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The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who participated in the "Who is your SHERO-kwe?" promotion . We are inspired by all the SHERO-kwe stories that have been shared with us throughout this promotion. We are eagerly looking forward to sharing these strong warrior women stories with everyone (keep an eye on our social media)! Chi Miigwetch! Winners: Community Members Brenda Christie and SHERO-kwe Clarice Wilcox Carol Ann Budd and SHERO-kwe Maureen Buchanan Carrianne Agawa and SHERO-kwe Cherokii Agawa Cheyanne Thomas and SHERO-kwe Tracy Bouchard-Foss Jamie Diamond and SHERO-kwe Elaine Endanawas Lesa Fox and SHERO-kwe Kylie Belinda Fox-Peltier Lisa Semerling and SHERO-kwe Annabelle Donio Patti McIntomney and SHERO-kwe Jennifer Teresinski Rowena Moonias and SHERO-kwe Vanessa Moonias Tabatha Hill and SHERO-kwe Chasity Martin Winners: ONWA Membership Jennifer Kehoe and SHERO-kwe Mierelle Lapointe Laura Murray and SHERO-kwe Lily Kai Edmunds Lesley Belleau and SHERO-kwe Tracy Bouchard Foss

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) in partnership with Dilico Anishnabek Family Care and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, is initiating an urban Indigenous COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Thunder Bay. The Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic will be a weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinic open to the Thunder Bay urban Indigenous population and their families (over 16 years old). “Mindimooyenh” literally means “one who holds things together” in Ojibwe. 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 exercised within their families and communities. To do our best for urban Indigenous families, ONWA is currently preparing for the soft launch of the Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic in Thunder Bay. The soft launch will include set-up, training, and priority vaccinations for essential employees and the community’s most vulnerable population. The vaccination clinic will be ongoing, based on the availability of supplies and resources. ONWA will be announcing the telephone number for the Mindimooyenh Vaccine Registration Line on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Further information to follow. Updates will be provided on ONWA’s website and social media. #Mindimooyenh #TeamVaccine #COVID19

UN International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the achievements of women. This year ONWA wants to hear your strong warrior women stories. ​ 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 t o 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 or participate!

Thunder Bay, ON - As Indigenous communities in Ontario navigate the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous women and girls continue to suffer from the intersectional nature of gang involvement and human trafficking. Raising the awareness of the harsh reality of human trafficking in Ontario is everyone’s responsibility. The pandemic has driven these activities even further underground and consequently further out of sight. Courageous conversations need to happen not only among Indigenous women, girls, and families but in the community with stakeholders such as government and organizations such as the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). This year, ONWA is introducing an additional portfolio of Community Safety – Guns and Gangs focusing on research, engagement, and front-line experience. Indigenous women’s safety is the stability that builds the strength, resiliency, and empowerment that radiates outwardly to their families, community, nations, and the world. Highlighting the importance of ONWA’s Community Safety Liaison program’s role will increase individual, community and service provider awareness around gang involvement, pathways and prevention. ONWA emphasized the fundamental need for Indigenous women’s safety by placing it as the anchor within their recently released framework, Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ (2020): Recommendation #1 – The Safety of Indigenous Women Must be at the Centre of the National Action Plan. With the addition of the Community Safety Liaison program and the new Courage expansion ONWA is successfully actioning on this recommendation across the province. Indigenous women are reclaiming their traditional roles, inherent rights, responsibility, and positive relationships allowing communities to thrive from the inside outward. Their direct connection to Creation as life givers affirms their role at the core of their families. By increasing awareness with a focus on prevention, building survivor and community capacity, advocacy, wrap-around support, and front-line crisis intervention, rooted in culture, ONWA remains committed to ending human trafficking, gangs, guns, and violence. Human Trafficking Awareness Day being solemnly recognized across the province today gives us pause to respectfully honour and protect Indigenous women and girls. The much-needed courageous conversations to ending human trafficking are everyone’s responsibility. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

The She Is Wise Conference represents ONWA’s commitment to creating a safe space that fosters capacity building for frontline workers. Frontline workers have an opportunity to learn about the wise practices on trauma-informed, culturally relevant practices in addressing violence against Indigenous women and Mother Earth. Wise practices are shared through carefully selected speakers and workshops that highlight expertise and knowledge of established community-based healing practices. Learners are able to incorporate these wise practices into their work and continue to support Indigenous women and their families. In preparation for the annual She Is Wise Conference, ONWA invites submissions from community members including youth, to attend at no cost. Last year, the She Is Wise Conference was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ONWA wanted to honour those who were selected last year to attend this year’s virtual conference without cost. Registration costs go to funding the conference, the purchase of the conference package which includes all workshop activity supplies. The remaining funds from registration go directly into youth programming and youth scholarships, ensuring we are developing the leaders of tomorrow. We thank you for your interest in the conference. Please keep in mind that this conference is meant for frontline workers. If you are not a frontline service worker, ONWA provides numerous alternative training opportunities for Indigenous women. If you would like more information on training for your group or community, please visit www.onwa.ca or contact us at onwa@onwa.ca . Chi Miigwetch.

