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April 22nd, 2020 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Every day is Earth Day for Indigenous Women, who remind us that the Earth is our Mother; she gives us life and now more than ever we as a society see our connection and impact. As the COVID-19 pandemic forces the world to pause, now is our opportunity to respect and learn from Indigenous teachings and the wisdom of our grandmothers, daughters, sisters and aunties. We talk a lot about sacred teachings; we talk about what bravery is, what humility is, and what our ancestors have taught us. Now is the time to understand the vast power and knowledge of Mother Earth. The lens with which the world has denigrated Indigenous peoples, knowledge and oral history needs to change if the world is to save itself. Beyond the engrained visuals of blockades and protests, people need to open their minds to why Indigenous people put themselves and their lives at the very forefront of protecting the earth. This year’s Earth Day theme “Action on Climate Change”, should serve as wakeup call for the life-threatening state of unconsciousness the world continues to display. We must remember that we are better than this, we need to rise above; as a community, and as a Nation. I know we can rise to meet this challenge. We have an opportunity right now to transition the entire world into a beautiful kinder place as a result of the situation we are facing right now. We know that Mother Earth is healing as a result of the world being forced to slow down. We need to take stock of our lives and our actions; this Mother Earth Day take action. Make a commitment, whether it’s to grow your own garden, start composting, recycle, or make a healthy lifestyle change. Small commitments to change lead to impactful results. Mindless consumption is driving climate change. Our endless need for more is feeding a collective unconsciousness that the world needs to wake up from. Creator is challenging everyone to make everyday Mother Earth Day. - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON - In the spirit of community supporting community, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) continues to support Indigenous women, their families, and community with a newly developed Community Coordination Approach. In any crisis, there is potential for gaps in services, which is why ONWA has created a centralized intake; those who need a safety plan, advocacy or support are able to access services without a complicated referral process. ONWA will support those who call as quickly as possible. This will be achieved through a crisis continuum, from programming in the home to having someone help with developing a safety plan when the home is no longer safe. This approach ensures Elders, seniors, adults and children have access to services that meet their needs. The only way for a measurable wellbeing impact is to support the community as a whole. ONWA’s centralized intake uses a coordinated access and response approach, creating a single point of entry that aligns with partner organizations. This allows the most vulnerable populations access to immediate support needs and service delivery. Supporting community members so they have the ability to quarantine and self-isolate is a priority. It is here that the need for food security and housing are necessary in order for community to play their role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. ONWA recognizes that many women and families are having difficulty accessing services. Moreover, we recognize the increased levels of gender-based violence across our communities. As a result, ONWA has created a plan to help. By adapting the intake process, individual and family needs can be provided for as quickly as possible, regardless of location. We are working with a well-established network of ONWA sites, chapters and other community partner organizations throughout the province to deliver services to those in need. ONWA recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis on top of existing issues that Indigenous women and communities face daily. Utilizing a physical distance approach, ONWA programs are providing Drop and GoBAGS to support community members in their time of need. The four types of GoBAGS are food, family, moontime and health promotion, and are an immediate source of comfort. A combination of these bags can be provided depending on the need of individuals and families. This initiative has been rolled out provincially. Other GoBAGS’s are designed with specific program needs in mind, and includes children’s activities, craft activities, hotel and hygiene bags, responding directly to community needs. Providing accurate, point form, easy to read COVID-19 information in GoBAGS is another frontline function, including the provision of harm reduction strategies and supports during these stressful times. The ONWA Community Services team continue to provide one-on-one community member supports, utilizing a physical distancing approach. ONWA Board President Dawn Lavell-Harvard shared, “Working remotely has allowed ONWA’s dedicated staff to exercise their enormous creativity. They are providing much needed services on new platforms and in unique ways that prioritizes health and safety for community and themselves during COVID-19.” ONWA has made significant investment in both technology and information systems. This positions the team to continue providing reimagined programming to individuals and communities. ONWA can safely and effectively deliver large online training events, information sessions, group meetings, workshops, and one-on-one support services to community members throughout the province. The Aboriginal Diabetes program for example, has recently released a series of “How To” videos, including a video on the importance of proper handwashing and highlighting the right way to do so. This information is meant to educate and is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19. These videos also help those with Diabetes to protect themselves from contracting it. “As a mother, I understand the value of the work ONWA is doing on a new frontline that was drawn when COVID-19 suddenly appeared in our lives and in our work. As an Indigenous woman and a leader, it is with great pride that I have the honour of witnessing a transformation of work platforms and processes across our organization. I have also witnessed first-hand relationships that were already strong, growing as we look to each other for support.” stated ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette. ONWA, as the largest Indigenous Women’s Organization in Canada, supported over 14,000 people in the province of Ontario in 2019. In six weeks of the current pandemic ONWA delivered more than 2,800 emergency services provincially. Over 4,300 resources have been provided through our network and to communities throughout the province. ONWA is an example of an essential services provider, continuing to work on the frontlines. The pursuit of unprecedented operational excellence is driven by the need to realize ONWA’s critical vision of Supporting Women’s Leadership. - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca | Tel: (647) 970-7661 -30-

