Search Results

Thunder Bay, ON – On this International Women’s Day (March 8), Mother Earth truly is the tie that binds Indigenous women together throughout the world. We are all interconnected. At a time when the world is in need of heroes, we ask who is the SHERO-kwe in your life? The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is celebrating the achievements of women, today and throughout Women's History month (March). We are calling on you to share your strong women stories about the women that have made a difference in your life, community, or nation. “A shero is defined as a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities, a heroine. Originally, a shero could be any woman who was defined by another as a hero and the term first came to fruition in 1836 during the suffrage movement. Today we believe a shero can be everyday people who support diversity and have strong character and sense of self. They support, encourage, and push every woman to be better and are champions for gender equality. Anyone at any age and from any culture or background can be a shero.” (Definition source) “-kwe” means woman in Ojibwe; if you identify as a woman, you are a “-kwe”. Let’s honour the women that hold our world together and the space they have made way for us and the future leaders of tomorrow! Tell us about your SHERO-kwe and submit a photo/video to be entered into a draw to win a prize for both yourself and your SHERO-kwe at: https://www.onwa.ca/shero-kwe “We acknowledge the resiliency of Indigenous women who courageously continue to reclaim their voice, their spirit, and their leadership.” -Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA About the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) 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. To learn more about ONWA: www.onwa.ca For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

We want to hear your strong warrior women stories! March is Women's History month and ONWA is celebrating the achievements of women. ​ Who are the women that have made a difference in your community or nation? Is she your number one supporter? Is she your mother, sister, grandmother…your most deadly auntie? What makes her so strong? Is she a great cook, artisan, crafter, knowledge carrier? Is she a community helper or leader? What makes her the bravest, strongest, most resilient woman you know? Tell us why you wanted to be like her when you grew up? What makes your S HERO -kwe special to you? Tell us about your S HERO -kwe and submit a photo/video to be entered into a draw to win a prize for both yourself and your S HERO -kwe! Let’s celebrate the women that hold our worlds together…and honour the space they have made way for us and the future leaders of tomorrow! Learn more about this promotion and submit your entry before 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

Thunder Bay, ON – The first steps to preventing human trafficking is to learn about it. Today, on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is beginning a safeSPACES awareness campaign. ONWA’s safeSPACES awareness campaign uses yard signs to connects women, girls, and two-spirit people in our communities and those entrenched in human trafficking to resources. It promotes and raises community awareness about human trafficking, expanding safe spaces to include neighbourhoods. Anyone interested in learning more about human trafficking and exploitation, can use their smart phones to scan the QR code on the yard signs and be directed to educational resources including videos, presentations, reports, and more. Indigenous women have the right to live in safety, free from the threat, fear or experience of exploitation and violence. To prevent this ongoing issue for future generations, people need to be informed and aware of the risks and preventative measures they can take. ONWA’s sign campaign aims to create a safe digital space with the intention of increasing awareness of sexual violence, and human trafficking. The sign campaign is aimed at enhancing ONWA’s traditional safety bundle by increasing practical knowledge coupled with in-depth analysis of Indigenous Women’s Safety issues to support the development of inner strength and move towards healing. 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) and this needs to end. Let’s all take the time to learn more about human trafficking and what it looks like in our communities. Let’s all rise up together and end human trafficking. Please follow the QR code for more information. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – The violence taking place in Ottawa and in communities surrounding the inappropriately named “Freedom Convoy” is extremely disheartening. Sadly, the word freedom is being used out of context. As Indigenous women we know the fight for freedom, for our real safety from colonialism and patriarchy as we continue to be overrepresented within Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the justice system, child welfare and many other systemic issues. Indigenous women during the pandemic continued to experience increased levels of violence, including the situation in Ottawa, where Indigenous women continue to be targeted for violence while walking in public or speaking out on this issue through social media. To be clear, you cannot build freedom through violence. The overwhelming majority of Canadians have, for two years, respectfully exercised their public duty combating the pandemic. These protests are perpetuating violence and creating unsafe environments and conditions for marginalized groups, especially for Indigenous women and girls. These protests are taking away valuable time that could be spent allocating resources to increasing the safety of Indigenous women by addressing chronic and systemic issues such as MMIWG. The impacts caused by these protests are inexcusable, and the promotion of symbols of hate and blatant racism have brought to the forefront the undeniable prevalence of systemic racism that is still