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Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), would like to congratulate Dr. Kathleen E. Absolon, MSW, PhD. (Minogiizhigokwe) on her newest book 'Kaandossiwin: How We Come to Know Indigenous re-Search Methodologies' 2nd Edition. In honour and recognition of Indigenous History Month, ONWA is delighted to welcome Dr. Kathy Absolon to a virtual book launch to speak about her latest work. At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community and internationally for generations to come. ONWA prioritizes making space and amplifying the voices of Indigenous women who are making positive changes in families, communities, systems, and institutions. Every Indigenous woman is a leader, and we need to reclaim that inherent role. Dr. Kathy Absolon exemplifies Indigenous women’s leadership and what it can accomplish, and her work in Indigenous research is inspiring. Dr. Absolon is making impactful change by carving out a space at academic institutions for Indigenous thinkers. She honours Indigenous spirits, stories, traditions, and knowledge, and is paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous researchers. Dr. Absolon encourages us to adopt Indigenous methodologies and validates Indigenous knowledge systems. Please join us at 1:00 pm EST on Wednesday, June 8th to hear Dr. Kathy Absolon speak to her meaningful work and share with us the journey that has brought her to this point. There will be 25 signed copies of the book available to win as door prizes for those who are in attendance. Register for the event at https://bit.ly/39FA22q or watch the livestream on ONWA’s Facebook page. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

OPINION PIECE: Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Thunder Bay, ON – It is not safe to be an Indigenous woman and violence does not know jurisdictional boundaries and neither should our response to the violence. Over the past few years we are all well aware of the levels of unacceptable violence that has become normalized against Indigenous women here all across Canada, through numerous reports. Now is the time for transformative action. Violence against Indigenous women has not only continued during the pandemic but has drastically increased from over incarceration of Indigenous women, family violence to increased rates of human trafficking. This violence continues through the needless deaths of our women, children and community through the mental health and addictions crisis due to the lack of healing services and coordinated approach. Whether you are walking to the corner store or trying to access services in your community, Indigenous women are targeted for violence and discrimination. Indigenous women have a fundamental right to safety and healing, something all parties must address during the upcoming provincial election. It begins by looking at systemic change, addressing policy and legislation, and investing in safe spaces. Change begins when women can come together and heal as individuals and as a collective community. In Ontario, Indigenous women experience violence of all kinds at disproportionate rates. A 2021 study by Statistics Canada found that more than half (56%) of Indigenous women experience physical violence in their lifetime. Beyond physical violence, Indigenous women and girls also experience violence in the form of racism and discrimination from the very systems that are supposed to support us and provide safety. There is also a lack of respect for our right to sovereignty over our children, selves, and nations. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the violence and mistreatment Indigenous women and families face in the healthcare system – a system that was not built to meet our needs. As we look ahead to the provincial election, it’s a good time to reflect on how far we have come in Ontario, yet how much work still needs to be done. We must create systemic change that keeps Indigenous women and their families safe in order to strengthen our community post pandemic. Indigenous Women have the following priorities in the upcoming election: Health system transformation: Indigenous women have a right to quality health care that meets and responds respectfully to their needs across their life cycle from birthing to end of life care, including prevention services. This means workers in all health care settings across Ontario are trained and competent in providing safe services. While we wait for the systemic change needed, Indigenous women have also created their own health care services. For example, the Mindimooyenh Health Clinic in Thunder Bay that has administered over 14,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. It is imperative that Indigenous women’s approaches are acknowledged, funded, and supported. Indigenous women’s safety and prevention: Indigenous women continue to go missing and be murdered at alarming rates. Indigenous women need immediate investments in to their safety and prevention. Indigenous women’ agencies are drastically underfunded to meet their mandate and the funding inequality must be address. We imagine a budget that is based on a community development approach that will have not only transparent accountability but also strong measurements of success. Safe spaces: Now more than ever, Indigenous women need safe spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that Indigenous women continue to lack safety and fall through socio-economic cracks. These spaces have been proven to be the most fiscally responsible