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At ONWA, we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in family, and the greater community. See what ONWA has accomplished in 2021 for generations to come. Read the full 2021-22 Annual Report here: https://www.onwa.ca/reports #ONWA51AGA

Each year, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) recognizes women whose work and contributions to the Indigenous community have made an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous women and their families. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and are based on the listed criteria. Awards were presented during the Gala Dinner at ONWA's 51st Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference. Winner of the Alice Souliere Bursary Award The recipient should have demonstrated either the personal pursuit of language development or have assisted in community projects that promote language development. Darla Issacs Nomination submitted for: "Darla Issacs is the reason we learn our language. There are less than 70 people who speak Onondaga. Darla is dedicated to making Onondaga available to those of us who want to learn regardless of the obstacles. Over the years if she found ways to make the language more accessible by having meeting and classes for those of us who lacked the basic knowledge of Onondaga. Her pursuit eventually gave way to an adult immersion program and now students host language lessons for the community. Darla was the domino we needed to keep our language! Darla is involved with the Onondaga Adult immersion program and the reason why Onondaga languages are now in programs... from a few people in our community with the ability eight years ago to now where more than 30 people can have Onondaga conversations! Darla was the domino our Onondaga language community needed." Winner of the Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell Award Each year the Ontario Native Women's Association is pleased to present this prestigious award in recognition of one of our founding members to an Indigenous woman who best displays the qualities and depth of commitment towards the Indigenous Women's Movement. Claudia LeGarde Nomination submitted for: "Claudia LeGarde has worked as a court worker with the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre advocating on behalf of Indigenous people and our collective histories to be recognized by the Canadian justice systems for over 20 years. She is a well-respected community member of Fort William First Nation and within the regional justice system of Northwestern Ontario. Claudia has encouraged other women to not give up and continue to better themselves, and by doing so she has touched many families lives and communities. Within the culture she has begun her personal journey on the Midewiwin path and continues to learn more about her healing ancestry to care for those around her. Within her community of Fort William First Nation Claudia is known and trusted as someone to reach out to when needing advice on how to navigate the justice system. Many members seek her out or bring friends to speak with her. Having that level of trust widely known showcases how she works for her." Winner of the Dorothy Wynne Achievement Award This award is presented to a local member of the Association nominated by her peers for her endeavors and contributions to her community, having an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous Women and their families. Mariah Abotossaway Nomination submitted for: "Mariah Abotossaway is dedicated to helping anyone and everyone in need. Mariah has been an active member of Waubejawong Anishinabeqek was started by her grandmother Linda whom Mariah was very close to. After her grandmother passed to the spirit world, Mariah would find herself drawn to strong Native women such as Dorothy Wynne, Jeanette Corbiere, Dawn Harvard, and Cora McGuire-Cyrette to name a few. Mariah was a proud broad member for ONWA, and would share herher experiences with everyone from our community. Mariah has been head female dancer proudly representing Aundeck Omni Kaning for many, many years. She teaches her crafts and sewing skills to anyone willing to learn. When Mariah has free time, you can be sure she is out and about visiting the elders and cooking them lunch or helping them with housework. Mariah makes me so proud every single day. I am so honoured the Creator gifted me with this amazing person that I get to call me daughter. As a Youth Board Member for ONWA, Mariah loved Dorothy Wynne, and proudly mentored under Dorothy. Who better to receive this award that from someone Dorothy helped shape during her transition from a young girl to a proud Anishnabe Kwe." Winner of the Indigenous Woman of the Year Award This award is presented annually to an Indigenous Woman who has served her people compassionately in all areas of community service, and, demonstrated skill and dedication to the Provincial movement of the Ontario Native Women's Association. Rita Fenton Nomination submitted for: "Rita Fenton is a beautiful soul that opens her doors to anyone who needs help. She is a trailblazer who has been fully involved with her community of Thunder Bay and is proud member of Fort William First Nation. She opens her doors to people who are starting her journey on the Red Road with open arms. She will feed you, clothe you and help you find peace when you are living in chaos. She does full moon ceremonies from her home and in the community that help women and men connect with the Creator. Rita is blessed with the gift of reconnection of the lost art of their traditions. You will feel the comfort and feeling at home when you walk through the door. Rita was one of the women who helped found the Orange Abinoojinh Movement Ceremony. She was involved with the Heartbeat of the Drum walk for healing and has offered her yard and space for many sacred fires throughout the years. If you have ever been by this woman, you know she has so much power and strength, yet she is so humble, kind and gentle. Rita is involved in her community of Fort William First Nation. She supports her people with their dreams of what they want to do in their community. She makes you believe in yourself. Rita can make the impossible, possible!" Winner of the Legacy Award Special this year, the ONWA Legacy Award honours and acknowledges the