fully enmeshed within society. These protests serve to increase racial tensions and divisions, further marginalizing Indigenous women, and confounding efforts of achieving the overarching messaging of this protest: “freedom of rights” through the infliction of hate crimes and violence. We have recently witnessed the bravery and leadership of Robyn Knickle a young non-Indigenous woman who not only spoke out against inequality and violence, but also brought together community by personally creating a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000.00 for ONWA’s Charitable Foundation. ONWA would like to follow her leadership and continue this movement by starting a GoFundMe campaign for the community agencies within the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition who have been collectively dealing with the violence with limited to no resources on the ground. The so-called convoy has taken key resources away from the community of Ottawa who must focus on this crisis. Let’s work together and raise money for the community and show them that we are standing with them in solidarity. “To be clear no amount of violence is acceptable. During this public health crisis each of us must be doing our part to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We need safety and healing for our community during this difficult time. I encourage you to consider donating to a real cause in Ottawa such as the Indigenous agencies in Ottawa who are doing the heavy lifting in trying to keep our community safe.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. To donate please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-indigenous-community-in-ottawa?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer To learn more about the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition please go to: www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca The Ontario Native Women’s Association 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. www.onwa.ca | Twitter: @_ONWA_ | Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Charitable Foundation (ONWCF) is honoured to be among the 12 organizations sharing a generous $15 million donation from the Slaight Family Foundation. This contribution will support to initiatives focussed on addressing the challenges faced by women and girls across Canada. The funds ONWCF is receiving will be invested towards the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s Healing, Empowerment, Reclamation, Safety (HERS) Program. Ending violence against Indigenous women is a cornerstone of the work that ONWA does. Without safety women can not move in their lives. The HERS Program will help Indigenous women who have been domestically abused, silenced, shamed, or threatened, to heal and reclaim their place as contributing members of their communities. Indigenous women will receive support, education and be empowered to heal and reclaim their leadership and their voices. “The pandemic has added to the many challenges faced by women and girls across Canada, and particularly in Indigenous, racialized and refugee communities. said Gary Slaight, President & CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation. “This initiative is about helping people escape difficult circumstances, providing support for mental and physical health, and overcoming barriers so that women and girls across Canada can live their lives unburdened by unfair, unhealthy or unsafe circumstances.” “The forward thinking of Gary Slaight and the Slaight Family Foundation is laying the framework for real reconciliation. Listening to the needs of Indigenous women and honouring their voices is the real change needed to make Canada the respectful and just society everyone should be working toward. The support from the Slaight Family Foundation will empower the inherent leadership of Indigenous women to make the change in their lives that will address generational systemic failings, building a brighter future for their communities and families.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. For more than 50 years, ONWA continues to walk with Indigenous women on their journey to change the narrative and expand their stories, celebrating the resiliency and strength in their lives. ONWCF is honoured to be among those included in the donation from the Slaight Family Foundation, investing in initiatives focussed on addressing the challenges faced by women and girls across Canada. Chi Miigwetch. About the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) 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. To learn more about ONWA: www.onwa.ca About the Slaight Family Foundation The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight is known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, a leader in the music industry and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth international development, social services and culture. 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) would like to acknowledge Robyn Knickle, Director of Development at the Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, for launching her Go Fund Me campaign in support of ONWA’s work. Robyn’s basic question, “why are Canadians not rallying in support of Indigenous communities?”, drove her to take personal action. Knickle has generously set a goal to raise $5,000 at a time when Indigenous women, children and communities are dealing with challenges such as access to clean water, food security and safety. “In these divisive times, it is amazing to see how one individual can truly make a difference. Robyn represents the positive beauty of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, reaching across cultures with constructive action to benefit our communities and work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Women, families and communities. Funds raised will be used to support Indigenous women’s education. For this we say Chi miigwetch to Robyn and to all who have chosen to support her effort and our organization.