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The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) held a Winter Family Gatherings Contest in February 2023. We encourage everyone to take some time to gather with family and reconnect with the land! We asked how you and your family were celebrating this Family Day. All submissions were entered into a draw for a chance to win prizes. Congratulations to the winners! Taylor Georgette Lilyanna McKay Little Otter Land Miigwetch / Kinahnaskomihtin / Nakurmīk / Marsee / Niá:wen / Merci / Thank you to everyone who participated!

Thunder Bay, ON – The average age for human trafficking is 13 years old. It takes victims of sex trafficking an average of 7 attempts to successfully escape exploitation. On this National Awareness Day for Human Trafficking (February 22), the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) urges Canadians to learn more about human trafficking through ONWA’s new campaign, “Educate yourself, Educate Others”. This provincewide campaign includes billboard, subway, metro, and social media messaging. It allows anyone with a smartphone to scan a QR code and instantly connect to ONWA’s Human Trafficking resource page (https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-ht). Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people have the right to live in safety, free from the threat, fear or experience of exploitation and violence. The normalization of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people contributes to teaching them to accept this as part of their lives. This must stop. It is key that when a victim is identified, all barriers are removed to ensure they are survivors. “A better description of human trafficking is exploitation. Breaking this cycle and ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people shouldn’t just be an aspirational concept that gets talked about. It should be an expectation of every Canadian, backed up by supports that will contribute to real change in this unacceptable narrative.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. ONWA has the largest anti-human trafficking program in Ontario. ONWA developed 14 recommendations in the 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. “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are happening in every community in Ontario. Everyone needs to know the signs, so they can be a part of the solution.” – Jennifer Richardson, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications (ONWA) and survivor of human trafficking. Let’s end human trafficking by upholding the rights, safety, and dignity of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. 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 -30-