Mother's Day (May 10th, 2020) is fast approaching! We know it can be tough to find the perfect gift for your mother, grandmother, aunt, or any of the other special moms in your life; especially due to COVID-19. During this time of high stress and isolation, pamper mom with attention, comfort, and kindness by treating her to some self-care. Self-care is essential to for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. These three self-care recipes are quick and easy to make with ingredients found around the home. Whether you are looking for a heartfelt creation, an activity you can do together, or a little something extra, these self-care recipes are an excellent way to celebrate Mom and the special women in your life. Vanilla & Chai Body Scrub Ingredients 5 chai tea bags 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons of artificial vanilla extract Directions Cut open tea bags and empty into a medium size bowl Add sugars, cinnamon...mix well Add vanilla, honey, coconut oil ...mix in Transfer to a jar, seal and label (store up to 1 year) Detox Mask Ingredients 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 tablespoon freshly brewed green tea (cooled) Directions Mix Cocoa powder and cooled green tea before applying to clean face Leave on face for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water, followed by cold water (to close the pores) Pat dry and rub a small amount of olive oil into the skin if needed Alloy detox mask up to 3 times/week Moisturizing Facial Masks Ingredients 2 tablespoons oatmeal 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey Directions Mix all ingredients together Apply to face for 5-10 minutes Rinse with warm water

Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Jill Dunlop, and Executive Director of the Ontario Native Women's Association Cora McGuire-Cyrette, are pleased to recognize National Indigenous History Month and celebrate the strength and leadership of Indigenous women.

Don’t just #GETLOUD, #GETREAL! Help ONWA raise awareness for #MentalHealth by wearing the designated colour each day! The theme of this year’s #MentalHealthWeek is social connection. Despite the circumstances each one of us is facing during this pandemic, “we are together, even when we are apart.” - Canadian Mental Health Association Tag the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) in a photo wearing the colour of the day and help spread love, support and encouragement as we raise awareness for Mental Health. TIP: If you do not own clothing in each colour, please feel free to use props or items in that colour. May 4 is #MentalHealthMonday join us in wearing BLACK May 5 is #TakeCareTuesday join us in wearing RED May 6 is #WellnessWednesday join us in wearing WHITE May 7 is #ThankfulThursday join us in wearing YELLOW May 8 is #FunFriday join us in wearing BLUE May 9 is #SacredSaturday join us in wearing GREEN May 10 is #SpiritSunday join us in wearing PURPLE Follow event on our Facebook event page ! Monday, May 4, 2020 Join us in wearing BLACK as we unit together in our fight against COVID-19 and refuse to allow the negative mental and emotional impacts of this pandemic to overwhelm us and affect our mental health and emotional wellbeing. Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing BLACK for #MentalHealthMonday to #GetReal about how I am feeling in support of #MentalHealthWeek” TIP: Practice Mindfulness & Positive Self-Talk How we cope depends a lot on our attitudes and frame of mind. Practicing mindfulness and embracing the positive things around us helps to feed our spirits and maintain peace through life’s storms. Positive thoughts become empowering words and actions towards maintaining mental health and wellbeing. Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Join us in wearing RED in honour of the Sacred Teaching of love. We celebrate and honour you; for all you do every day to keep yourself, your family and your community safe during these times. Today, love yourself and do something special just for you. Chi-Miigwech to you for all you do! Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing RED for #MentalHealthMonday to #GetReal about how I am feeling in support of #MentalHealthWeek” TIP: Prioritize You Spend your time wisely. Focus on things that will enhance your well-being and not take away from it. Especially during these times of self-isolation or if you live alone. Surround yourself with things that will add value to your life, that bring you peace and that make you smile. Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Join us in wearing WHITE as we reset our balance. The Medicine Wheel teaches us that our well-being is best when the four dimensions of self - body, mind, heart, and spirit - are in balance. This time of COVID-19 and isolation has made keeping that balance especially difficult. Today, let’s some time to physically stay active, mentally get some rest, emotionally heal and spiritually connect. Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing WHITE for #WellnessWednesday to #GetReal about my wellness and the wellness of others in support of #MentalHealthWeek” TIP: Practice Gratitude During these unprecedented times learning to cope effectively - while keeping a healthy balance among work, family, leisure and physical activities - is extremely challenging.  In order to maintain a state of positive mental health, each day find at least three things you are grateful for. Thursday, May 7, 2020 Join us in wearing YELLOW in thankfulness for everything that we have. We offer tobacco with prayers thankfulness and protection for everyone working in essential services and serving in the front-lines during this pandemic. We say a special Chi-Miigwich who are assisting those living with mental health and addictions during this time of crisis. Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing YELLOW for #ThankfulThursday to #GetReal about giving thanks for all things in support of #MentalHealthWeek” TIP: Accept Kindness As individuals we often have trouble accepting kindness from others. We will shrug off a compliment with a “Yes, but…” and put ourselves down mentally instead of accepting the beautiful compliment.  It is important to give compliments and to receive them. Be kind to yourself. Friday, May 8, 2020 Join us in wearing BLUE as we challenge ourselves to make someone laugh today. Despite our current circumstances and being confined to our homes, let’s be blue with laughter today, and remember to have some FUN!!!  It is said that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter is good for your mental and physical health. It relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, and helps you connect with others. Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing BLUE for #FunFriday to #GetReal about having some fun in support of #MentalHealthWeek” TIP: Laughter is good for you Laughing 100 times has the same effect on the body as being on a rowing machine for 10 minutes or a stationary bike for 15 minutes.  Laughter also increase energy levels and decreases tension, which is especially important in this time of high stress. Saturday, May 9, 2020 Join us in wearing GREEN as we take action to become a healthier people by honouring the sacredness of life.  Let’s support one another in our health and the health of our loved ones. Let’s fight against the stigma of mental health by respecting ourselves and each other no matter our race, our illnesses, our addictions, our disabilities, or our circumstances. All life is sacred. Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing GREEN for #SacredSaturday to #GetReal about the sacredness of life and the lives of others in support of #MentalHealthWeek ” TIP: Life is Sacred. Mother Earth is Sacred. You are Sacred. Connect with the sacredness of life by going out on the land and offering some tobacco. Say a prayer of thankfulness for all the things you are grateful for in your life as we face the crisis of COVID-19 together. Sunday, May 10, 2020 Join us in wearing PURPLE  in celebration of our spirits. Take this time of isolation to self-reflect and connect with your inner spirit. Learn to balance what you are able to change - about yourself, your current  circumstances or your situation - with what you are not able to change. Get to know and trust your inner spirit. Let’s not allow COVID-19 to crush our spirits! Let’s stand strong in spirit together! Post a selfie with: “I’m joining [@ONWA7 Facebook / @onwa_official Instagram / @_ONWA_ Twitter] in wearing PURPLE for #SpiritSunday to #GetReal about strengthening my spirit and the spirit of others in support of #MentalHealthWeek ” TIP: Nurture Your Inner Spirit Take time to do something that will feed your spirit, something that brings you joy. Make a meaningful connection, whether it be through relationship, land or spiritual. As you connect to yourself, other relations, or creation, your spirit will thank you and smile.

