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1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern Time) Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 This multi-sector recruitment event is open to all organizations and visitors across Ontario. ONWA will be there advertising our current and up coming jobs and live chatting with interested job seekers! Get your free ticket at: bit.ly/3mXfiau

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is honoured to be nominated for the Best Nonprofit Employer – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (20+ staff) Award as a part of the inaugural CharityVillage Conference and Awards! ONWA is now a finalist, representing the very best across the nonprofit sector. Chi Miigwetch for this prestigious honour!

Thunder Bay ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to announce that Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, has received the Women’s Executive Network WXN Mercedes-Benz Emerging Leaders Award. The prestigious award celebrates the professional achievements of women aged 30 to 45 who have a proven passion for learning and innovation within their organizations. McGuire-Cyrette is dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous women’s leadership. As Executive Director of the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, McGuire-Cyrette’s visionary leadership has resulted in the substantial growth of services that ONWA offers throughout the province. Her critical insights into Indigenous women’s issues, social, political, and economic contexts in Canada continues to ensure that ONWA provides programs and supports that are responsive to the needs of Indigenous women, while also positioning the organization for continued growth. McGuire-Cyrette represents ONWA at many tables both provincially and federally. Her strong, continued advocacy has helped to address the safety needs of Indigenous women through such initiatives as the Indigenous Women's Advisory Council. As co-Chair of this Council, McGuire-Cyrette focuses on amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, resulting in policy that is responsive to their needs. McGuire-Cyrette’s ability to advocate at all levels of government, and across party lines, has raised awareness of ONWA in Ontario and across the country. ONWA’s board, membership and staff congratulate Cora on this most deserving award. She is an example of strong Indigenous women’s leadership. We all look forward to watching her career continue to unfold as she advocates for Indigenous women. The Ontario Native Women’s Association 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 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 welcoming the election of a new President and Vice President to its Board of Directors. On October 23rd at ONWA’s 50th Annual General Assembly, Debra Vermette was elected to the role of President and Autumn Cooper was elected as Vice President. “As ONWA celebrates our 50th anniversary, I am thrilled to welcome these strong Indigenous women leaders into their new roles as President and Vice President of the Ontario Native Women’s Association. ONWA looks forward to their contribution to the ongoing growth and leadership of Indigenous women.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA Debra Vermette, Executive Director of Beendigen, Inc since 2016, is a member of Wahpeton Dakota Nation. In her nomination speech, Debra shared stories about her upbringing, and her personal and professional journeys. Speaking to the delegates, Debra emphasized the importance of Indigenous women’s leadership and that “education is the key to unlocking our future.” Vermette is as a role model and leader not only at Beendigen, Inc – where she helps Indigenous women and their families escape violence – but also in her Indigenous community at large. Her skills at leading involve an ability to unite like-minded individuals toward their shared goals. Vermette believes leadership is an ongoing journey that takes willingness to watch, listen and learn from others. “To me, a leader is a visionary – individuals who can see the big picture and bring a team together with the goal of bringing it to life. And I don’t just mean in business. Leaders are in every aspect of our lives; they are our mothers, fathers, family, and friends. They are throughout our communities and the world.” – Debra Vermette, incoming ONWA President Additionally, a legacy of Indigenous women’s leadership continues as daughter of departing President Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard and granddaughter of ONWA co-founder Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Autumn Cooper, was elected to the role of Vice President. As a student in Indigenous education at Trent University, Cooper is passionate about ensuring Indigenous youth have opportunities to learn and grow within an Indigenous worldview. In her nomination speech, Cooper shared how growing up around Indigenous women leaders, like her grandmother and mother allowed her to be secure in her identity: “Feeling comfortable in my identity as an Indigenous woman is a result of ONWA.” She also spoke to the importance of youth leadership representation: “It’s important to have youth voices at the table, we need more youth in higher positions. It’s important to have youth voices as our world changes.” ONWA’s departing President, Dawn Lavell-Harvard, has served in the role for 18 years. As ONWA welcomes its new President and Vice-President, we honour Lavell-Harvard’s many contributions over the years to the organization and Indigenous women in Ontario, across Canada, and around the world. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