In honour of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March), ONWA’s Responsible Gambling team presents a series of free virtual gatherings of knowledge and storytelling addressing online streaming and gaming. Taking place 5:30 - 8:00 PM EST every Tuesday throughout March 2023. Join us for an evening of teachings, storytelling, and creativity, as we work together to engage discussions on problem gambling and gaming in our communities. Each session will be opened and closed by Elder and Knowledge Keeper Tina Armstrong in a good way. Every presentation will be followed by Questions & Answers period and end with a cultural activity. For each session, the first 100 people to register before the listed deadline (and choose to include their mailing address) will receive free activity kits. All other registrants are responsible for their own supplies. Supplies are listed below and in the registrations. SIGN UP NOW using the links provided below! March 7th Register at: https://bit.ly/3YXoxaK Traditional Ways of being and the importance of community in combating problem gaming and gambling. Presentation: “Traditional Storytelling” with Ron Mandamin Activity: Medicine strawberry pin beading with Kaija MacKay Activity Supplies: (Kit registration deadline: Sunday, February 26, 2023) Red beads size 10/0 Thread Pin Beading needle Red felt (cut into 2 heart shapes) Green felt (cut into stem shape) Tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar trimming March 14th Register at: https://bit.ly/3IDT7RL Youth and Parents internet safety techniques and prevention. Presentation: “Youth & Parent: knowing your APPS” with Paul Davis Activity: Medicine pouch beading with Kaija MacKay Activity Supplies: (Kit registration deadline: Sunday, March 5, 2023) 2 leather pouch pieces with coordinating holes Leather strip (approximately 4 feet long) Small paint set Paint brush Large needle Roll of sinew thread March 21st Register at: https://bit.ly/3KhasAX An Indigenous Perspective on online safety. Presentation: “Online Safety, An Indigenous Perspective” with Aaron Tyance and Amy Short Activity: Dream Catcher beading with Kaija MacKay Activity Supplies: (Kit registration deadline: Sunday, March 12, 2023) Hot glue gun 4 inch ring 28 inches of 1/4 inch hide strip 20 inches of 1/8 inch hide strip 4 feet of sinew thread 6 large plastic beads 1 small plastic bead 6 feathers March 28th Register at: https://bit.ly/3ItJBQM Traditional Storytelling… Todays society, the importance of community in addressing problem gambling and gaming. Presentation: “Traditional Storytelling and Today's Society” with Maya Chacaby Activity: Medicine Wheel beading with Kaija MacKay Activity Supplies: (Kit registration deadline: Sunday, March 19, 2023) Red beads size 10/0 Yellow beads size 10/0 Black beads size 10/0 White beads size 10/0 1/4 sweetgrass braid 3-by-3 inch bead backing 3-by-3 inch pellin Graphic of small Medicine Wheel (to serve as pattern) 1.25 inch pin Bobbin of thread 2 beading needles Beading mat About the Speakers: Aaron Tyance Responsible Gambling Coordinator at the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) Amy Short Mental Health and Addiction Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison at the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) Kaija MacKay Youth Outreach and Cultural Worker at the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) Maya Chacaby Maya Chacaby is Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from Kaministiquia (Thunder Bay). Her birth family comes from Red Rock (Deschamps/Blanchette/Desmoulin) and adoptive family (Chacaby) from Ombabika, Lake Nipigon (registered with Eabametoong). Maya was an apprentice in Traditional storytelling with Alex McKayban (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug) for 8 years along with many other wonderful Elders. She has a fancy teaching job at York University but offers anything and everything she does to Nokiiwin Tribal Council in service to her community. Maya also runs professional development sessions on cultural competency and culture-based trauma informed practices reaching more than 10,000 participants across the province over the last ten years with District School Boards, Health Service Providers, Hospitals, Law Enforcement, Legal Clinics, Children’s Aid, Municipal leadership, Provincial Ministries,Tribal Councils, and more. Her publications focus on Anishinaabe world views and pedagogies, Indigenous anti-human trafficking, Anishinaabemowin revitalization and ending violence against Indigenous women. Maya is a serious MMORPG gamer and is currently developing an open-world RPG called “Biskaabiiyaang" based on the language and stories from the North Shore. Maya has also developed a D&D style tabletop Anishinaabemowin adventure game that she runs through her language classes at York University. Paul Davis The BIO/Outline covers current topics/technology and trends. Cyberbullying ties into the whole message. Social media, Sexting/child pornography, digital trails, Smartphone, online security & more. Paul Davies brings 32yrs+ of IT technology and expertise to his speaking engagements. Paul has presented to over 720,000 students from grade 4-12 from Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia & Quebec to Louisiana, New York California, Iowa & Nevada. All in just ten years. Since September – 98,000 students Virtually/Alberta/Quebec/NY states. Relating to kids as a father of two girls, and to parents as an IT/Cyber professional – All presentations are targeted so that each audience leaves with a wealth of knowledge and empowerment for their respective age level. Ron Mandamin Anishinaabe teachings are passed forward through blood line, active teaching, engagement and ceremony. Ron Mandamin has received his traditional knowledge in this manner. His blood line flows back and back and back. Ron holds traditional knowledge and passes forward that which he has been given. Ron is a highly respected Anishinaabe nini (man) who lives, leads and teaches from the traditional Ojibway ways he was raised. He speaks fluently, was taught the traditional teachings, history, plants, medicines, healing practices, language, and all Anishinaabe, as few have. Ron is known across Anishinaabe country and is highly respected as a presenter, ceremonial lead, orator, singer, teacher, language speaker, fabric and beading artist and the list goes on. He is a member of Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation. Contemporary boundaries locate his community in northwestern Ontario, by the Manitoba border. Years ago, I encouraged Ron to gain credentials in the SGEI-Queen’s University Aboriginal Teacher Education Program. At the time, I was the Seven Generations Education Institute’s Post-Secondary Education Director. Ron was actively teaching without mainstream credentials and subsequently, not receiving respectful remuneration. Ron chose not to enroll in our program and I have come to understand a little bit of why he chose not to venture into mainstream-indigenized study. He carries Anishinaabe 3teachings in a pure form, taught in the language and with meaning as the Elders gave him. He did attend minimal mainstream education then chose to maximized the training he received from his Elders. From a young age, throughout his life and through spirit Ron continues to learn and teach. As such, I have relied upon Ron to lead ceremonies, be a guest speaker to students, assist in healing practices and present at various workshops and conferences. Ron is an extremely special Traditional Knowledge Keeper. In Treaty 3, I can think of no other person who carries the language, teachings and way of being as he does. He is a role model, humble and tenacious. Ron is the headman, Ogimaa for the Iskatewizaagegan 39 Midewiwin Lodge. The Midewiwin Lodge, good hearted way, he leads humbly, attracts Anishinaabe from across our territory. He carries songs, teachings, protocols, and so much more that he passes forward to the people. Ron empowers others by encircling himself with many oshkabiwis, helpers, who are learning through active engagement. His teachings impact lives as we listen, connect to Spirit, release pain, embrace love and laughter. Lives have changed because he has chosen to hold to the teachings, songs and gifts passed to him. He willingly passes them forward as - “These teachings belong to all of us. No one person owns these teachings, Creator loves us all.”

