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A Review of Indigenous Literature for National Indigenous People's Month Indigenous values and knowledge carry deep connections to the world around us and the natural flow of the universe. National Indigenous Peoples History Month marks a dedicated period of learning and engagement with Indigenous ways of and being knowing, as we have done since time immemorial. This National Indigenous Peoples History Month, ONWA is proud to share this resource of powerful Indigenous literature, curated in connection to the Thirteen Moons of Creation. Like in many cultures around the world, Indigenous peoples map annual community practices by moon cycles. Each moon is marked by environmental changes and comes with specific teachings; the names of these moons vary from culture to culture, depending on the changes experienced on their traditional lands. The names provided are traditional to Anishinabewaki, the greater area of Thunder Bay, where ONWA’s head office is located. This list acts as an invitation to read and learn about Indigenous ways of knowing and being beyond the range of June. Indigenous peoples are creating, learning, sharing, and acting all year long: we invite you to move with us throughout the Thirteen Moon Cycle as we do. THE BOOKS Canadian Publishers to Watch: About the Bookstores:

This National Indigenous History Month, ONWA is highlighting Indigenous voices, to recognize the historical, social, and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples. This month is meant to foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the ongoing challenges, and work towards building stronger relationships based on respect and mutual understanding. The Grassy Narrows Women’s Drum Group is a group of women that are family. Their lineage comes from their late grandmother Hashinokwe, Sarah Kejick (aka Stone). Hashinokwe’s mom carried a big drum, and her name was Kokoko o kwe. This means she carried & used a big drum over 175 years ago. “Our late dad, Robert Keesick (manawaybenaise) of the Lynx clan, told us that because of our late great grandma we are able to use the big drum. Our lineage gives us permission.” The Grassy Narrows Womens Drum Group used to go to pow wows and learned they would only go to places to be advocates for the people through the big drum. The drum carriers are Roberta Keesick & Rachel Kejick. The drum group has attended many gatherings and MMIWG gatherings and sun dances and ceremonies. Although they have had their share of extreme heartbreak and struggles with addictions, family breakdown, and other challenges, as a group of family members that sing with the drum, it has only enhanced their ability to be understanding advocates for their people. Today, they travel with the drum in the hopes the young girls of the family that they mentor through song and ceremony will carry on the knowledge and songs shared to them from many different nations of women singers. Dr. Maya Chacaby is Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from Kaministiquia (Thunder Bay). Her birth family comes from Red Rock Indian Band (Deschamps/Blanchette/Desmoulin) and adoptive family (Chacaby) from Ombabika, Lake Nipigon (registered with Eabametoong). Maya has an extensive background as an educator, researcher, trainer, and advocate on several critical issues impacting Indigenous women and communities. Maya’s work centres on promoting the Ojibwe language and culture and ending Indigenous human trafficking, homelessness, and violence against Indigenous women and girls. She continues to make an impact on improving the quality of life for future generations through sharing her teachings and worldviews. Among her many accomplishments, she designed and launched the Indigenous Social Wellness Model for addressing Human Trafficking in First Nations communities. Maya also designed a provincial Training on understanding Indigenous Human Trafficking for the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), the Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Coordination Office. She also developed a Train the Trainer program on Indigenous Human Trafficking and continues to work closely with communities on this issue. Maya has trained over 10,000 participants from district school boards, health service providers, hospitals, law enforcement, legal clinics, Children’s Aid, municipal leadership, provincial ministries, and tribal councils on cultural competency and culture-based trauma informed practice. She currently runs an certificate program in Indigenous Trauma Informed Practices and Cultural Resurgence, open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The Certificate is run through a partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Glendon (York University) Continuing Education. Over 500 people have graduated from he program in the last 2 years. A popular professor in the Department of Sociology at York University, Glendon Campus, Maya’s approach