"I want to take this moment to recognize the association and its members for everything you do to empower and support Indigenous women and their families." - the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario #ONWA50AGA #ONWA50

"The work you've done, to strengthen communities, to preserve Indigenous culture and identity, and to protect and empower Indigenous women and their families has changed lives. And during this pandemic, your work has saved lives." - the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada #ONWA50AGA #ONWA50

Commemorating and reflecting on the journey of Indigenous women’s leadership Thunder Bay, ON - Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) proudly celebrates 50 years as Canada’s oldest and largest Indigenous organization. During ONWA’s 50th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference this weekend, ONWA is commemorating three generations of Indigenous women in leadership, premiering the ONWA 50th Anniversary Documentary and launching the 50th Anniversary She Is Wise magazine. At the ONWA, we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in their family, community and internationally, for generations to come. ONWA works to empower Indigenous women’s lives and address the challenges they face, for themselves, their families and their communities. Co-founded in 1971 by Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell, Indigenous women connected, assembled, and an organization was born. Jeannette first blazed a trail by speaking her truth through her battle with the Supreme Court of Canada regarding Bill C-31. Together, Jeannette and ONWA awakened Canada to the challenges and realities of violence experienced by many Indigenous women. For the last 18 years, Jeannette’s daughter Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard has championed ONWA as Board President. An educator, teacher and leader, Dr. Lavell-Harvard has moved the organization to the point where Indigenous women are reclaiming their voices, traditional decision-making roles in their communities, and legitimacy in their own lives. As Dawn steps down, the ONWA legacy is now being passed on to the next generation, further strengthened by Jeannette’s granddaughter Autumn Sky Cooper. “Carrying the legacy of leadership from my mother, Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell, it has been my mission to support and advocate on behalf of Indigenous women’s rights, always working toward the empowerment of Indigenous women and their families,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, President, ONWA. “In doing so, I hope that I have honoured her and those who have walked with me and mentored me on this journey.” From a crisis intervention approach in the 1990’s and the start of the campaign to end violence against Indigenous women in the 2000’s, to the Sisters in Spirit and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement of the 2010’s, the momentum of ONWA and its mission continues to grow. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and programs at the local, regional, and provincial level, ONWA’s wholistic approach fosters environments in which Indigenous women and girls are respected and their safety is supported. ONWA provides easy access to inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally based programming and services that are informed by Indigenous women and their immediate needs. This work currently addresses eight areas of focus: MMIWG, child welfare, family violence, sexual violence, justice, health, human trafficking, and housing and homelessness. “ONWA has listened to Indigenous women for half a century now. We know the priorities and needs of our community and we continue to lead the way in creating solutions to address them,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. “While our work is far from over, the love, resilience, and strength that Indigenous women hold is creating healing for themselves and their communities.” ONWA believes when women are healthy, they raise healthy children which builds healthy communities. Reconciliation with Indigenous women includes addressing the issues impacting their lives. The reclaiming of Indigenous women’s leadership, voice and restoration of identity is key to addressing ongoing systemic issues and crises, leading directly to improved safety and wellbeing. ONWA will continue to play an important role as the organization brings critical knowledge, expertise, leadership, and community voice to the table — now and through future generations. The Ontario Native Women’s Association 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 For more information: Andre Morriseau Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) amorriseau@onwa.ca 647.970.7661 -30-

