Search Results

(MEDIA ADVISORY) The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is reacting to the Government of Ontario’s response to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Pathways to Safety: Ontario’s Strategy in Response to the Final Report into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. To view the report go to: Ontario.ca/PathwaysToSafety (English), or Ontario.ca/parcoursverslasecurite (French) With the truth uncovered and the government respecting the recommendations of Indigenous women, the plan is a solid foundation for lasting change. The government’s plan outlines six key areas where action is needed. It comes a year after ONWA released its own response to the National Inquiry, Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2020). Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA, and Dr. Dawn Lavell Harvard, President, ONWA are available for interviews to discuss: How the government’s response was informed by its Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council, co-chaired by Cora McGuire-Cyrette. The necessity of each area of action and how they intersect; including pathways to safety and security (prevention and healing), culture (education and language), health and well-being (community renewal and restoration), justice (systems and structural change), collaborative responsibility and accountability, and addressing systemic anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous gender-based analysis. The importance of a community approach to ending this tragedy, rather than focusing on each individual. The root causes of MMIWG, including the legacy of residential schools, the Indian Act and other forms of systemic racism and trauma. The intergenerational effects of this suffering, and the need to support the children of MMIWG and future generations of Indigenous women. How we are collectively responsible for this tragedy and need to work together to implement the recommendations, while centering Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+, their knowledge and experiences. For further information: Dave Bennett Xposure PR dave@xposurepr.com 905-339-6668 Andre Morriseau Communications Manager, ONWA amorriseau@onwa.ca 647-970-7661 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. Website: www.onwa.ca | Twitter: @_ONWA_ | Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association -30-

Statement from the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) wants to offer our condolences to the families and communities whose children were found recently. When we heard the news, we were shaken by the incredible loss to the communities and to this country. The unfulfilled life of each of those children means that we are restoring families and communities without key members being present. We cannot measure the collective loss of the 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School. These children had mothers and fathers and communities waiting for their return. Each child shared a home, family, language, community, and love, in a life cut short by a colonial system that continues today. We must remember that there are no burial grounds for non-Indigenous children that attended Canadian public schools. The unfulfilled future of each child is now. It is more than lowered flags; it’s raised heads looking into the eyes of the families in search of answers and justice. The consciousness of a nation must realize the truth of how residential schools attempted to destroy and erase Indigenous people in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its 94 Calls to Action in 2015. The Final report includes Calls to find Missing Children and Burial Information and Calls for Accountable and Meaningful Church Apologies and Reconciliation. For the full truth to be revealed to Canada and the world, the time to act on any Calls to Action that are outstanding is now. We continue to ask for healing supports for all Indigenous communities in Canada. This is a call for immediate action. Children’s roles in our communities are beyond sacred. They are our future generations; Elders, Knowledge Holders, Leaders and Storytellers. The 215 children have told their story. One of colonization, genocide, erasure. We must be responsible to act on these lives and stories. We want to acknowledge all of the survivors of residential schools. Their resiliency against over 100 years of colonial approaches is the example that many of us carry forward in our day to day lives. ONWA has lowered our flag and lit a sacred fire on Monday, May 31, 2021, in memory of the children, their families and communities. We encourage everyone to wear orange today to honour the request of Chief Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. For those needing support, please call: National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, 1-866-925-4419 For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Residential schools are a part of Canada’s history. This Canada Day join Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) in wearing orange to recognize and honour thousands of Indigenous children forcibly taken to residential school and as a tribute to the resiliency of residential school survivors in Canada. #WearOrangeOnCanadaDay as a call to all levels of government to implement all Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action; an important step in rebuilding Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. Learn more Orange Shirt Day at: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/ Read all the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action at: trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf If you are in need of cultural supports: The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available across Canada 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419. Talk4Healing Help Line is available 24/7 for culturally sensitive crisis counselling, advise and support at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325). This year, #WearOrangeOnCanadaDay because #EveryChildMatters