outstanding achievements of an Indigenous woman who impacted and contributed to the Indigenous women’s social justice movement. Brenda Jackson Zhoonya Penassai Kwe (Shining Thunderbird Woman) Giibwaano-sii Dodem (Redtail Hawk Clan) 1968-2022 She is Zhoonya Penesse Kwe (ba), of the Red Hawk Clan, from Chimnissing (Beausoleil First Nation), Ojibwa Anishinabekwe; Second Degree Medewiwin of the Three Fires Medewiwin Lodge; Brenda was a loving mother to her beautiful daughter, Christy. Brenda was a proud grandmother of two astounding little girls who lit up her world. Her deep love for family has always been forefront as she a was loving and devoted sister. They were often referred to as Corn, Beans and Squash. Brenda was Beans, Kathy is Corn and Sheri is Squash. Individually, they are each strong and doing their life’s purpose, but together, they were the three sisters! Growing together, protecting each other and stronger by each other’s sides. An Elder once said that seeing each of them was nice, but having the 3 of them together, they had a positive impact on all those around them. Like a braid of sweetgrass, they attracted positive energies and brought it into the work they did with community. Brenda lived her life the Anishnabe way each day, sharing in the love of the teachings and natural ways of life. Brenda had been the GBNWA President for over 25 years. An Elder described Brenda’s leadership as one who’s focus was to meet the priorities of the people. If the community needed it, you could trust Brenda to get it done. This is what made her contributions so impactful. Her priority was to meet the needs of the people she served. She did this with heart and compassion, and her work will leave an everlasting impact for our region. GBNWA started with 2 programs, then to 5, and have now reached 26 full time positions. Brenda was a mentor to many. She shared her knowledge and a piece of her heart with everyone she met. There are many versions of Brenda, Zhoonya Penesse Kwe Ba, each one equally as great as the next. She played many important roles within our family, our community and beyond, and she filled these roles perfectly. Her work will continue to ripple through our communities for years to come and inspire Indigenous women everywhere to reach for the top, as no dream is too big. A huge congratulations to the winners! What you have accomplished is inspiring. Learn more about the awards at: onwa.ca/awards

The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is honoured by all the powerful and wonderful words shared with us this morning during the Welcoming Remarks of our 51st Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference“Indigenous Women’s Leadership for Generations to Come” at the Best Western Plus Nor’wester Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay. “51 years, wow; thriving, growing. Thank you for all the contributions you have made to our communities. You work hard for 51 years. You still have a lot of work ahead of you for all the men and women across our communities.” – Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation “It is especially important to see the young ones here. Because they are who we are doing this work for.” – Melvin Hardy, Northern Superior Deputy Grand Council Chief – The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of the Province of Ontario – The Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services “When it comes to Indigenous women leadership, we can not only focus on how far we have come but also on where we are going. The work ONWA has been doing is vital. You are not only leading the way, you are building Indigenous women’s leadership. Your work inspires us all to be better leaders.” – The Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity “I know that resiliency is important. I also know that Indigenous people and black people should not need to be so resilient. Because resiliency is surviving trauma, it is being strong through discrimination and racism. So long as we must be resilient, we are failing. Because no one should have to live through it. I hope to help people not have to talk about resiliency, but to speak about safety and healing. This is the work that ONWA does.” – The Honourable Patty Hadju, Minister of Indigenous Services & Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) 51st Annual General Assembly (AGA) is taking place September 16th and 17th, 2022, at the Best Western Plus Nor’wester Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay. Following the AGA, on Sunday September 18th, community will come together for the first time in two years for the 5th Annual Pow Wow to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). ONWA gathers to highlight the accomplishments of the past year at this year’s AGA, whose theme “Indigenous Women’s Leadership for Generations to Come” reflects the core of ONWA’s work. The AGA will also serve as a launching point for ONWA’s new Strategic Picture, outlining the organization’s forward thinking road map for building Indigenous women’s leadership over the next decade. On Sunday September 18th, we welcome the community to come together at the Best Western Plus Nor’wester Hotel & Conference Centre for ONWA’s 5th annual Pow Wow in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The Pow Wow begins with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7:30 am and holds Opening Prayer at 10:00 am. There will be food and craft vendors on-site. ONWA invites everyone to join and bring their hand drums. The Pow Wow will feature: Host drum Grassy Narrows Women’s Drum Group Passwewe Ikewug (Echo Women) Drum Group Chief Mel Hardy, Rocky Bay first Nation Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development agency for Northern Ontario Jaime Black, multidisciplinary artist and founder of The REDress Project, an aesthetic response to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. “As we come together over the next three days, we honour Indigenous women’s leadership for generations to come. The passion and commitment of Indigenous women is the catalyst for ONWA’s work toward building a safe, prosperous, and healthy future for Indigenous communities across the province of Ontario.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA Media opportunities: Key photo and interview opportunities are as follows. Please contact Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, to arrange media opportunities. Opening, 10:00 am: Hand-drum song “Passwewe Ikewug” Opening Words and Welcome: Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA Chief Mel Hardy, Rocky Bay First Nation Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development agency for Northern Ontario Jaime Black, multidisciplinary artist and founder of The REDress Project Grand Entry, 11:00am-12:00pm: Host Drum - Grassy Narrows Drum Group Teaching and Honor Song Flag Song Veterans Song - Gerry Martin and Mel Hardy Passwewe Ikewug” – ONWA’s Women’s Drum Group Honor Dance and Songs, Jingle dress, Healing Song. MMIW Dance Moment of Silence and tobacco offering to sacred fire Métis Fiddlers Giveaway Closing Prayer For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

