation If we are going to change the world, it we are going to make a difference. We need to begin with understanding. We need to recognize the culture, encourage them to grow. What does reconciliation mean to you? I answered with 1 word: empowerment." -Minister Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions The She Is Wise Conference is so important, it is integral to so many of our cultures and traditions. Our knowledge and solutions are needed now more than ever”. - Alana Roberts, Youth Director, ONWA "Indigenous women lead differently. We lead from the heart. We lead from a community perspective, from the ground up. Being a leader is a difficult role, and an important one." - Cora McGuire Cyrette, CEO, ONWA "I think it is our responsibilities as Grandmothers is to instill a love of Mother Nature in our children and grandchildren." - Pearl Gabona, Métis "To be a leader, you have to have followers. You have to role model what it means to lead, you have to be worth following. Otherwise, you are just out for an afternoon walk." - Jan Longboat, Mohawk We are creating art pieces depicting our collective experiences of receiving knowledge from the grandmothers through life's journey during the Honoring and Celebrating our Knowledge Keeper Grandmothers activity at #sheiswise2024 conference. “Keep doing the work, because that is the medicine. It is what helps us be well. [...] Traditionally, women had certain roles in the community. It was the responsibility of the mothers to look after the family. It was the old ladies, the grandmothers, to look over the health and wellbeing of the community as a whole." - Keynote Speaker Kim Anderson, Firebrand Grannies: Looking to our Past to Shape our Future, #sheiswise2024 Conference Chi miigwetch (big thank you) to Bianca, Harmony Blackbird, Kendal White, and Becky Hill for sharing your meaningful stories during the Lifecycle Reflection activity at #sheiswise2024 Conference. “One our greatest gift’s is to remember. To remember our stories. To have our memories, because we were meant to be in those places, to receive those teachings. […] We can not talk about one thing, because in our language we understand that everything is connected. […] We are all a part of this puzzle. We each have something that helps make this vision complete.” - Norma Jacobs, Water Teachings and Finding our Identity, #sheiswise2024 Conference In 2021, ONWA undertook a small study to explore the experiences of Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Ontario. Read the Heart Work: Experiences of Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (2021) report, available on: https://www.onwa.ca/reports “Representation matters more than I can even understand. […] You feel proud when you see your people succeeding. […] We don’t have to know everything. We can learn as we are building and growing. We can get there if we have the confidence to jump in and try.” - Keynote Speaker, Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty, at the #sheiswise2024 Conference Indigenous Women’s Economic Development Forum Chi miigwetch (big thank you) to Karen Bird, Michelle Derosier, & Samantha Loney for instilling wisdom during the Panel at the #sheiswise2024 Conference Indigenous Women’s Economic Development Forum “There is a struggle in trying to balance the two worlds of capitalism and my Indigenous values and still grow a business. […] We can do both.” - Michelle Derosier “Our ceremony is the only way our people are going to heal. When I speak to women about when they began their healing journey, it all starts with ceremony. Ceremony will be at the core.” - Karen Bird “If you feel called to do something, do it. Follow your heart, trust in yourself, and just go do it. No one really know what they are doing, no one is ever fully prepared.” - Samantha Loney She Is Wise Conference Day 1 key take aways from participants : Connect to the land to continue our healing and truth. Be a disrupter. Take up space. Make waves. Be leaders. Creation is always speaking to us. Language is culture, and culture is language. Speak to your Elders. Elders carry important knowledge to share. You are your own medicine. Stay native. Women are leaders. Sharing your life experience – positive and negative and everything is between – is healing, and healing is medicine. Keep the storytelling alive. We are role models for the future generations. True leaders are authentic and following their truth, it is what makes them worth following. We were honoured to have artists Devon Kerslake and Liisa Sorsa of Think Link Graphics creating a mural at the #sheiswise2024 Conference. Day 2: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - Mothers & Aunties “I should have done nothing in my childhood, I realize now, but hang out with my grandmother. […] She really shaped my understanding of what it means to be an Ojibway person.” - Dr. Brenda Child, Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women in the Past and Future Keynote “We should write the history of Indigenous people from the perspective of Indigenous people. […] I want to hear native people’s voices. How did they experience history?” - Dr. Brenda Child, Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women in the Past and Future Keynote “We are all helpers here. We are all reaching for something. However your spirit emerges in your work, you are a helper. […] Don’t check yourself at the door when you are doing your work. Stand for who you are.” - Dr. Kathy Absolon, Reconnecting to land and life in how we come to know Keynote “My mother taught us how to navigate. How to walk the land and remember the landmarks to find our ways home. […] Our ancestors left us many landmarks. We have to pay attention and work to figure them out, the land will lead the way.” - Dr. Kathy Absolon, Reconnecting to land and life in how we come to know Keynote “Sit at your own fire. Sit with yourself. Walk through your fire. Learn what you are made of. Make mistakes; because as flawed as you are, Creator does not make mistakes.” - Dr. Kathy Absolon, Reconnecting to land and life in how we come to know Keynote Heidi Metcalfe and Lynda Brown, Siqiniup Qiluata (Sunsdrum), Inuit Throat Singers at 5th Annual She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin Conference 2024. As part of the event, Siqiniup Qiluata taught the audience how to do some basic Inuit Throat Singing. This video features a couple of the brave participants. (Watch in playlist