in the long term. Economic recovery must include investments into community infrastructure. Healing from the legacy of colonization: As the shadow pandemic of trauma, mental health, and addictions continues to grow, we know that Indigenous women need healing. This means access to barrier and wait time free, wholistic, culture based, trauma informed services that are designed, developed and delivered by and for Indigenous women. Child welfare redesign: Lastly, systemic change is required to keep Indigenous women and families safe and together. The child welfare system must be redesigned in a way that recognizes and honours the bond between mother and child and their right to choice of agency in their lives. This includes a wholistic community response that recognizes the entire urban Indigenous community and the hundreds of agencies that support Indigenous women each and every day. As part of this work, an innovative ‘Duty to Refer’ instead of a ‘Duty to Report’ model is needed to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care. It is our hope that the incoming government, no matter which party, will recognize the importance of working together to create better outcomes and safe spaces for Indigenous women and families in Ontario and beyond. We want to see a government that works together on one issue wholistically and this is Indigenous women’s safety. We look forward to finding ways to work together with the incoming provincial government to advance reconciliation and support Indigenous women’s leadership, safety, and well-being. Women are the ones who hold the communities together and do the community work, and now is our time to create a lasting legacy that our grandchildren’s grandchildren can be proud of. Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) -30-

What issues are Indigenous women facing in your community? Ask your candidates how they plan to address your community’s concerns. The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)’s Priorities in the 2022 Ontario Election: Priority 1: Investments in Indigenous women’s safety Indigenous women and girls continue to go missing and be murdered at alarming rates. The violence we face knows no bounds. Indigenous women need immediate investments in safety and prevention services designed, developed, and delivered by and for Indigenous women and our organizations. Ask your candidate: How does your party plan on addressing violence against Indigenous women and the MMIWG crisis? Priority 2: Improved health care for Indigenous women and families Indigenous women must be safe in all healthcare systems with the right to high quality health services throughout their lifecycle. We must ensure that Indigenous women can access health care, free from racism and discrimination. Ask your candidate: How will you address systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare? Priority 3: Safe Spaces Indigenous women need safe spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that Indigenous women continue to lack safety and fall through socio-economic cracks. Safe spaces mean culturally safe access to quality services that are free of racism and discrimination. Ask your candidate: What is your party’s plan for investments into Indigenous women’s safety? Priority 4: Addressing over-representation of Indigenous children in care Systemic change is required to keep Indigenous women and families safe and together. The child welfare system must be responsive to Indigenous women, recognizing and honouring the bond between mother and child. As part of this work, an innovative ‘Duty to Refer’ instead of a ‘Duty to Report’ model is needed. Ask your candidate: How will your government address the child welfare system and overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care? Priority 5: Safe and Affordable Housing for Indigenous Women Indigenous women have unique housing needs. They may experience homelessness when they cannot access safe and supportive housing and inclusive culturally grounded shelter services. This can place them in precarious spaces and risk exploitation. Ask your candidate: How will your party ensure Indigenous women can access safe and affordable housing in Ontario? Indigenous women’s fundamental right to safety and healing must be at the forefront of the 2022 Ontario Election. As trauma, mental health, and addictions continue to grow, we know that Indigenous women need safety and healing. This means access to barrier-free, wholistic, culture-based, trauma-informed services that are designed, developed, and delivered by and for Indigenous women. Need help with accessing voting? Check out these resources below to get started: https://voterinformationservice.elections.on.ca/en/election/search?mode=electoralDistrict https://www.elections.on.ca/en/voting-in-ontario.html https://my.elections.on.ca/en/account/download-app Every vote matters! Cast your vote on Thursday, June 2, 2022, or in advanced polls until Saturday, May, 28th to have your voice heard. Get out and make your vote count. Every Indigenous Vote Matters. #EveryVoteCounts

Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who shared the mother in their lives with ONWA. The winners are: Membership: 1) Elizabeth Wynne 2) Stacey Williams 3) Donna Lee Stiles 4) Loretta Thompson 5) Kathy Sapay Community Members: 1) Christian Necan 2) Prabhat Jain 3) Carlene Duncan 4) Ariel Berwick 5) Ebony Gladu