to teaching incorporates Anishinaabe ways of being, knowing, and doing, as well as storytelling, to help ignite the magic of traditional languages among students. Maya runs a Dungeons and Dragons style table top adventure in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) for her online classes, with quests character development and of course, boss battles! Maya is currently Developing an Indigenous Metaverse called Biskaabiiyaang where community members can interact with language and cultural teachings in open world, real time adventure. She is currently working with Nokiiwin Tribal Council, UniVirtual, community Elders, and Indigenous youth to develop and co-create the Metaverse content. The Biskaabiiyaang site and free demo are here: https://www.biskaabiiyaang.com Maya also developed an online interactive teaching on understanding Anishinaabe teachings about kindness which can be found here https://sweetgrassteachings.com Maya has published extensively on several topics. Check out some of her publications! Chacaby, M. (2023) Fallout 250 Anishinaabe Post-Apocalypse Survivance Handbook. University of Toronto Thesis, ProQuest. Chacaby, M. (2022). Bone Court Trial Transcripts: Nanaboshoo and the Bullrushes: The Case of Being in the Reeds and the Theft of the Crime. Indigenous Law Journal, 18, 27. Chacaby, M. (2018). “(The Missing Chapter) On Being Missing: From Indian Problem to Indian Problematic” in, Keetsahnak : Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters, eds Anderson Kim, Maria Campbell, and Christi Belcourt.Alberta Canada: University of Alberta Press Chacaby, M. (2015). Crippled Two-Tongue and the Myth of Benign Translatability. Tusaaji: A Translation Review, 4(1). Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Ugpi-ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation) in New Brunswick. She has four university degrees, including a BA from St. Thomas in Native Studies; an LLB from the University of New Brunswick; and her Master and Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University, specializing in Indigenous law. She currently holds the position of full Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. A lawyer in good standing for 23 years, Pam has been researching, working, volunteering, and advocating for over 30 years on a wide range of issues including: Indigenous sovereignty, governance, and nationbuilding; treaty and land rights as well as Indigenous identity, Indian registration and membership/enrollment. Pam’s research also focuses on societal and state-based racism, misogyny, and sexualized violence against Indigenous women and girls by law enforcement (police, prison guards, military, etc). She has presented to Parliamentary and Senate committees, United Nations, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as Mass Casualty Commission. Pam was one of the spokespeople, organizers, and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other social movements focusing on human rights and climate action, and is considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post and the Top 5 Most Influential Lawyer in Human Rights by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Nahanni Fontaine is the NDP MLA for the St. Johns constituency in the Province of Manitoba. First elected in 2016, and again in 2019, Nahanni serves as the NDP House Leader; Critic for Justice; and Spokesperson for Status of Women and Veterans Affairs. Nahanni has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of Winnipeg in Environmental Studies and International Development and a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in Native Studies, Women’s Studies and Critical Theory from the University of Manitoba. Nahanni has dedicated the last twenty-five years to fighting for the rights of Indigenous women and girls, including the critical issue of including the issue of missing & murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited (MMIWG2S). Nahanni provides workshops, training and keynote addresses on the historical and contemporary context of Indigenous women and girls in Canada; alongside, the need for racial and gender representation within politics and Indigenous human rights and empowerment. Nahanni has served as a representative of the Indigenous community municipally, provincially, nationally and internationally on a number of boards and committees, including the Winnipeg Police Advisory Board, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Native Women’s Association of Canada, Mother of Red Nations, RCMP Aboriginal Advisory Board and the United Nations Working Group on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to name but a few. Nahanni is the recipient of several awards, scholarships and fellowships, including the 2021 Indspire Award for Public Service; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Doctoral Scholarship; the YMCA Women of Distinction Award; and the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Person’s