above, or at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLglECoax3u41KTIFbTirGiY4xCWw2v0bf ) She Is Wise Conference Day 2 key take aways from participants : We need to reclaim our connection to the land, Mother Earth is waiting for us. Even if we don’t know her, and are tentative to reach out, She knows us. We are not from the earth, we are of the earth. Watch and listen, know your landmarks. You question keep you on the path to learning, they lead you on your journey to knowing yourself. It is fun to learn new things. It is like school but way more interesting. (Youth, age 6) To connect to yourself you need to connect to land to connect to spirit. You have to get out of you comfort zone to make connections and make change happen. Culture guides us to know where we belong and who we are. Mental health is a big factor of what happens to ourselves and our people. Self-care is important. We have to hep ourselves, to best help others. Women’s safety covers all stages to life. It is very powerful thing when everyone feels safe enough to share. We will survive because we have each other to help. We were honoured to have artists Devon Kerslake and Liisa Sorsa of Think Link Graphics creating a mural at the #sheiswise2024 Conference. Day 3: Wednesday, January, 2024 - Daughters We are getting warmed up for our youthful day as we begin Day 3: Daughters at #sheiswise2024 Conference. Click to watch the She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin Conference video playlist. “Youth voices have the most powerful and meaningful things to say. Being young in that space, you don’t know how many times I have heard: ‘she’s just a kid, why should I care what she has to say’.” - Autumn Peltier “The most powerful messages that you are going to hear is going to come from the young people. Young people rarely will raise their voice at government platforms. When they do it is important to pay attention because it is a sign that something is wrong.” - Autumn Peltier “Being connected to Mother Earth is one of the most important things we can be. As Indigenous people we have a role, responsibility, and connection to Mother Earth. […] Our roles are Indigenous people is to protect our Mother Earth and our land. We speak up for the things that can not speak up for themselves. As Indigenous people we are responsible to speak up for the water, and the fish, and the animals, and the land.” - Autumn Peltier “Heal the healer, and a healer in every home. I bring that to you from my teachers.” - Makanalani Gomes “When we are disconnected from Mother Earth, when she is sick, we can not connect with ourselves. […] What was lost was not just the land, it was the connect. […] The land is our chief, and we are its servants. In this life we are here to serve.” - Makanalani Gomes “A conference like this, it something I who like to take back to Hawaii. […] We are an Indigenous family, no matter where we are in the world. Collaborating, best practices, sharing what is working and what isn’t, and working together [is what is needed].” - Makanalani Gomes “Climate change makes it sound like a natural thing that happens. I use climate destruction, because it better reflects the human failing, and the failure of our responsibilities. That is the truth of what is happening. It implicates us in the harm. We are tied up in that destruction.” - Riley Yesno “She is called Mother Earth, because of the implications of the relationships. It is not just a descriptor, it is a tie into how we are meant to treat each other.” - Riley Yesno “It is an obligation to spend time dreaming of the better future. We spend so long caught up in the day to day, we need to take time to laugh and dream. It is important to be brave. Being brave is a call for all organizations.” - Riley Yesno Highlights from sharing letters to honour and celebrate the youth of today: You are loved. You are beautiful. You matter. We support your future. We want to see you grow. Always remember you have generational strengths embedded in you. Seeing your strength and willpower encourages us to heal and restores our faith for the next 7 generations. Not everything is black and white. There are beautiful colours. Bright overwhelming colours. Dull scary colours. I am trying my best to teach you how to embrace these colours. They will create beautiful pictures. You don’t need permission to take up space or be yourself. Your safety is important and so is your truth. The Kanienkeha word for family is Ahkwatsire. The root of that word is Ohienha or fire. We all have a family fire, but you also have a fire inside you. That fire is sacred and important. […] When your fire burns brights, your family fire grows bigger, making our nation fire bigger. Those fires form togetherness as one to keep our confederacy fire strong and bright. Female empowerment is the heartbeat of progress. Rejection is a fact of life. Don’t let it define you. When someone says you can’t use it as fuel to make sure you can. I’m sorry you have to pick up the pieces of who we used to be as people. […] It is a great responsibility and seems like an impossible task. But we are not looking for perfect solutions, perfect answers, or a perfect you. Come as you are, and do what you can. Speak up even if your voice shakes. Be brave. Be passionate. Be loving. Be strong. Be LOUD. Be leaders. Be you. Love the grandmothers, mothers, aunties, daughters and all the participants at the She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin: 5th Annual Conference “It is important to lead the way. It is more important to open those doors for other to walk through.” - Keynote Speaker, Emma Morrison, Miss World Canada (2022) Chi miigwetch to Sara Kae for sharing the gift of her beautiful, inspiring voice at the She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin: 5th Annual Conference. Chi miigwetch to Alicia Kayley for sharing the gift of her powerful, heartfelt voice at the She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin: 5th Annual Conference “Listening to the youth today, my hope has been restored. It is your voices and strength in this room that has created this safe space. It is you, because of your strength and the choices you make that She Is Wise is possible. [...] Elder Levinia Brown has summed up this entire event when she gifted us with the teaching of ‘I am going home healed’. Me too. Matna.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA Safe travels and see you later.