Chi Miigwetch to Jeff McArthur and Carolyn Mackenzie of Global New's The Morning Show for choosing the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) as a #HometownHero. Cora McGuire-Cyrette talks about ONWA's Drop and GoBAGs initiative which is helping bring essential supplies to Indigenous women and girls. Thank you for sharing the work we’re doing to help Indigenous women, girls and their families stay healthy through COVID-19 and showcasing that Indigenous women have been leading on the frontline during the pandemic. Watch here: https://globalnews.ca/video/7124470/hometown-hero-helping-indigenous-women-and-girls-amid-covid-19

This Mother’s Day women all over the world are holding their children closer than ever as the impact of COVID-19 narrows our worlds. With schools closed, no sports, no playgrounds our children’s worlds have become a shared experience. We must remember that women are holding our collective world together, from caring for children to working the frontline during this pandemic. This microscopic bug is prompting us to find the beauty, kindness, generosity and empathy in each other and the world around us; heightening our awareness of our behaviours, views, values, and relationship to our mothers and to everything that gives us life. As devastating as this pandemic has been, it is giving Mother Earth the rest she needs, while testing our collective relationships. Today is about the importance of our mothers; their role in our Indigenous culture as inherent leaders who have traditionally guided us through the unknown and times of crisis. As a mother and a leader, I am reaching into my experience and relationships with my mother and family, seeing things that were always there - the love, the bond, the connection is stronger than ever. In the wise words of grade school teacher Anne Chondon: “I want and need to hear the stories of my Elder, I’m not done learning and listening to them, Elder learning takes time.” We must ensure that the Indigenous teachings from our Mothers, Sisters, Aunties, daughters and Elders are able to continue. Mothers hold our world together; moving from a colonial path toward a collective future based on love, respect and kindness. This is a beautiful ideology to grasp and commitment to celebrate this Mother’s Day, for our children and for the next seven generations. Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette interview on CBC Radio’s Up North with Waubgeshig Rice Listen at: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-84-up-north/clip/15777462-ontario-native-womens-association-finds-new-ways-to-reach-out-to-communities