Case. Before being elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Nahanni served as the Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet of Manitoba for six years and the Director of Justice for the Southern Chief’s Organization for ten years previously; alongside, a Sessional Instructor in the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. Nahanni is Status Ojibway from the Sagkeeng Anishinaabe First Nation in southern Manitoba. Nahanni is the proud mother to Jonah, Niinichaanis and her fur baby, Chilly Dog. Tauni Sheldon is Inuk whose family comes from Inukjuak and Quaqtaq, both in Nunavik (northern Québec) and was adopted to a loving qallunaq or non-Inuit family in Ontario. Although she was apprehended at birth as a part of the Sixties Scoop, she has reconnected with her birth Mother, birth Father, and birth family while maintaining a loving relationship with her adoptive family. She has travelled to all parts of Nunavik, parts of Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut (Labrador) and continues to learn her Inuit culture. Currently, Tauni lives with her husband, Ed and with their son, Aalpi in the rural area of Guelph. She works in the Kamatsiarniq Program at Tungasuvvingat Inuit in Inuit child welfare and has a background in federal corrections, as well as having been a pilot for Air Inuit. She and her son, Aalpi Kumarluk work with agencies and organizations in southwestern Ontario in teaching and sharing in Inuit culture. CBC Interview Legacy of Hope Interview Margaret is Ts’msyen, a descendent of Laxsgyiik (Eagle Clan) and a member of the Lax Kw’alaams Band of Gitga'at. She joined the non-profit housing sector more than 28 years ago and has been the CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) since 2017. Margaret’s career has been built on her dedication to serving and supporting the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia, and she currently serves on CHRA’s Indigenous Housing Advisory Caucus and CHRA’s Board of Directors as Vice President. Her devotion to Indigenous communities expands beyond the Provincial Housing Sector. As an impactful public speaker, she continues to advocate and protect the inherent human rights of Indigenous Peoples at conferences and engagements worldwide. Margaret actively represents the urban Indigenous voice at national and international levels by addressing and advancing housing rights for all Indigenous Peoples. AHMA is the first housing authority in Canada and only second in the world. In 2019 Margaret led AHMA to partner with the government of British Columbia to create the historic Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF). This monumental initiative made BC the first province in Canada to offer provincial funding to all Indigenous Peoples on reserve and in Urban, Rural, and Northern regions. Learn More: AHMA Website AHMA Twitter AHMA Facebook AHMA LinkedIn AHMA Instagram Through my lived experience and research, I understand that archaeological stories that have dehumanized Indigenous people and erased their links to their homelands are a part of ongoing intergenerational trauma, and racism. In carrying out research, I have come to realize that the past weaves through the present along paths of healing only if we do the work to clear the way. Thus, I have spent twenty-two years researching ancestors’ stories held in the land (archaeological sites), global human evolution, and oral traditions, and re-writing the deep Indigenous history of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island as discussed in my 2021 book The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemsiphere. Based on my research I argue that people have been present in the Western Hemisphere for over 100,000 years and possibly earlier. However, whether Indigenous people have been in the Western Hemsiphere for 100,000 years or over 200,000 years, the First People and their descendants are Indigenous to the continents of the Western Hemisphere and have been so for thousands of years. This land is where their cultures and lifeways were born; this is where they are from. Ancestral connections between ancient and contemporary Indigenous communities are empowering to Indigenous people. The existence of hundreds of ancestral sites in the Pleistocene (prior to 12,000 years ago) creates a dialogue from which Indigenous people can challenge erasures of histories. It foregrounds their Indigenous identities and their links to the land and empowers them in seeking justice. Learn More: Twitter Facebook TIPDBA CRSCID CRAIH CBC - The Nature of Things CBC Radio