Thunder Bay, ON - The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) proudly announces that our Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic has administered more than 10,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the urban Indigenous community in Thunder Bay. Indigenous women planned and organized these mass clinics in under one week as we had a collective goal of vaccinating our community and ensuring that we included our culture and traditional teachings through the entire process. The evaluations received from the thousands of people have overwhelmingly been extremely positive as people reflected on the wholistic approach to support not only their physical health but also their spiritual and mental health during a time a need. One young mother shared her experience at the clinic: “My daughter is thrilled to have received her first vaccine and I don’t think that I could have asked for a more kind and pleasant experience than what we received. It might sound weird to say that we’re looking forward to coming to get our second doses but I’m pretty sure we’ll be happily heading there in a few weeks to see all the faces that I know were smiling behind those masks.” In Ojibwe “Mindimooyenh” means “one who holds the world together”. It is a term that embodies Indigenous women’s responsibilities, recognizing the pivotal role and hard-earned wisdom (regarding life’s passages, such as contending with sickness and disease) that they exercise within their families and communities. As the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, ONWA has been proud to play a leadership role in this initiative to meet community needs. “I am honoured to have witnessed the determination of the Indigenous community and our hardworking dedicated staff who worked two jobs to support the Mindimooyenh clinic week after week. Their commitment to saving lives while bringing the comfort of our culture to the community during this difficult, stressful time was outstanding. Against the backdrop of a colonial system determined to dictate their wants and needs we stood our ground on the frontline providing solutions by Indigenous people for Indigenous people. We have so much to be proud of in the crucial work achieved behind the countless masks, PPE and important safety guidelines.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director (ONWA) The Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic began March 9, 2021, in partnership with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. ONWA would also like to acknowledge additional partners who assisted with sharing vaccinators Beendigen Inc, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Anishinawbe Mushkiki Aboriginal Health Access Centre. As of June 23, 2021, the Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic will be wrapping up regular operations. ONWA continues to offer programs and services that meet the needs of the urban Indigenous community during COVID-19 and working towards creating healing and supportive services. Community members in Thunder Bay who still need access to their second dose are encouraged to contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for referral support at https://www.tbdhu.com/ For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - Today is the beginning of justice for Barbara Kentner and her family. While no sentence can ever address the harm done by this senseless act of violence, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is pleased that the court denied bail when Brayden Bushby appealed within hours of sentencing. ONWA is disappointed that Bushby has not taken responsibility, as displayed by the appeal process underway. The justice system has an opportunity to sentence appropriately, ensuring that a strong message is sent to the public that Indigenous women are protected equally under the law. Indigenous women and girls will continue to go missing or be murdered until we address broader systemic issues. For true justice and to honour Barbara Kentner and her family, we need more accountability not only at an individual level but also a leadership level. Today, the court heard and acknowledged this crime was based on the fact that she was an Indigenous woman. For Indigenous women locally and across Canada, safety has become a privilege when it should be a right. We must not forget that throwing objects at Indigenous people in Thunder Bay has become normalized. Violence against Indigenous women is testimony to the ongoing impact of colonial policies that continue to perpetuate inequality and discrimination. While all Indigenous people face a heightened risk of experiencing violence in comparison to the non-Indigenous population, Indigenous women face an even greater risk due to their race and gender. Sadly, Thunder Bay continues to make headlines for being recognized as an unsafe place for Indigenous peoples, particularly women as they experience the brunt of racialized gendered violence. “In memory of Barbara Kentner and in support of her family and loved ones, we will continue to fight for justice and the safety of all Indigenous women and girls. I call upon the City of Thunder to take immediate action to improve the safety of Indigenous women and girls.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA Since Barbara Kentner’s death occurred, what steps has the City of Thunder Bay undertaken to improve Indigenous women’s safety? Following today’s sentencing, we strongly call upon the City of Thunder Bay, Mayor and Thunder Bay City Council, to work with Indigenous women in the community to address racism, safety and all forms of violence being experienced at the local level. As a community, the leaders of Thunder Bay must acknowledge and denounce the conditions that allow for the continued normalization of violence against Indigenous women and develop concrete steps to end it. 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) and Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services acknowledges and honours the thousands of Indigenous women and girls taken from us by violence. Many of these women were mothers whose children have now been forced to navigate their lives without them. And so, we also honour and acknowledge the children, families, friends, and loved ones of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). ONWA and Ganohkwasra also recognizes the awareness raising efforts of grassroots organizers, community activists, and Indigenous women’s organizations who took up their leadership roles and responsibilities and successfully advocated for the National Inquiry. The work that collectively needs to be done is to prevent all forms of violence for future generations of Indigenous women and girls. “As the bearers of the future generations of our peoples, Indigenous women, mothers, are physically and symbolically the source of resistance against those who would see us disappear.” – Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Board President, ONWA A wholistic, community-based, cross-jurisdictional approach is key to ending this tragedy. Partnership with the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council and Indigenous partners, alongside engagement with Indigenous women, survivors and families was fundamental to developing Ontario’s strategy, and will be integral to its implementation. “So many initiatives that have