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA Executive Director. To donate to Robyn Knickle Go Fund Me campaign, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-for-ontario-native-womens-association About the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) 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. To learn more about ONWA: www.onwa.ca For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - On November 25th, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Poetry Night, created to raise awareness about violence against women. Poetry Night coincides with the first day of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, United Nations #orangetheworld campaign. The campaign ends on December 10th, Human Rights Day, emphasising that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. Poetry Night provides Indigenous women and their families a chance to gather and celebrate their shared strength and resiliency through sharing poetry, art, spoken word and music from both emerging and established poets and musicians. This year, ONWA honours the voice and legacy of Lee Maracle with feature poet Al Hunter, and musical performances by Keith Secola, Jamie Labrador and Jasmine McGuire. Please join us from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (Eastern Time) on November 25th to help us raise awareness of the violence against Indigenous women. ONWA is offering this event to everyone virtually through the Zoom platform. Door prizes will be drawn during the live event and a 5-year anniversary collective poetry book mailed to all registered participants. Inspiring poets are encouraged to provide poetry submissions to be considered for ONWA’S annual publication Strong Hands Stop Violence which highlights poetry written by Indigenous women. To learn more, to submit poetry or to register for the event visit: onwa.ca/strong-hands-stop-violence For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion program held an contest asking Indigenous youth to submit artwork for an Anti-Bullying Day T-shirts, to showcase our commitment to preventing bullying and focusing on treating all people with kindness and respect. The winning design will be showcased on a t-shirt shared with Indigenous youth across Ontario. The winners are: Tisha Duncan - 1st place, the Chromebook prize, and the t-shirt showcase Cassie Major - 2nd place and the iPad prize Grace Funnell - 3rd place and the Professional Artist Kit Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who participated!

Thunder Bay, ON - Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the United Nation’s Human Rights Day. This day is observed every year on December 10th — the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948. ONWA maintains that Indigenous women have the right to life and the right to be safe, which Article 3 of the UDHR affirms: “You have the right to live, and to live in freedom and safety.” However, through supporting and working alongside Indigenous women for 50 years, ONWA knows that many of our sisters are not safe in their every day lives. Consider, for example, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis; a direct result of this lack of safety. “Basic human rights like safety, are often taken for granted against a backdrop of forgotten, hollow platitudes. Indigenous women and girls in Canada continue to endure a harsh daily struggle, in search of the safety they should not have to demand. All levels of government need to support a strategy of safety planning for Indigenous women to end this ongoing injustice.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director ONWA ONWA’s report, Reconciliation with Indigenous Women, was written with 13 recommendations focusing on improving Indigenous women’s safety to end the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis. The report’s first recommendation is: The Safety of Indigenous Women Must be at the Centre of the National Action Plan. Safety for Indigenous women looks like: Safe Public Spaces – Indigenous women and girls can access any public service or program and receive culturally appropriate services by culturally-aware and respectful people. Safe Homes – Homes are violence free. Safe Families – The legacy of colonization is addressed, and violence becomes nonexistent in our familial relationships. Safe Indigenous Identity – Indigenous women (regardless of status) are recognized in all appropriate legislation, policies, and communities. Safe Communities – Indigenous women and girls can walk down the street and not be solicited, harassed, sexually assaulted, trafficked, or propositioned. Safe Relationships – Indigenous women and girls do not have to navigate any type of violence in their relationships. Indigenous women are able to role model what safe relationships look like. Today, on United Nations Human Rights Day, and everyday, we must recognize that Indigenous women are the experts of their own lives and know what is needed to address the issues. Any work moving forward with the National Action Plan needs to honour and center Indigenous women’s expertise and leadership in the family, community and internationally for generations to come. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (White Ribbon Day), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Beendigen are honoured to raise the Wrapped in Courage flag in solidarity to end violence against women. Thirty-two years ago on December 6, 1989, fourteen women were murdered, and ten women and four men were injured in the École Polytechnique massacre (Montreal massacre). Canadians must never forget and never stop the campaign to end violence against women and girls. November was Woman Abuse Prevention Month, during which the Wrapped in Courage campaign mobilized Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario to remind everyone that violence continues to be the greatest inequality rights issue for women and girls. Ontarians wore purple scarves in support of survivors who’ve had to endure gender-based violence in their homes, communities, and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes to seek support and safety from violence. It takes the support of an entire community to end violence against women. “Beendigen’s top priority is to be a safe space, a supportive place that Indigenous women can reach out to in times of crisis. Violence-Against-Women shelters play a vital role for survivors of violence. In addition to shelter, Beendigen provides advocacy, counselling, safety planning, education, programming, and resources to those who need support. We hope that when people see the Wrapped In Courage flag flying, it will be a reminder that we must come together as a community to combat gender-based violence and to support survivors.” Debra Vermette, Executive Director, Beendigen, President, ONWA As we remember and honour the tragedy of the École Polytechnique massacre, we gather in Thunder Bay to raise the Wrapped in Courage flag. “As we raise the flag today, we raise a call for action. The lives of Indigenous women, girls and children must not be forgotten in the flurry of competing daily headlines. The time for action is now.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA Join live on Beendigen’s Facebook and/or ONWA’s Facebook for the official Wrapped in Courage flag raising: December 6, 2021 at 1:00 PM (EST). For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30- Beendigen Beendigen provides free support and services to ensure women and children have a safe environment to live in, free from violence. They provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place where women can explore their options. www.beendigen.com | Twitter: @BeendigenTbay | Facebook: Beendigen| Instagram: beendigen Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports 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, since 1971. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural wellbeing for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best life. www.onwa.ca | Twitter: @_ONWA_ | Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association

Thunder Bay, ON – On November 17, 1971, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) was officially incorporated. Today, we celebrate 50 years of ONWA and the Indigenous women’s movement. ONWA is now the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s agency in Canada! 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. To mark this extraordinary milestone, here is a snapshot of ONWA’s creation and early years: 1971, November 17 – ONWA is incorporated 1972, May – Four key action areas identified through The Ontario Native Women’s Association: Its Foundation, Aims and Objectives report: Care for the Elders in their Home Territories; Concern for Children and Youth; Cultural Concerns; and Social Concerns. Corporate objectives remained in place until 2008. 1972, May – A cross-Ontario convention was held in Thunder Bay to establish the foundation of ONWA and to establish our relationships with all other Indigenous organizations. 1972, December 12-13 – Inaugural Board meeting was held in Toronto with the following Board members: Jeannette Lavell (President), Edith McLeod, Mary Hardy, Ethel Moses, Millie Flemond, Vivian Pepin, Dorothy Lyons, and Valerie Chapman. 1973, October 27-28 – Establishment of seven initial Locals in Squaw Bay, MacDiarmid, Raith, London, Leamington, and two in Toronto. Reviewing the historic minutes confirmed the focus was inclusive of all Indigenous women regardless of their legal status, that the Government has been apprised of our key objectives and linkages set up with the existing Homemakers’ groups throughout Ontario. Immediately there were issues coming forth to the Board from women that were being removed from their Band lists and follow-up support was provided. 1974, May – First Annual General Assembly, held in Ottawa. The agenda included By-Laws, training and employment of Indigenous women, leadership training, nutrition and pre-school, traditional arts, public speaking, and programming. Elections were held to fill five Métis, five Non-Status and five Status positions. 1970-1980 – A decade of research identified needs that resulted in key programming supporting Indigenous women throughout Ontario: 1980 – Ontario Native Women- A Perspective publication by Julie Fels was an in-depth analysis of the women’s needs, based on responses to a confidential questionnaire. 1981 – ONWA leadership lobbied for the Equality clause to be included in the 1982 Canadian Constitution. 1989 – Breaking Free report provided National impact on the extensive abuses suffered by Indigenous women; all research information was from ONWAs confidential questionnaire. 1992 – Grandmothers Council was formally established, to follow the traditional custom of involving recognized traditional women in the Association’s governance process. 1993 – ONWA was fully involved in For Generations to Come: The Time Is Now – A Strategy for Aboriginal Family Healing report from the Aboriginal Family Healing Joint Steering Committee. Report was released and the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy was set up. Today, ONWA celebrates 50 years of empowering Indigenous women throughout Ontario. The strong foundation built half a century ago by extraordinary Indigenous women continues to support and serve ONWA as we move forward into our next 50 years. To learn more about ONWA at onwa.ca For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) wishes to honour the courage, wisdom, kindness and humour of Lee Maracle. Turtle Island mourns the passing of our warrior sister, Lee Maracle to the Spirit World. Her activism flowed through the power of her words giving voice and equitable narrative to Indigenous women. As we grieve Lee Maracle’s passing, we know her legacy will continue to warmly embrace future generations of Indigenous women and girls, encouraging their dreams as she soars with the stars in the endless night sky of Creation.