Thunder Bay, ON – This Father’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to honour and celebrate the important role of fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, nephews, and cousins to share lessons of love, compassion, and cultural heritage within our families and communities. The sacred responsibility gifted to men by Creator is an important part of carrying the sacred medicines and having the ability to walk with a good mind and heart. The Moose Hide Campaign is a nationwide movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. The movement is grounded in Indigenous ceremony and traditional ways of learning and healing. It originated from a father’s dream to live in a world wherein his two daughters could lead lives characterized by dignity, honor, respect, and freedom from violence. Wearing the Moose Hide Pin signifies commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. This year, the Moose Hide Campaign marked a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts. They successfully hosted their 12th annual nationwide campaign and dispatched their 4 millionth moose hide pin. This remarkable accomplishment signifies progress being made towards positive transformation. Join the Moose Hide Campaign by ordering your free pin today at: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/pins/ This Father’s Day, ONWA celebrates fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, nephews, and cousins actively contributing to healing and dismantling the cycle of violence by instilling values of honoring and respecting the women in their lives. Their tributes serve as beacons of hope and inspire positive change within our society. From the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), happy Father’s Day! 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 proudly celebrating Pride Month. Within Indigenous cultures Two-Spirit peoples are recognised as great sources of knowledge; they are keepers of traditions and tellers of Creation stories. Elder Myra Laramee is credited with coining the term "Two-Spirit" during the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay, and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg in 1990. The term is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin expression "niizh manidoowag," which directly translates to “two spirits”. Pride began with the uprising of racialized transgender women in 1969 that addressed targeted harassment by police in New York. Protests inspired many in Turtle Island, and led to the Christopher Street Liberation March that now marks the beginning of annual Pride celebrations. Pride has inspired a movement of international change and activism. “It was awful to be gay in those days. On the news I think I said: I love who I am. […] I am who I am, and I’m happy to be gay! And because I was proud of who I am, another Anishinaabe came out. There’s still a lot of work that has to be done. We’re not really accepted yet.” – Ojibwe-Cree Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby, who came out publicly as a Two-Spirit lesbian in 1988. “I am honoured and privileged to say that working with ONWA, I have been able to reach out to Indigenous transgendered youth and young adults that are in remote communities that have no help, no support, and no understanding of what they're going through. […] Not only are Indigenous transgender youth and young adults facing racism because of their culture, but they're also facing racism on who they are themselves.” – Gia Provenzano, Gender Journey’s Fascinator. . “Supporting the Two-Spirit transgender community strengthens the values that the 7 Grandfather Teachings have gifted us. Pride month is a time to honour and celebrate the Two-Spirit Community while at the same time raising awareness that Indigenous Two-Spirit peoples continue to face intersectional racism and systemic barriers” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO Pride unites Two-Spirit communities and allies celebrating continued resilience and recognising the authenticity of self. Pride represents solidarity and resistance against discrimination and violence. ONWA walks with Two-Spirit peoples in honour of Pride. Two-Spirit peoples have walked a long path, and, together, we will continue to walk the path forward. 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) congratulates Michele Solomon as the newly elected Chief of Fort William First Nation (FWFN). In her role as Community Development Manager, Michele has led programs focused on Indigenous Women’s Leadership. Michele also served on the ONWA Board of Directors from 1988-1993. She has shown her passion and commitment to Indigenous women and the community throughout her work at ONWA. ONWA recognizes Indigenous women as they reclaim their leadership roles within our communities. “ONWA looks forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with Fort William First Nation and with newly elected Chief Michele Solomon in order to support Indigenous women and their families. I am thankful for Chief Solomon’s work at ONWA and look forward to seeing her support her community in her new leadership role. Congratulations Chief Solomon.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO ONWA would also like to congratulate all the newly elected FWFN councillors and wishes everyone well in their work ahead.