Ontario Native Women’s Association Courage for Change Program to expand across Ontario Fort Erie, ON - Today, on UN Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announced funding over five years through the Indigenous Led Initiative Fund (ILIF) towards the anti-human trafficking protection and healing of Indigenous women and girls. The funding will be used by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) to further develop and expand the Aakode’ewin - Courage for Change Program across Ontario, addressing the unique needs of the disproportionate numbers of Indigenous women, youth and girls affected by human trafficking. The program supports Indigenous women and girls at risk, currently involved in, or a survivor of human trafficking. It will focus specifically on exploited youth to get them the services and tools they need to exit. The program offers support in a variety of ways, including 24/7 crisis response, harm reduction and safety planning, 1-1 support with referrals to healthcare, counselling and addiction services, and programming focused on capacity building, empowerment and culturally specific healing. Through a multi-sector approach, care and services are provided in a trauma-informed anti-oppressive way, ensuring integration of culture-based practices and mainstream supports. “ONWA is honoured to continue to do this important work. The expansion of our Courage for Change Program will begin to address gaps in specific services for Indigenous women and girls. With this investment, ONWA will focus on both immediate safety needs and ongoing healing for Indigenous women and girls,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. “Through continued implementation of ONWA’s Journey to Safe Spaces Strategy, we continue to honour the knowledge of survivors. This announcement represents one of the largest investments in Canada to an Indigenous Women’s agency to prioritize Indigenous Women’s safety.” This work is based on the most comprehensive engagement process in Ontario, with over 3,360 community members and 250 self-identified survivors who have shared their stories. The resulting report, Journey to Safe SPACES: Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement, puts forth the foundations for Courage for Change. It’s 14 recommendations and six-part strategy are rooted in relationship and collaboration through: Survivor-centred and survivor informed services; Prevention through education, training and public awareness campaigns; Access to safe and respectful spaces at service delivery agencies; Core supports for transitioning to a new life; Evidence-based policy and system reform; Streamlined supports and processes. Currently operating in Thunder Bay with expansion in Toronto, programming will be offered to additional Indigenous organizations in priority communities such as: Timmins, Ottawa, Greenstone, Kenora, Napanee, Sioux Lookout, Midland, Peterborough, Hamilton and Niagara Region, with the goal of creating a network of coordinated anti-human trafficking supports and services across the province. “Because we’re expanding into 10 communities, this is our opportunity to create a pathway to safe spaces. It takes a community to create change,” says Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Board President, ONWA. The first new program partner will be the Niagara Chapter of Native Women in Fort Erie, a priority area due to the current lack of programming, high tourism and proximity to the US border. ONWA will assist with program set-up, training, and ongoing support to ensure sustainability. ONWA is honoured to walk with Indigenous women and girls on their journey through the Courage for Change Program. We will continue to grow and adapt program needs based on the recommendations of Indigenous women and girls, adapting to the changing needs of the community. Read the Ontario News Release: Ontario Increasing Supports for Young Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking 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 | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association | Twitter: @_ONWA_ Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Activity - Holiday Tree Pins Join us in celebrating the holiday season by creating and wearing a holiday tree pin. We encourage participants to make their own pins, putting positive feelings and healing thoughts into each one. ONWA holiday tree pin kits will be added to the ONWA weekly Go Bags. Additionally, ONWA Chapters will be providing kits. Please call ONWA's Centralized Intake at 807-623-3442 or Toll Free at 1-800-667-0816​. Quantities may be limited. Request will be filled in the order received. Pin kits include: a needle, some thread, a safety pin, a felt tree, and colourful beads. We would love to see the pins you are make! Share your photo on social media with the #ONWAtreepin hashtag. Please tag us in your post (Facebook @ONWA7, Twitter @_ONWA_, Instagram @onwa_official). Thank you for participating!