the power to lead our Indigenous Women and Girls to a safe and secure outcome are revealed in this document being released today.” – Sandra Montour, Co-Chair, Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council The Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council has developed a placemat that is a companion to Ontario’s Response. The placemat illustrates the structure and recommendations of Ontario's MMIWG response, while also incorporating cultural elements. To view the placemat go to: www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg Ontario’s strategy aligns with what Indigenous women have been asking for because they listened to our voices, expertise, guidance, and recommendations. When our truths are listened to and governments respect the recommendations of Indigenous women, we begin to build a foundation for change. While Ontario’s response represents progress, we must remember that a lot of work still lays ahead of us. It is imperative that this plan remains accountable to Indigenous women and their organizations, and that any proposed investments in Ontario’s response are met and upheld, with particular focus on the immediate safety needs of Indigenous Women, and healing for Indigenous women, families, and communities. The Ontario Native Women’s Association and Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services look forward to continuing to work as a collective force. Sharing a vision where Indigenous women and girls live in safety and security, free from violence and exploitation, supported by accountable and ongoing systemic and structural change in the province. To view the report go to: Ontario.ca/PathwaysToSafety (English), or Ontario.ca/parcoursverslasecurite (French). 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 hosting a series of daily virtual gatherings on ZOOM and Facebook live, in support of the 70th annual Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week (May 3rd to May 9th, 2021). “One year into the pandemic, about one in five Canadians are reporting high levels of mental distress” reported the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). ONWA acknowledges how mental health continues to impact the lives of Indigenous women. When they are healthy, their families and communities are healthy. In support of good mental health, throughout Mental Health Week ONWA is providing virtual programming everyday from 2:00-3:00 PM EST: Monday May 3: Welcoming and Sharing Circle “Getting to Know Each Other” (Opening Prayer by Al Hunter, Elder/Traditional Healer) Tuesday May 4: Grandfather Teachings - Love and the Importance of the Eagle Feather with Al Hunter, Elder/Traditional Healer Wednesday May 5: Virtual Mushkiki (Medicine Walk) with Audrey DeRoy, ONWA Land Based Coordinator Thursday May 6: COVID-19 Experience Montage - Perspective, video montage (isolation, schooling, single parenting, elders) with Niemi Hines, ONWA Mental Health Worker Friday May 7: Feeding Our Spirits – Indigenous Traditional Food and Open Fire Cooking with Audrey DeRoy, ONWA Land Based Coordinator Saturday May 8: Enhancing our Mental Health Bundle - Teachings and Sharing Circle, with Niemi Hines, ONWA Mental Health Worker Sunday May 9: Honouring the Heartbeat of the Drum and the Good Life “Mino Bimaadiziwin” - Drum Circle featuring Todd Genno (Closing Prayer by Al Hunter, Elder/Traditional Healer) If you are interested in participating, register now at https://forms.office.com/r/hJ4ujLkzce or visit ONWA’s Facebook to view the livestream. 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) celebrates and honours Indigenous women’s strength and resiliency as they continue to take up their roles and responsibilities in their families and communities. Indigenous mothers are the leaders we need as they are committed to making a better world for their children’s children. They are committed to making the world safer for everyone. Indigenous mothers are the backbone of their families and their communities. “The future of our nation rests in the arms of these women and it is for that reason that they have earned our respect, admiration and love. Their hearts are strong and therefore so too are our people.” D.Memee Lavell-Harvard and Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell, Until Our Hearts are on the Ground, Aboriginal Mothering, Oppression, Resistance and Rebirth Our Mothers are our traditional path to mental health, providing the comfort and love that we need. We are all our mother’s children in search of the reassurance that all will be good, and we will come through the challenges placed before us. For many, the drum represents the universal heartbeat of Mother Earth. The rhythm of the drum helps the healing and realignment of our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Today, in honour of Mother’s Day, we invite you to join us to honour our mothers by Honouring the Heartbeat of the Drum and the Good Life “Mino Bimaadiziwin” with a virtual Drum Circle featuring Todd Genno followed with a Closing Prayer by Al Hunter, Elder/Traditional Healer. Watch ONWA’s final Mental Health Week Virtual Gathering live today at 2:00 PM EST on ONWA’s Facebook or register now to participate in the ZOOM. During this pandemic, our lives may be virtual, but through the power of love, kindness and healing we can stay connected and care for one another as we have been taught to do so by the women who have carried us in this world, our mothers. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - Today on May 5th, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is standing in solidarity with our sisters in the United States on their National Day of Awareness against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Violence against Indigenous women and girls is an issue that knows no borders. Please join ONWA in supporting the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center in recognizing this important day. Show your support by wearing red and sharing a photo of yourself on social media with #MMIWGActionNow and #NoMoreStolenSisters. May 5th marks the birthday of Hanna Harris (Northern Cheyenne), an Indigenous woman taken by violence in 2013. After her disappearance, there was a lack of response from the justice system, Hanna’s family and friends had to search for her. In 2017, in Hanna’s memory, the Montana Congressional Delegation led the way for the passage of a United States Senate resolution declaring May 5th the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. ONWA recognizes and honours the lives of our lost loved ones, and the families, friends, and survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We know these women are so much more than a statistic. They are daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, and cousins. They are the heart of our families, communities, and nations. Community members Annette Klement and Sarah White are committed to reconnecting with their culture while supporting their community: “MMIWG is an important issue, and bringing awareness to this cause is, and should be a high priority for everyone. [We hope our] donation [to ONWA’s MMIWG work] will help support this cause, and someday no more of our mothers, daughters, and sisters will go missing.” The strength and determination of Indigenous women coming together continues to raise awareness of this tragedy. ONWA commends all the good work being led by Indigenous women advocating for legislative and policy change, and increased resources to end this crisis. ONWA offers our report Reconciliation with Indigenous Women (2020) developed by and for Indigenous women, to our American sisters as a tool to help advance our collective fight. For more ways to take action, you can also visit the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center website. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - This year has been particularly challenging for Indigenous women and organizations as they continue to experience a crisis on top of a crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) continues to take the lead in meeting community needs, and look forward to ongoing collaboration with government at all levels to ensure all Indigenous women’s health and safety concerns are equitably addressed. ONWA is encouraged to see the government’s proposed investment of $18 billion for Indigenous peoples’ needs, including $2.2 billion over 5 years for actions to end the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In some areas, this budget takes a preventative approach to safety and family well-being, which aligns with ONWA’s work across portfolios such as child welfare, health, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It is also promising to see a proposed investment in Indigenous women’s organizations. This aligns with ONWA’s Reconciliation with Indigenous Women Report (2020), which recognizes Indigenous women’s expertise and leadership. ONWA hopes to see further, ongoing acknowledgement of Indigenous women-led approaches, research, and organizations. While there are a number of encouraging areas in the 2021 federal budget, ONWA is disappointed to see a lack of commitment in some key areas. For example, a comprehensive Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy has not yet been announced, despite being laid out in the most recent federal mandate letters. We also have concerns about the focus on distinctions-based funding and policy, as this leaves out urban, rural, and northern Indigenous women and families. It is also important that COVID-19 relief and subsidies continue, and additional targeted funding be made available to all Indigenous organizations, including Indigenous women’s organizations, no matter their location or tribal affiliation. ONWA looks forward to ongoing engagement with the federal government on their budgetary commitments. ONWA is encouraged by the progress made to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice. We also know that the federal government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and ending gender-based violence aligns with ONWA’s key priorities. Despite hardships during COVID-19, we look forward to continuing to come together to meet the needs of Indigenous women across Ontario and Canada. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, on UN International Women’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours and celebrates strong, resilient Indigenous women. On this day, we share, highlight, and celebrate the lives, stories, and achievements of Indigenous women. This year, ONWA reached out to community in search of the SHERO-kwe stories of the heroic Indigenous women all around us. “SHERO-kwe” comes from the combination of the words: “shero”, which is a woman who is defined by another as a hero, and “-kwe”, which is an Ojibwe term for someone who identifies as a woman. Participants in this unique initiative were asked “Who is your SHERO-kwe? Who are the women that have made a difference in your family, community or nation? What makes her strong? Is she a great cook, artisan, knowledge carrier? Is she a community helper or leader?” Recognizing the SHERO-kwe’s in our lives celebrates grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties; it honours the space they have made for us and the future leaders of tomorrow. No one’s voice or task is too small to be a SHERO-kwe. ONWA was built on a foundation of SHERO-kwe’s such as ONWA’s co-founder Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell. She is a testament to Indigenous women that continue to demand their rightful place at the governance table. “My SHERO-kwe is my mother Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell. As a child I thought everybody’s mom went to the supreme court and led protests against the government in between baking pies and running the farm all on her own. She really is my hero not just because she gave me voice and taught me how to stand up against injustice. She gave voice to generations of Indigenous women and their children and grandchildren who otherwise would have been excluded from our nations if she hadn’t spoken up.” shared Dawn Lavell Harvard, ONWA Board President. Indigenous women experience many hardships. They have survived the intergenerational trauma of residential schools, the sixties scoop, over 500 years of colonization, systemic racism in the judicial system, all leaving generations of children denied the safety and love of family. Behind the stereotypical headlines there are SHERO-kwe lives, stories, and achievements that need to be shared. As ONWA celebrates 50 years as an organization, we reflect on the SHERO-kwes that fueled a provincial and national trajectory of growth and influence supporting Indigenous women and families. We are proud to acknowledge the commitment of our SHERO-kwe employees that continue to do this work. We are honoured to recognize the SHERO-kwes everywhere who continue their work on the frontlines and in communities. Today, on UN International Women’s Day, we wrap up ONWA’s “Who is your SHERO-kwe?” promotion. Throughout the day, ONWA will be sharing some of the SHERO-kwe stories from our community of the heroic Indigenous women all around us. Reflecting their memories, hopes and dreams. For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has temporarily put on hold on our GoBAGS initiative. Updates will be provided on ONWA’s website and social media. We will notify you when they resume.