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) acknowledges that it takes a community to raise a child, and honours those who embrace this important role. This Mother’s Day, we wish to celebrate all mothers and caregivers who take on teaching and leadership roles, speaking out on the issues that are changing the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally. Indigenous culture recognizes mothers and caregivers as the heartbeat of the family, leaders in the community, and role-models toward a better future for the generations to come. Reclaiming Indigenous women’s role as matriarchs (leadership) in their families and communities is one of ONWA’s key values. When women are healthy, they raise healthy children, which builds healthy communities, and shapes healthy Nations. ONWA knows that the wellness of Indigenous women and their families is directly linked to the wellness of the land. The traditional roles of Indigenous woman are water carriers and protectors of Mother Earth. As water carriers, they also hold water in their wombs; as mothers they protect the water, are life givers and caretakers of life. “Woman is the centre of the wheel of life. She is the heartbeat of the people. She is not just in the home, but she is the community, she is the Nation. One of our Grandmothers. The woman is the foundation on which Nations are built. She is the heart of her Nation. If that heart is weak the people are weak. If her heart is strong and her mind is clear then the Nation is strong and knows its purpose. The woman is the centre of everything.” – ‘The Woman’s Part’ Art Solomon Mothers are love. Today, take time to reflect on the compassion, encouragement, and leadership you received from the mother figures in your life. Let us remember the teachings they shared with us wrapped in the warmth of our memories. Let us carry in our hearts our mother’s love, as we honour those with us and remember those who have passed on to the Spirit World. “As an Indigenous woman and mother, I see the future in the eyes and smiles of my children. My leadership journey is grounded in the optimism of love. Each day we are teachers passing on the living wisdom of our mothers and grandmothers. Happy Mother’s Day.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, ONWA. 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 – Today on the National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) invites you to join us as we gather to honour and support the participants of the Medicine Lines of Womanhood – MMIWG Commemorative Art Project public exhibit. This project brought together family members and loved ones of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to develop art pieces in commemoration of their respective loved ones. The artwork was undertaken with the support of Art Therapy Helpers, Grief Counsellors, Knowledge Keepers, Elders and a network of family members who gathered during the project. The overarching goal of the project is to create a space of healing for those directly connected to the trauma of MMIWG and to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls through stories and art pieces. This in-person launch and first public exhibit will be hosted at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery at 1080 Keewatin St, Thunder Bay, ON, and is open to all individuals and organizations who would like to join ONWA to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the personal strength, courage, and determination of survivors and family members.. The art exhibit will be open to the public commencing May 5 and closes on May 14, 2023. The exhibit will further help to provide healing for families who have experienced a loss to violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as educate the community about the alarmingly high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. ONWA also invites you to learn more about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by: Visiting the ONWA MMIWG webpage which hosts resources, videos, and reports https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg Reading the ONWA Report “Reconciliation with Indigenous Women- Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls” https://www.onwa.ca/reports If you or a family member have been impacted and require emotional support, contact the 24-Hour Talk4Healing help line 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

ONWA is committed to developing an internal and external Mother Earth (ME) Strategy that reflects Indigenous women’s responsibilities, traditional ecological knowledge, and practices with measurable impacts, acknowledging our ancestors, future generations, and all our relations. The development of our Strategy aligns with our membership’s resolutions and our ongoing support of local grassroots level activities. Our Water Commission Toolkit created in 2014 to support local water protectors in their advocacy is an example of this work. Click here to read ONWA's Commitment here.

Thunder Bay, ON – This week (May 1-7, 2023), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is raising support and awareness about mental health in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week. “Each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issue. Universal mental health care is important and needed now!” – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Everyone has mental health, and everyone will experience periods of positive and negative mental health throughout their lives. ONWA acknowledges how mental health continues to impact the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. “The restoration and maintenance of Indigenous women’s mental wellbeing is integral to the wellbeing of themselves, their families and community. Community mental wellbeing is achieved when women can carry out their traditional ways of knowing and being, whereby they are able to care for their Kin and Mother Earth using ancestral healing methods. ONWA celebrates and supports all Indigenous women to revitalize and reclaim their traditional matriarchal roles during Mental Health week.” – Tina Bobinski, ONWA Director Community Development 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. ONWA is committed to the holistic wellness of Indigenous women, families, and communities. ONWA connects Indigenous women with cultural and traditional practices that foster healthy emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. When women are healthy, they raise healthy children, which builds healthy communities. Throughout the week, ONWA is supporting good mental health with a series of daily virtual mental health affirmations and a virtual “Lunch and Learn” presentation on Indigenous Mental Health Practices (12:00-1:00 PM EST, Thursday May 4, 2023). Follow ONWA on social media to take part in the virtual affirmations. Register now at https://bit.ly/3V8ZIIg to take part in Thursday’s virtual “Lunch and Learn”. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Please join us in the upcoming Walk to End Violence and Information Kiosk in support of the Moose Hide Campaign in partnership with the Ontario Native Women’s Association and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The walk will take place on May 11, 2023, in Thunder Bay, it will begin at 4:00 pm at the Intercity Shopping Center, progress down May Street and conclude at City Hall with special guest speakers. Please drop by our information kiosk at Intercity Mall on May 5-7th , pick up your Moose Hide pin, register for the event, and receive more information about the campaign. To register for the walk or to receive more information email: mricher@onwa.ca , you can also learn more about the campaign by visiting: www.moosehidecampaign.ca or the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/walk-to-end-violence-in-suppor/183746544481627/?mibextid=RQdjqZ Join us to end violence against women and children and take steps towards truth and reconciliation through safety and belonging.