REGISTER FOR EVENTS NOW TO JOIN US! Ask your Knowledge Keeper/Diabetes Educator Nov. 8, 11AM - 1 PM (Eastern Time) With Knowledge Keeper Al Hunter & Diabetes Educators Kim Kostyshyn & Riley Aldrich Register: https://bit.ly/3E0lOCW Submit questions: https://bit.ly/3AKXvqS Blue Circle Beaded Lanyard Workshops REGISTRATION CLOSED, due to overwhelming success Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) Beading our way to the good life! 4-week lanyard beading and diabetes information series! Each week we will discuss a new topic as it relates to diabetes and learn how to bead a lanyard! Registrants must be able to attend all four sessions. Nov. 1: What is Diabetes Presentation & Darcy from Everbead will join us to share her beading knowledge and help start us on our lanyard. November 8: Basic Foot Care Presentation & working on our lanyards. November 15: Food and Fiber Presentation & working on our lanyards. November 22: Darcy from Everbead will join us to share her knowledge and help us finish our lanyards. Medicine Wheel Teachings Limited space Wednesdays, 6PM - 8 PM (Eastern Time) Nov. 3: Mental Health & Diabetes with Tina Armstrong https://bit.ly/3aWQE2R Nov. 10: Spiritual Health & Diabetes with Al Hunter (register by Nov. 1) https://bit.ly/3E1MfZg Nov. 17: Emotional Health & Diabetes with Katherine Oakley (register by Nov. 8) https://bit.ly/2Xt8KX9 Nov. 24: Physical Health & Diabetes - The Creators Garden with Joseph Pitawanakwat https://bit.ly/3nfD7JL Fitness Fridays Limited space Fridays, 12PM - 1 PM (Eastern Time) Nov. 5: Chair Yoga with Colleen Dolce https://bit.ly/2Z3w1zp Nov. 12: Spirit Fit with Scott Simpson https://bit.ly/2Z4lYKZ Nov. 19: Intro to Boxing with Matt Richer https://bit.ly/3B02iEE Nov. 26: Pow wow Cardio with Gloria Ranger https://bit.ly/3n8yXmR

Ontario celebrates National Breastfeeding Week from October 1st – 7th. This year, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)'s Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Children program and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care have created a series of video about breastfeeding. Please enjoy!

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours survivors of residential schools and their families. We come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. We commemorate the residential school experience by witnessing and holding space for the healing journey of survivors and their families. ONWA acknowledges that the Federal Government’s official designation of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation allows Canadians an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools. This designation fulfills one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. The new federal statutory holiday falls on September 30th, which for many years has been recognised by Indigenous communities as “Orange Shirt Day”. We commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation with our orange shirts and we affirm that “Every Child Matters”. With the June recovery of 215 unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Residential School, and the finding of thousands more at residential schools across Canada, people across the country and the world have been awakened to the ongoing impacts of the residential school system. In addition to the acknowledgement of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, ONWA recommends immediate action be taken on the following: A guarantee by all levels of government to the full and timely implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action An immediate reinstatement of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, including funding and programs to support healing services for Indigenous women, families, and communities Tonight from 6:00-8:00 PM (Eastern Time), ONWA is hosting the virtual event “Every Child Matters: A night of speaking the truth to heal together” to raise awareness of the impacts of the residential schools. Register to participate at https://bit.ly/3AIizPi or watch live on ONWA’s Facebook. Today, this Orange Shirt Day, let us not forget “Every Child Matters”. *If you or a family member have been impacted and require emotional support, contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director of Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA, on NationTalk

Early voting in the 2021 federal election begins today. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) encourages all Indigenous women and their families to make their voices heard and vote. ONWA maintains that Indigenous women are the experts of their own lives and hold the knowledge and solutions to address the issues they face. Indigenous women have the right to choose who represents their voices. The issues that matter to Indigenous peoples must be reflected in the incoming federal government’s priorities. ONWA’s expectations of Canada’s next governing party are: A renewed relationship beyond the Nation-to-Nation Framework that allows for direct engagement with all Indigenous women on the issues that impact their lives. A commitment to the full and timely implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. For example, Action #5 – “We call upon the federal, provincial and territorial governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families.”. This is something that has not been reconciled is the bond between mother and child A commitment to the full and timely implementation of the 13 recommendations from ONWA’s report, Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2020). The report was expertly informed by the voices of over 5,700 Indigenous women in Ontario over five decades. Dedicated investments into safe spaces where Indigenous women can safely access programs and services that meet their needs, regardless of their location. A commitment to the full and timely reinstatement of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, including funding and programs to support healing services for Indigenous women, families, and communities. Indigenous voices and votes can help decide the outcome of this federal election. Visit these links to learn more on the platforms of the parties running in the 2021 federal election: Liberal Party of Canada Conservative Party of Canada New Democratic Party Green Party of Canada People’s Party of Canada For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-