One year ago, the nation gathered for the release of “Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”. We must remember that the report was a result of years of advocacy from Indigenous Women in communities who bravely told their stories when it wasn’t safe to do so. They spoke about sexual violence, family violence, police violence, state and systemic violence; and the lack of respect for Indigenous women who continue to be targeted for violence across our Nation as a result of their gender and race. We also need to start by acknowledging the families and loved ones who chose to participate and those who chose not to participate in the National Inquiry, all of their voices are valuable, and we need to now work together to honour their voices and stories. Today, Canada and the world are in the midst of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that is dominating national and international dialogue and headlines. We have been reminded that the most vulnerable in our society can be made even more vulnerable. The United Nations has documented what we have seen in Ontario – violence has increased towards Indigenous women during this pandemic. While it is too early for comprehensive data, there are already many deeply concerning reports of increased violence against women around the world, with surges being reported in many cases of upwards of 25% in countries with reporting systems in place.[i] It is critical that during this unprecedented time, we understand the role isolation plays in increasing violence against Indigenous women. During the pandemic, women have faced an increased lack of privacy, reliance on technology that can be controlled by others or not accessible and a breakdown of social and community supports. Rural, remote, and isolated communities are being particularly challenged in terms of violence. Many communities are on lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The few resources that may be available for women within communities have closed their doors during the pandemic, due to lack of resources and the threat of the virus. As a result of this, many women are not able to reach out for help as it is not safe to do so. Human trafficking has now gone even further underground. We may see less women accessing particular services, but the problem still very much exists. We have recently completed our consultations to contribute to the National Action Plan on MMIWG. We heard consistent messages across Ontario. The time to invest in Indigenous Women is now – during the crisis and one year after the report was released. We need stable and consistent funding devoted to addressing gender-based violence. Indigenous women have the solution to ending violence against them, and they need the funding to address it. Indigenous women need to lead the National Action Plan to ensure accountability to addressing the issue. We need to be at the table making decisions about or for Indigenous women. Indigenous women have a right to safety and a right for services that meets their needs that are designed, developed and implemented by them. Indigenous women’s lives depend on us acting today. The pandemic has only highlighted the need for a proactive response. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is committed to breaking down silos and barriers in the ongoing challenge that is addressing the systems which created the foundations for the issue of MMIWG. We must not allow the current pandemic to negate the work done or lessen the resolve to make the lives of Indigenous women, girls and families safer in communities across Ontario. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

On June 21, 2020 the Ontario government announced the members of the new Indigenous Women's Advisory Council. The Council members will help address issues of violence affecting their communities. Cora-lee McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director of the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) will be the co-chair of the Council. Read the Ontario Government's News Release

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to share the official launch of the second edition of She Is Wise magazine This edition focuses on art as a tool for healing. At the time we chose this theme, ONWA could not have conceived the global pandemic that would see a worldwide need for healing. Healing has always been a central focus for ONWA. Indigenous women are the centre of our community, and when they are healthy and well, so too are their families and our extended community. Indigenous women know what their needs and capacity are for healing. We’ve been doing it for generations, and we understand that healing is a spectrum. In this edition we: Explore the Healing Power of Art with Métis artist Christi Belcourt Delve into The Art of Remembering to learn how ONWA embraces art to heal the wounds and sorrow caused by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Discover the Tree of Hope, A Tree, A Hope and a Push for Answers initiative a Thunder Bay Police constable brought to life in partnership with ONWA Listen with A Sympathetic Ear, as Bryanne Machimity share the story of the aftermath of losing her mother to violence and helping others cope And more! We hope that the visual beauty and powerful words within will bring both enlightenment and joy at a time when we all can use these gifts in abundance. Read the second edition of She Is Wise magazine now! News Spotlight: CKPR Thunder Bay — Saturday Evening News Saturday, June 20, 2020

Today, June 21st we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and Father’s Day. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours how the important role fathers, sons, uncles, grandfathers, nephews and cousins impact our culture, our families and our communities. ONWA recognizes that with the COVID-19 crisis comes increased level of gender-based violence. Today, let’s honour and acknowledge the men in our lives who have or are striving to change the family legacy to one of strong Indigenous family values. A legacy that moves away from anger, abuse, and violence to one of reclamation of identity and traditional ways of being, despite the impacts of colonization and oppression. Today, let’s honour the warriors who show other men what supporting Indigenous women looks like. Let’s celebrate the First Nation, Inuit and Métis role models who are teaching a life free from violence and teaching the little ones a new path. A path that connects to the land and ceremony and leads to thriving families and communities. Love and understanding are gifts from the Creator. Kindness and forgiveness for our weaknesses helps us build the strength needed to thrive and grow as healthy families. This National Indigenous Peoples Day and Father’s Day Indigenous women celebrate the fathers, sons, uncles, grandfathers, nephews and cousins in our lives with kindness, understanding and love. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-