On this Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) calls on all Canadians to take time to learn more about FASD. It is estimated more than 3000 babies per year are born with FASD and currently 300,000 people are estimated to be living with it in Canada. Canadians live with FASD with countless others undiagnosed. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/diseases/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder.html FASD is 100% preventable. Protect your unborn baby. Prevention is the best cure. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. To embrace positive change in the lives of those with FASD, ONWA joins in and supports the life-affirming chorus of I am capable, I am strong, I am resilient, I am living with FASD. For more information about FASD please go to: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) | CAMH For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s Youth Life Promotion Program recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). Suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst youth, and these rates are disproportionately higher within our Indigenous youth community. ONWA is committed to mentoring, guiding, and supporting Indigenous youth to be able to connect with cultural and traditional practices to foster healthy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. ONWA honours and empowers Indigenous youth to build capacity and leadership within their communities and families to support each other and nourish future generations. Today, ONWA will be hosting a virtual round table livestream for Youth and Elders/Knowledge Keepers. This is an opportunity to come together and talk about mental health. Culture, ceremony, dance, and music help people continue their path to healthy living through the sharing of cultural practices and reconciliation. ONWA welcomes Knowledge Keeper Al Hunter who will share stories of kindness and how culture influences his own wellbeing. Speaker, educator, and Pow Wow dancer Deanna Hupfield will share her story of how traditional culture influenced her to create a spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally balanced life. She will also be teaching the art of Pow Wow dancing. You are invited to join ONWA today from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm EST on Zoom (register at https://bit.ly/3RtFxli) or Facebook Live to participate in this event. Attendance draws will take place on Zoom for an iPad, air pods and traditional basket. Here are some resources to help if you or someone you care about needs mental health support: · Talk4Healing’s toll-free lines are open 24/7 to provide support. Call 1-855-554-4325 or visit http://talk4healing.com · Listing of Ontario mental health and addiction services for Indigenous individuals and families: https://www.ontario.ca/page/mental-health-and-addiction-services-indigenous-individuals-and-families Learn more about ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion: ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion program works with communities across the province to build capacity while empowering youth through education, mentorship, and cultural supports. This holistic approach develops confidence and skills, encouraging youth to take up their roles as leaders for future generations. Visit: https://www.onwa.ca/youth-life-promotion For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) celebrates International Youth Day. ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion program works with communities across the province to build capacity while empowering youth through education, mentorship, and cultural supports. This holistic approach develops confidence and skills, encouraging youth to take up their roles as leaders for future generations. The theme for this year’s celebration is Intergenerational Solidarity, which celebrates and builds relationships across generations. ONWA acknowledges the importance of sharing and preserving cultural knowledge and practices, through connecting with and investing in our youth. In this spirit, ONWA is hosting an event today in Thunder Bay for Indigenous youth (ages 12-25) to come together with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Albert Hunter, Tina Armstrong, Audrey DeRoy and Aaron Tyance to build their bundles through sharing of generational cultural teachings, and to celebrate the youth as future leaders and Knowledge Keepers. Although, registration is closed, ONWA hosts similar events and youth programming year-round in communities throughout the province. Visit ONWA’s website to view the Program Calendar and find out what programs, events, and promotions ONWA is currently running: https://www.onwa.ca/events-promotions For more information: 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 deeply saddened by the passing of Brenda Jackson, Zhoonya Penasii Kwe (Shining Thunderbird Woman) of the Giibwaano-sil Dodem (Redtail Hawk Clan) and member of G-Chimnissing (Beausoleil First Nation). On July 31, 2022, Brenda left behind a legacy of her life, gifts, and work for generations to come as she journeyed to the Spirit World. Brenda will be fondly remembered for her ability as a leader to influence people from all walks of life and to empower Indigenous women throughout the province, especially in the Georgian Bay and Barrie area. Despite facing many challenges, Brenda (on behalf of the Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association) remained steadfast in her endeavours to create housing for Indigenous women in her community. Over the past several years, the fruits of her labour and dedication have resulted in the construction of eight new two-bedroom units for Indigenous women escaping violence and experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Most recently, Brenda had successfully secured funding to acquire an affordable supportive housing unit and for the construction of a duplex that will be transitional supportive housing. ONWA worked with Brenda over the past several years to support the funding process to ensure that each project came to fruition, and to showcase what strong Indigenous women can accomplish when they never give up. ONWA knows that Brenda’s efforts to provide safe housing for Indigenous women and their families will have long-lasting positive effects and inspire many generations to come. ONWA will forever remember Brenda Jackson, Zhoonya Penasii Kwe (Shining Thunderbird Woman) for her kindness, generosity, and infectious smile. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – In honour of United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison (IAHTL) Program has distributed safeSPACES yard signs and will be hosting a live virtual event on July 29th. ONWA works together each day to create tools and resources for community members and organizations by providing education and training. Violence against Indigenous women and girls contributes to the normalization of violence and teaches young women to accept this as part of their lives. Indigenous women and girls targeted by human traffickers “comprise a disproportionate number of those sexually exploited in Canada through human trafficking” (Journey to Safe SPACES Report). This needs to end. Indigenous women have the right to live in safety, free from the threat, fear, or experience of exploitation and violence. ONWA safeSPACES’s yard sign campaign is aimed at enhancing traditional bundles of safety. The goal is to increase practical knowledge, in-depth overviews of these issues, and teachings on how to build inner strength and move towards healing. The yard signs are equipped with a QR code that can be scanned with any smartphone and will open to ONWA’s Human Trafficking (HT) resource page; these signs are an opportunity to raise community awareness to stand up against human trafficking. ONWA IAHTL provided community partners with safeSPACES yard signs to promote the rights, safety, and dignity of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples. Join ONWA for a live virtual event from 11:00AM-12:00PM EST on Friday, July 29, 2022. This presentation will provide information, resources, techniques, and strategies to help create safer neighbourhoods. It is important to take the time to learn more about human trafficking and what it looks like in communities. Register for the event at https://bit.ly/3AXSsqI or watch the livestream on ONWA’s Facebook page. The first step to preventing human trafficking is to learn more about the conditions that cause it. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Each year, ONWA recognizes women whose work & contributions to the Indigenous community have made an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous women & their families. Nominate someone today for the $1,000 Award at https://www.onwa.ca/awards Submissions close July 31/22 @ 11:59 PM EST. Award recipients are nominated by their peers & are based on the listed criteria. Awards will be presented at ONWA's Annual General Assembly (Sept. 16-18/22). For more information: 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 disappointed by the United States Supreme Court overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Indigenous Women have the right to choose how they access reproductive healthcare. ONWA affirms Indigenous women’s right to safe, supportive, and culturally relevant healthcare that is free of racism, stigma, and discrimination. Now more than ever, Indigenous women’s right to freedom of choice in healthcare is critical and access to healing must be supported. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the inherent leadership of Indigenous women. Recognizing, reclaiming, restoring, and reconciling Indigenous women’s shared experiences, challenges and successes continues to be reflected in the ongoing work of ONWA. Today, ONWA is celebrating these achievements with the release of Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA documentary and 6th edition of She Is Wise magazine. Last year, in honour of the organization’s 50th anniversary, ONWA produced the Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA documentary celebrating their incredible 50-year journey. This powerful story of Indigenous women’s leadership shines a spotlight on the history of ONWA and its ground-breaking work to ensure the safety of Indigenous women. This evening, TVO will be broadcasting the documentary at 7:00 pm and 2:00 am EST, proudly sharing ONWA’s story with all Ontarians. Today, is the release of the latest edition of the official publication of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s She Is Wise magazine. The focus of this edition is child welfare, justice, health, housing, and homelessness. A few of the featured stories include: Cover story: Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and Gitxsan First Nation activist for child welfare, is committed to making sure Canadians don’t look away from injustices toward Indigenous children. Mohawk Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller, mother of three, is passing down a message of self-care as part of her healing journey. Three generations of women discuss passing on the torch of Indigenous motherhood. Indigenous writers are shaping their own stories, reclaiming and sharing them with the world. ONWA invites you to visit onwa.ca/she-is-wise-magazine to read online or subscribe for a copy of She Is Wise magazine, and tune in to watch Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA documentary tonight at 7:00 pm or 2:00 am EST on TVO. On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, ONWA extends a Miigwetch / Kinahnaskomihtin / Nakurmīk / Marsee / Niá:wen / Merci / Thank you for embracing the rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and for recognizing the leadership of Indigenous women. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, ONWA Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-