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, December 6, marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre. As we remember this tragedy, the Ontario Native Women Association (ONWA) calls upon all men and boys to Breaking the Silence against violence targeted to Indigenous women and girls. Men and boys have an important role in creating safety in our communities. We encourage everyone to understand that real masculinity & strength looks like men respecting and supporting women in their traditional roles of leadership and family. We must work together. “Safety looks like a whole community caring for Indigenous women, loving Indigenous women, uplifting their voices, protecting their children, educating their children, feeding their children. Safety looks like love multiplied. Safety is found at the end of colonial violence. Let’s stop the violence, the trauma. Let the women lead.” (Community-Based Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Submission, 2018 / Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2020) Report) In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, acts of violence have increased. Now more than ever we must work together to prevent future tragedies. Men and boys play a necessary role in preventing this violence by never committing, condoning, or remaining silent about violence against Indigenous women and girls. Learn how you can use your voice to promote gender equity and stand in solidary against violence against Indigenous women and girls by joining the Moose Hide Campaign at www.moosehidecampaign.ca For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, on the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) acknowledges the voices of Indigenous woman and girls. To eliminate violence against Indigenous women and girls, we must begin by restoring their voices and inherent leadership roles. To eliminate violence against Indigenous women and girls, we must recognize Indigenous women as experts in their lives. “Woman is the centre of the wheel of life. She is the heartbeat of the people. She is not just in the home, but she is the community, she is the Nation, one of our Grandmothers. The woman is the foundation on which Nations are built. She is the heart of her Nation. If that heart is weak the people are weak. If her heart is strong and her mind is clear then the Nation is strong and knows its purpose. The woman is the centre of everything.” (The Woman’s Part, Art Solomon, Ojibwa Elder) As part of our work to address violence against Indigenous women and girls, ONWA recently released the Reconciliation with Indigenous Women, Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2020) report. This report is a summary of over 5,700 women over 50 years who spoke specifically with ONWA on the issue of violence against Indigenous women. As a Nation we need to say yes to meaningful, relevant solutions that end violence against Indigenous women and girls and stop them from being missing and murdered. Tonight, ONWA and community are gathering virtually to raise our voices and raise awareness of violence against women at ONWA’s 5th Annual Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Night. Thank you to everyone bravely using their voice to eliminate violence against Indigenous women and girls. Today we honour you. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Each year, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) hosts Poetry Nights across Ontario to raise awareness of violence against women in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women’s #orangetheworld campaign. This year marks ONWA’s 5th annual Poetry Night, which will be held virtually through Zoom at 7:00-9:00pm EST on November 25, 2020. Poets, storytellers, writers and spoken word artists are invited to help raise awareness of violence against Indigenous women and girls by participating in this virtual event. This year, ONWA is honoured to be featuring poets Al Hunter, Dr. Duke Redbird, and Trivena Andy. Province wide submissions are considered for ONWA’s annual publication Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Book, which highlights poetry written by Indigenous women. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Poetry Night will share a different format this year. Rather than having multiple events across the province, we will gather online for one provincial event. We will continue to feature readings from both emerging and established poets, and live musical performances. The collective art project will take the form of a “Strong Hands Stop Violence” Art Kit which will be mailed to those who register. Poetry Night provides an opportunity to create a space where Indigenous women and families can gather and celebrate their shared strength and resiliency. Art as healing trauma is a strong foundation of the work ONWA does, addressing violence from perspectives rooted in cultural teachings. ONWA is committed to supporting communities and providing hope to those on their healing journey. Learn more, register to attend, or submit poetry at: www.onwa.ca/strong-hands-stop-violence For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, #CanadaRemembers all veterans. Lest we forget. Activity - Poppy Pins Join us in honouring our veterans by creating and wearing a Poppy pin. We encourage participants to make their own pins, putting positive feelings and healing thoughts into each one. ONWA Poppy pin kits will be added to the ONWA weekly Go Bags. Additionally, ONWA Chapters will be providing kits. (Supplies may be limited.) Pin kits include: a needle, some thread, a safety pin, a felt poppy, and beads in black, green, yellow, white and red. We would love to see the pins you are make! Share your photo on social media with the #ONWAremembers hashtag. Please tag us in your post (Facebook @ONWA7, Twitter @_ONWA_, Instagram @onwa_official). Thank you for participating! Background Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. As part of the November 11th observance, many Canadians wear a poppy as a visual symbol to honour veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. (Learn more about the History of the poppy.) In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae First World War Medical Officer from Guelph, Ontario ~ May 3, 1915 (As published in Punch Magazine, December 8, 1915)

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to share the official launch of the third edition of She Is Wise magazine The latest edition of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) She Is Wise magazine continues to share the extraordinary accomplishments of Indigenous women. Readers capture personal insights into how COVID-19 has altered life paths, changed priorities, and strengthened family bonds. In this edition we: Explore insights into an Indigenous change maker in Spilling the Tea with Mona Hardy Shine a spotlight on Indigenous Women Making a Difference, such as Maria Campbell, Dr. Kona Williams, Chief Lady Bird, and more Discover the Crisis on Top of Crisis impacting northern communities due to COVID-19 Listen to the message of hope being spread by the "We Matter" youth-led initiative And more! The She Is Wise magazine proudly celebrates Indigenous women taking their rightful place in a national print landscape long closed to their experience and leadership. Whether you are reading a print or digital copy, please share it with your friends, family, and communities. ONWA appreciates your readership and looks forward to building our audience nationally and internationally in the years ahead. Read the third edition of She Is Wise magazine now!