New York, NY – Indigenous women from around the world are gathered in New York for the 22nd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to be attending to continue to amplify the voices of Indigenous women internationally. The Session theme “Indigenous peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health, and climate change: a rights-based approach” sets the stage for collective advocacy and action to advance Indigenous women’s inherent rights. Indigenous women know what they need to be safe. They are experts in their own lives and know the solutions to the issues they face. “The voices of Indigenous women must inform and lead the conversations and decisions on planetary and territorial health, climate change and environmental justice. We must advocate and work collectively for legislation and policies that uphold matriarchal Indigenous women’s rights, knowledge, and responsibilities in relation to their culture, safety, children, communities, and Mother Earth.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA ONWA uses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for our work to support Indigenous women’s individual and collective rights: to have their own agencies; to be directly and meaningfully engaged on issues that directly impact them; to reclaim their leadership. Traditionally Indigenous women gather to discuss common challenges and solutions. We must work to continue to build Indigenous women’s capacity by listening, learning, and developing relations with Indigenous women around the world. We are stronger together and need to ensure we continue to have dedicated space for Indigenous women at levels of decision making. ONWA advocates for: A commitment to ongoing and meaningful engagement with Indigenous women through a distinctions-based Nation-to-Nation PLUS. Core sustainable funding for Indigenous women’s organizations is needed to support of Indigenous women and girls safety and healing and restoring Indigenous women’s roles and responsibilities. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30- 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. ONWA recognizes that Indigenous women’s agencies are stronger together as a collective and we will continue to build relationship and capacity with Indigenous women and their agencies as a result our membership numbers may change from year to year. More Resources: About ONWA Key Reports SDGAction50733: ONWA's Mother Earth Strategy

Thunder Bay, ON – “As stewards of their lands and waterways, Indigenous women are at the forefront of action defending their territories from irreversible harm and have long recognized the urgency to maintain healthy relationships with Mother Earth." – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) April 22nd is Earth Day, a day that celebrates and promotes environmental awareness and action. This year’s Earthday.org theme “Invest in Our Planet” is focused on engaging governments, businesses, and citizens to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has long been invested in the protection of Mother Earth. ONWA knows that the wellness of the land is linked to the wellness of Indigenous women and their families, now and for future generations. “Indigenous women and girls have the responsibility to protect and support Mother Earth. We must reconcile our relations with the water, land and with each other.” – Ingrid Green, Research Director, ONWA ONWA recognizes the traditional and inherent rights of Indigenous women as water carriers and caretakers of their traditional lands and waterways. As stewards of their lands and waterways, the voices of Indigenous women must inform and lead the conversations around climate change and environmental justice. ONWA is committed to developing an internal and external ME (Mother Earth) Strategy that reflects Indigenous women’s responsibilities, traditional ecological knowledge, and practices with measurable impacts, acknowledging our ancestors, future generations, and all our relations. The ME Strategy recognizes if Mother Earth is doing well, so are we and vice versa. Mother Earth is a reflection of us as Indigenous women and must be treated as such. The development of our strategy aligns with our membership’s resolutions and our ongoing support of local grassroots activities. ONWA’s Water Commission Toolkit created in 2014 to support local water protectors in their advocacy is an example of this work. Protecting Mother Earth is everyone’s responsibility. Every small action against the compounding crisis of climate change helps. How do you care for Mother Earth and what actions are you taking to protect her? Submit a photo/video/story about what steps you are taking to protect Mother Earth at https://www.onwa.ca/honouring-mother-earth for a chance to win prizes! Deadline for submission is 11:59 PM EST, Saturday April 22, 2023. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-