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is celebrating our first “Culture is Wellness” week in support of Mental Health Week. May 2nd to 8th, 2022, ONWA is hosting a series of daily virtual gatherings in support of good mental health. ONWA is committed to the wholistic wellness of Indigenous women, families, and communities. If you are interested in participating, register now using the links provided below or watch live on ONWA’s Facebook. Full listing of events and registration links to participate: Culture is Wellness Kick off Guest speakers: Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Tina Armstrong, and Traditional Healer Al Hunter Monday May 2, 2022, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3LhjkUO Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cLZWTbZ9s0/ Medicine Walk Virtual Mushkiki (Medicine Walk) with Audrey DeRoy, ONWA Land Based Coordinator Tuesday May 3, 2022, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3xS6IQq Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cNdDUS-9_l/ Sharing Circle with Joe Hunter Wednesday May 4, 2022, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3vKTlP2 *Please note this event will not be livestreamed. Storytelling with Tyler Anderson Virtual evening with TikTok influencer and Cree storyteller Tyler Anderson Thursday May 5, 2022, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3ENRdKM Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cQa9AA2Mcz/ Entertainment Night with Todd Genno, music by Classic Roots Virtual night of Celebrating community with Entertainer Todd Genno with musical performance by Classic Roots (Joshua DePerry). Friday May 6, 2022, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3Lg8COu Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cRubYdWC7g/ Woodland Art with Joshua LeClair Saturday May 7, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/393ERCb Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cSz6PdWP_r/ The first 25 registrants will receive workshop kits with all supplies provided. If you qualify as part of the first 25, you will be contacted using the email you register with. All other registrants will be responsible for providing their own supplies. Supply list: 7 colours (including 1 black, 1 white), 1 12x12 inch canvas, and 1-2 paintbrush(es) Mother’s Day Tea & Bakwezhigan Honoring women with tea and baked bannock. Sunday May 8, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST Register to attend Zoom: https://bit.ly/3kcS5Pk Watch the Facebook recording (video archive): https://fb.watch/cTQ5w4O3R5/ For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - This Mother’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the resilience and dedication of Indigenous women as the frontline of their communities and the heart of their families. Indigenous mothers and caregivers are essential to the longevity and vibrancy of life for future generations. They are committed to saving the world we live in through practices of intergenerational wisdom and healing. As we continue to face the challenges presented to us, we are reminded of the warmth of our origins, both as the children of our mothers and as the extension of the Creator. “We see the wonder of life in the eyes and smile of our mothers, we feel the warmth and love of the drumbeat of their heart. Mother’s Day is a small reminder of the strength and honour of motherhood, and the joy of life mothers gift us.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA It is often only when we find ourselves in the throws of parenthood, do we understand the magnitude of motherhood. Our mothers have impacted us indefinitely, shaped us unapologetically, and inspired us unequivocally. Our mothers remain the traditional path to mental and spiritual health, showing us that despite the barriers before us, there is always a way. In honour of Mother’s Day, ONWA will be reflecting on the beautiful entries and teachings shared with us that magnify the role of the mother in your life. ONWA would like to thank you for your vulnerability and willingness to share your stories. You can still participate in “Honouring Our Mothers” and submit your photos by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, May, 8th to be eligible for prizes. On behalf of ONWA, Happy Mother’s Day. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Earth is a lodge of life, and everything in it and on it must be treated as sacred. Today, Earth Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is taking small actions for big impact and collective change. Our Elders teach us that the Earth is a gift given to us from the Creator; every small action against the compounding crisis of climate change is making an affect on Mother Earth. Every piece of plastic removed from the soil matters. Every drop of clean water in a lake makes a difference. Every healthy tree in the forest is a good influence. Every seemingly tiny effort adds up to a larger impact. “This Earth Day we need to thank the Creator for the gifts of life that flow so freely from Mother Earth. All around us we see a destruction of our world that plays out, not only physically but in negative behaviors that are tearing at the very fabric of our lives. When we treat Mother Earth with love and respect, we move us all toward a better world.