We must acknowledge the legacy of residential schools that are a part of the history of this country. The legacies of the residential school system continue to break the hearts, but not the resiliency of Indigenous peoples. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) stands in unity with the families who bravely endure each new unmarked or mass grave. The residential school system has taken too many of our children and youth. Each discovery of these tragic losses continues to create trauma for our communities. The newest discovery in Kenora at the site of the St. Mary’s Residential School is yet another reminder of the children and youth who never got an opportunity to share their gifts and potential with their communities, friends, and families. It is a constant reminder to their families of lives that have been lost and what might have been. Every parent in Canada knows that surviving a child’s death is one of the most difficult losses to survive. We stand with those mothers and fathers; aunties and uncles; grandparents and larger communities whose brave leadership in uncovering the truth will not be forgotten, nor will their children. They will continue to live on in our hearts and in the spirit world with our ancestors. May the Creator embrace the lost children and their families. ONWA invites you to learn more about the Residential School System Legacy and its impacts by reading the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC): The TRC Summary Report The TRC Full Report Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action If you need cultural supports: The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available across Canada 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419 Talk4Healing Help Line is available 24/7 for culturally sensitive crisis counselling, advise and support at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)

Thunder Bay, ON – The Canadian Government has announced the appointment of Jennifer Moore Rattray as the Ministerial Special Representative. Moore Rattray will provide advice and recommendations, through engagement with families, survivors, partners and organizations, in support of Calls for Justice 1.7 “to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson, with authority in all jurisdictions, and to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Tribunal.” The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes and honours families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and looks forward to the opportunity to work with Jennifer Moore Rattray to support moving forward on the recommendations from the MMIWG Inquiry Calls for Justice. “We need to change the story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and two-spirit individuals. ONWA’s Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (2020) report embodies critical recommendations that must be integrated into Canada’s National Action Plan to address violence.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA Executive Director Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals have the right to live, to be safe in their communities and have the right to the same protections as any other Canadian. We must come together to take immediate action to mitigate the perpetual and often fatal violence against Indigenous women and girls and two-spirit individuals. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Watch at: https://youtu.be/faEKznBa9E0 Disclaimer: This video features artworks themed around violence against Indigenous women and girls. All artworks express the thoughts, ideas, and vision of individual artists. Some artworks may include language that may be considered offensive to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) held an Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women Youth Art Contest in November/December 2022. We asked Indigenous youth (ages 11-25) to submit artwork showcasing: "What ending violence against Indigenous women look like to you?" Submissions were sorted into 3 age brackets: ages 11-14, ages 15-18, and ages 19-25. Each bracket had their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. All submission was individually scored by a panel of judges, scores were tabulated to decide the winners. Congratulations to all the winners! Bracket 1: ages 11-14 Michael Ross-Matansinine, Age 13 Lotus Waite, Webequie First Nation, Age 14 TIE! Grace Funnell, Anishnabekwe, Kitigan Zibi First Nation, Age 13 Payton Tyance, Gull Bay First Nation, Age 14 Bracket 2: ages 15-18 Tisha Duncan, Bearskin Lake First Nation, Age 17 Emidee Gibbins, Big Grassy, Age 15 Kayla Spence, Age 18 Bracket 3: ages 19-25 MJ Singleton, Eagle Lake First Nation, Age 19 Lauren Sooley, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Age 19 Mackenzie Janveaux, M'Chigeeng, Age 21 Miigwetch / Kinahnaskomihtin / Nakurmīk / Marsee / Niá:wen / Merci / Thank you to all the youth who generously shared their beautiful expressions about the very important issue of ending violence against Indigenous women.