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA ONWA’s Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Awareness Program is proud to honour Earth Day by inviting community members province-wide to participate in a community clean-up. ONWA has sent out cleaning kits to our Chapters and Councils across the province to encourage as many people as possible to participate. Join us in making a collective difference by going out into your neighbourhood to pick up debris and garbage and help reduce the harmful effects both have to the environment. Submit a photo and story from your clean up journey for a chance to win prizes. Learn more about this promotion or submit your entry at: https://www.onwa.ca/honouring-mother-earth-clean-up No initiative is too small when you have only one world to share. "If we build a society based on honoring the earth, we build a society which is sustainable, and has the capacity to support all life forms." – Winona LaDuke For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today is World Water Day. It is an opportunity to increase awareness of the impact we have, and the potential impact we can have, on the health of our water systems. Today, we pause and reflect on the state of our sacred water. All life depends on water. We would not be here if it wasn’t for water. Water is life’s most fundamental human need. However, there are children in Canada who do not know what clean running water is. There are children who have lived their whole lives under boil water advisories. In many Indigenous communities, water is not safe. This has serious implications for the well-being of Indigenous women, families, and communities. The late Chief Water Commissioner and Water Walker, Josephine Mandamin taught us that “without water, there is no life”. Water Walkers have dedicated their lives to protecting water for everyone by bringing awareness of the environmental damage causing pollution to water. Their leadership helps us to understand all the ways we depend on water for life, today and for generations to come. “Behind every boil water advisory is a grandmother that is too old to fetch water, a mother that cannot afford bottled water, a child that does not know what it is to have clean water. The work I am doing is not for me, but for my community, and for my grandmother Josephine Mandamin. The work I am doing is for my descendant and the future.” – Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner and Water Walker Next time you turn on the tap and get a glass of clean water, remember that not everyone in Canada has that privilege. Today, on World Water Day, and all days of the year, let us hold the water in its rightful sacredness that our very lives depend on. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who participated and shared your strong warrior women stories! This month long celebration of the achievements of women was beautiful, and we are honoured that you shared it with us. The winners are: Community Members: Cheyanne Thomas, and SHERO-kwe Tracy Bouchard-Foss Patti McIntomney, and SHERO-kwe Jennifer Teresinski Louise Jacko, and SHERO-kwe Wanda Beaudry-cajanek Lori Flinders, and SHERO-kwe Jessica Wilson Tabatha Hill, and SHERO-kwe Chasity Martin Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils: Lesley Belleau, and SHERO-kwe Tracy Bouchard-Foss Barbara Fobister, and SHERO-kwe Roberta Keesick Gwewich Holly Hughes, and SHERO-kwe Melinda Commanda Jennifer Kehoe, and SHERO-kwe Mierelle Lapointe Kathy Muldoon, and SHERO-kwe Jayden Muldoon Laura Murray, and SHERO-kwe Lily Kai Edmunds

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has been invested in the ongoing development and implementation of the Ontario’s Pathways to Safety Strategy. Today, ONWA is pleased to share progress with respect to addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in this report. Partnership with the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council and Indigenous partners, alongside engagement with Indigenous women, survivors and families was paramount to the development of Ontario’s Strategy and has been integral to its implementation. Although we acknowledge that significant work still needs to be done as it relates to addressing the tragedy of MMIWG, this progress report is indicative of the collective ongoing efforts taking place to address the root causes. Learn more about the progress of Ontario’s Strategy: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-2021-22-pathways-safety-progress-report Read the Ontario’s Pathways to Safety Strategy: https://www.ontario.ca/page/pathways-safety-ontarios-strategy-response-final-report-national-inquiry-missing-and-murdered For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Today, March 22, is World Water Day. ONWA held a promotion asking community "water means to you" to honour water teachings and stories. Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who participated! Your teachings and stories were beautiful, and we are honoured that you shared them with us. The winners are: Community Members: Tamara Skead Kayla Vesterfelt Margaret Bannon Rebecca Mende Victor Chapais Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils: Breanne Fisher Cynthia Wynne Margaret Jackson Brenda Chartrand Ginette Magiskan

We want to hear about what water means to you! March 22 is World Water Day and ONWA is honouring water teachings and stories. ​ Share a teaching about water or tell us how water is impacting your life, and your community. Why do you honour water? Is, or has, your community been under a boil water advisory? What is the significance of water in your life? Submit a photo/video/write up explaining what water means to you to be entered into a draw to win a water bundle prize! First 100 submissions will receive a mini copper cup pail necklace (1 prize per person). Water Bundle Grand Prize includes:​ Mini copper cup pail necklace Isaac Murdoch t-shirt Life straw Copper cup “Water is Life” tote bag Learn more!