OPINION Cora McGuire-Cyrette Executive Director, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) The serial murders of Indigenous women in Winnipeg are a national tragedy and another example of how multiple systems continue to fail in keeping Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people safe. Most people in their lifetime may never encounter a person who has been directly impacted by someone they know being murdered or who has been missing for years. Now imagine walking into a room where every person you know has lost someone to violence or is waiting to hear information on someone who has still not been located. Then, imagine an entire community knows of someone who is missing or who has been murdered. This is my reality. This is the reality of Indigenous women who look for their missing and murdered Indigenous mothers, aunties, daughters, and sisters. This is a daily reality across this country. As Canada learns about the murders of four Indigenous women in Winnipeg, there have been questions regarding whether the murders were race-based. How, after what the country has witnessed through the MMIWG National Inquiry, or even more recently through the uncovering of mass graves at Residential Schools, is this still the question? But let’s take race out of what has happened in Winnipeg. What if we didn’t know who the four women were, just that they were murdered by a potential serial killer. Would we not be searching for them? Would we not be trying to ascertain if more women were victims of this man? Would we not be outraged? And would that outrage not be so vast that resources would be deployed immediately to search the location, even a garbage dump, if police believed that that was where their bodies were hidden? Which family or community would accept that their loved ones’ bodies will forever remain in a garage dump? When we remove the women’s racial identity, these questions seem unthinkable. No one would accept being told their sister, daughter, mother will just remain buried in a heap of garbage. But we are not seeing outrage by the entire community in Winnipeg. We are not witnessing protests in the thousands. We are not hearing of resources being provided to bring these women home to their families. So how can we believe that it is not because they are Indigenous? We cannot ignore the fact that Indigenous women are seven times more likely to be homicide victims than non-Indigenous women. We must recognize that violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada is systemic and very often perpetuated by systems intended to serve and protect them. This must stop. We need to begin building new communities where Indigenous women are safe, through actions taken at individual, family, community, and systemic levels. As the Executive Director of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s agency in Canada, our focus is to empower and support all Indigenous women. Indigenous women know what they need to be safe. Ending violence against them and their families, and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of what we do. It is time for Canadians to change the story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. The critical recommendations in ONWA’s report Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020) must be integrated into the National Action Plan, along with every plan in each province and territory, and implemented without further delays. As Canadians, are we not ashamed for the rest of the world to witness how we treat the First Peoples of our country? That is the only question we should all be asking, so that we don’t ever have to ask the question of ‘how many more’ ever again. --- Join the conversation at #IKWEWI_women Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre

OPINION Cora McGuire-Cyrette Executive Director, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) To say Indigenous women are treated like trash is not a metaphor. The serial murders that occurred in Winnipeg, Manitoba are a national tragedy, another example of racism and hate. It is this hate and disrespect that continues to put the safety of Indigenous women at risk – with ongoing genocide its direct result. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes and honours families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We stand in unity with the families in Manitoba who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and all those who continue to search for their missing women and girls. But all the vigils and words of support are not going to bring our sisters back. Ignorance and complacency are no longer an excuse. This national nightmare must end. Indigenous women, like all people, have the fundamental right to life and to live in safety. To continue to call this crisis ongoing, these murders another tragic example, is no longer a position this country can tolerate. It is time for Canada to have a serious, transparent conversation. It is time for Canadians to change the story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Supporting and working alongside Indigenous women for over 50 years, ONWA knows all too well that many Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people are not safe in their everyday lives. Almost six in ten Indigenous women have experienced physical assault and almost half have experienced sexual assault, compared to about a third of non-Indigenous women. While we share the lived experience of misogyny, racism and hate are what lead to the kind of targeting that happened in Winnipeg. Indigenous women have fought for decades to prove that Canada and its provinces and territories have a systemic issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It took years for the National Inquiry to be approved and to gather information for the final report. Yet Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people are still going missing and being murdered even now, as we wait for progress on the National Action Plan. Indigenous women know what they need to be safe. It is time for Canadians and governments at all levels to listen and act. The country needs to focus on addressing root causes and prevention against these tragedies by supporting Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people – empowering them, protecting their rights, and assisting them in reclaiming their leadership role within their communities. The critical recommendations in ONWA’s report Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020) must be integrated and implemented without further delays. This situation demands that we address the lurking hate that continues to put the safety of Indigenous women at risk. Governments must make resources available. Police forces must take action and work together with communities to identify other victims. We demand accountability. All levels of government must act to support Indigenous women's organizations in this work, to ensure our sustainability and reinforce our focus on Indigenous women’s safety. Together, we can change the statistics for our most vulnerable group of women in our society and reduce the risk of their victimization by hateful predators. As a national community, we need to create visions of safety, visions of mutual respect. We must look at how we can work together, starting within our own communities to ensure Indigenous women and girls are safe, no matter where they live in Canada. We must end this genocide and bring closure to the families of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls who are still waiting to know where their sisters, mothers, and daughters are – who pray they have not been left in a landfill, who are still waiting for them to come home. --- Join the conversation at #IKWEWI_women Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre

Thunder Bay, ON – The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (White Ribbon Day) is a Canadian movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. Indigenous women have the right to a future free from gender-based violence. The violent mix of misguided masculine toxicity perpetrated by systemic racism continues to plague the lives of Indigenous women and girls. 63% of Indigenous women have faced physical or sexual assault (Stats Can, April 2022) 56% Indigenous women have experienced physical assault, while 46% of Indigenous women have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime (Stats Can, April 2022) In 2018, the rates of sexual assault against Indigenous women were more than 3 times higher than among non-Indigenous women (Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces, Dec 2018) Indigenous women are approximately 3 times more likely to experience spousal violence than non-Indigenous women (Brennan, S., 2011) Indigenous women are 7 times more likely to be homicide victims than the non-Indigenous population. (Health Canada, 2009) “Indigenous women are targeted with violence because of race and gender. This needs to stop. We must begin building new communities where Indigenous women are safe through action at the individual, family, and community level.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA ONWA’s Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020) identifies actions in a detailed report outlining key areas of concern and recommendations for moving forward in ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. Today, on White Ribbon Day, ONWA honours the men and boys who support Indigenous women and girls. ONWA encourages all men and boys to take the pledge: I pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women. Furthermore, we call on our Indigenous brothers to join us in standing up against violence. To learn more about how you can help end violence against the women in your life, and for more resources more go to: https://www.whiteribbon.ca https://wrappedincourage.ca https://moosehidecampaign.ca https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/online-training For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30- Join the conversation at #IKWEWI_women Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre

Thunder Bay, ON – The serial murders that occurred in Winnipeg, Manitoba are a national tragedy and another example of racism and hate. This is a call for action to address this hate that continues to put the safety of Indigenous women at risk – and to end the ongoing genocide that is its direct result. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes and honours families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and stands in unity with the families in Manitoba who are grieving the loss of their loved ones and those who continue to search for their missing women and girls. ONWA maintains that Indigenous women, like all people, have the fundamental right to life and the right to be safe. Through supporting and working alongside Indigenous women for over 50 years, ONWA knows that many Indigenous women, girls and Two- Spirited people are not safe in their everyday lives. This lack of safety is demonstrated through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis, of which these murders are another tragic example. Canada needs to change the story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The country needs to focus on addressing root causes and prevention against these tragedies by supporting Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirited people, empowering them, protecting their rights, and assisting them in taking up their leadership role within their communities. “All the vigils and words of support are not going to bring our sisters back. Indigenous women know what they need in their lives to be safe. Canadians and governments at all levels need to support them. This national nightmare must end,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. Indigenous women have fought for decades to prove that Canada and its provinces and territories have a systemic issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It took years for the National Inquiry to be approved and to gather information for the final report. Yet Indigenous women and girls are still going missing and being murdered even now, as we wait for progress on the National Action Plan. ONWA’s Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020) report embodies critical recommendations that must be integrated into Canada’s National Action Plan and implemented without further delay. All levels of government must act to support Indigenous women's organizations in this work, to ensure our sustainability and reinforce our focus on Indigenous women’s safety. We can change the statistics for our most vulnerable group of women in our society and reduce the risk of their victimization by hateful predators. As a national community, we need to come together and create visions of safety, visions of mutual respect. We must look at how we can work together, starting within our communities to ensure Indigenous women and girls are safe, no matter where they live in Canada. This call for action demands that we address the hate and genocide that continues to put the safety of Indigenous women at risk. Governments must make resources available. Police forces must take action and work together with communities to identify other victims. We must bring closure to the families of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls who are still waiting to know where their sisters, mothers, and daughters are – who are still waiting for them to come home. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30- Join the conversation at #IKWEWI_women Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre

The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) has donated $13,000 to Living Space to support their shelter expansion. The 15 beds will be open to people in need in the coming weeks. “A lot of our community members, when they want to have access to support services in Timmins, have to go all over the city in terms of walking. For me, I said, ‘You know what, we’re going to go to the community members. We’re going to come here and find those services and supports needed here,” said Virginia Sutherland, Timmins Branch Manager, ONWA. ONWA will have priority access to five beds for community members in crisis due to human trafficking, domestic violence or other trauma situations. Watch the CTV News coverage at: https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2570092

Calling all Indigenous youth (age 11-25)! ONWA is looking for Indigenous artwork for a T-shirt showcasing what ending violence against Indigenous women looks like to you . The winning designs will be showcased on T-shirts distributed across Ontario. There are 3 age brackets for submissions. Ages 11-14, ages 15-18, and ages 19-25 . Each bracket will have their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize winners. There will also be random draws for all entrants . By submitting your entry you consent to giving ONWA full rights to use the art in publications and communications. How to enter: Create a design in the medium of your choice (digital, coloured, painted, drawn, or other) Submit a picture of your masterpiece and your age to mricher@onwa.ca Prizes: Artwork printed on T-shirt, iPad, Art Supplies Kit from Painted Turtle, $500 CND iPad, Art Supplies Kit from Painted Turtle, $250 CND iPad, Art Supplies Kit from Painted Turtle, $125 CND iPad (Random Draw prize) Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM Tuesday, December 6, 2022