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The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who participated in the 10 Days of Teaching Campaign . We are grateful for the Teachings that have been shared with us during this campaign and we are eagerly looking forwards to sharing the Teaching submitted to us with everyone. Chi Miigwetch! Winners... Day 1 : Lisa Simerling Day 2 : Claudette Penagi Day 3 : Adrienne Assinewai Day 4 : Lindsay Brant Day 5 : Eve Dion Day 6 : Gwen Prevost and Amelia Boothe Day 7 : Tracey MacKinnon Day 8 : Melinda Commanda and Autumn Yesno Day 9 : Vic McMahon Day 10 : Belinda Charney

Thunder Bay, ON - The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) wishes to congratulate Jeannette Corbiere Lavell on the honour of being announced as the 2020 Indspire Laureate for Lifetime Achievement. ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette offered personal congratulations: “Jeannette is the embodiment of Indigenous women carrying their inherent leadership through her commitment to address gender-based discrimination for all Indigenous women. She has positively impacted Indigenous women and families, bridging a proud past, challenging colonial injustice and embracing a powerful future for our grandchildren’s children.” A founding member and former President of ONWA, Jeannette has served many years in leadership roles, and is currently an Honorary ONWA member. From Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Ontario, she has been a lifelong Activist, Cultural Champion, Precedent-Setter and Human Rights Activist. “Jeannette has been a trailblazer for not only Indigenous women’s rights, but for all First Nations peoples. Our community is extremely proud of this well-deserved national recognition.” stated Wiiwemkoong Unceded Territory Chief Duke Peltier. The Indspire Awards celebrate and honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals who are a testament to the lives and work they do to make a better life for all Canadians. The twelve Indigenous leaders will be honoured at the 2020 Indspire Awards Ceremony in Ottawa Ontario on Friday March 6th, 2020. Following the ceremony, the 2020 Indspire Awards will be broadcast Sunday, June 21 at 8:00 pm on CBC, APTN and CBC Radio One. For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: (647) 970-7661

Today, on May 5th, 2020, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) honours all Indigenous mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, grandmothers, nieces and cousins. On this day of national importance we can honour the MMIWG by embracing and supporting community healing. The Grandmother Earth Dress is a traditional red jingle dress, created by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), and inspired by Jaime Black’s REDress Project. She honours and acknowledges Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. She also serves as a sacred item of healing for families as well as communities to commemorate their loved ones. She is meant for families to visualize their loved ones in beautiful traditional regalia. 365 jingles on the dress represent a year round call for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

The practice of expressing gratitude helps improve mental and physical well-being. What are you grateful for? ONWA is holding daily draws for a chance to win 1 of 2 $100 prepaid visa gift cards; every day beginning Friday, April 10, 2020 , up to and including Thursday, April 23, 2020 . Enter by submitting a photo and brief description of what you are grateful for to www.onwa.ca/promotions Winners... Day 1 : Sherry Lickers and Sheena Slaney Day 2 : Chantal Wesley and Lisa Semerling Day 3 : Adrienne Assinewai and Carey Paypompee Day 4 : Kayla Milani and Tracey MacKinnon Day 5 : Wendy Kabel and Ashlynne Surovy Day 6 : Claudette Penagin and Heather Robidoux Day 7 : Joanie Wassaykeesic and Doretta Waswa Day 8 : Melodina Wesley and Linda Nasekapow Day 9 : Jessica Bannon and Maria Albanese Day 10 : Joanne Taylor and Victoria McMahon Day 11 : Crystal Samms and Kathy Bebamash Day 12 : Pamela Pelletier and Clarine Echum Day 13 : Miranda Rappazzo and Ginette Magiskan Day 14 : Amy Michano and Tristin Boyce "I am grateful is love. My love for my 3 boys, who are the best boys, my love for my family and my best friends, Shelley and Maria. My life would be lost with out any of them love ❤️" -Sherry Lickers, Day 1 Winner "I’m grateful that my fiancé and I have been blessed with another handsome boy,due on May 9! I’m also grateful with my last pregnancy my fiancé and I were able to make our best friends family bigger,I was a surrogate to bless them with a bundle of joy." -Sheena Slaney, Day 1 Winner "I am grateful for the land. I enjoy chasing the sunset." - Chantal Wesley, Day 2 Winner "That I get to experience another sunrise. Miigwetch." - Lisa Semerling, Day 2 Winner "I have so much to be grateful for. I have a loving and supportive husband who is also my best friend, a cozy little home, and food in my cupboards. However, the thing I am most grateful for is the gift that Creator gave to me...to create art. I am so thankful for this gift that has carried me through heartache and illness, has brought me immense joy and most importantly purpose." -Adrienne Assinewai, Day 3 Winner "I'm grateful for having wonderful and loving families." -Carey Paypompee, Day 3 Winner "I am grateful for the sun growing my plants, I see hope in the growth of night and day! Sun grows life." -Kayla Milani, Day 4 Winner "Boozhoo, I'm grateful for friends & family who check up (daily) on me and vice versa. Supports available to those less fortunate- (food hampers, breakfast and lunch programs, Easter hampers). Cultural organizations adapting to the current situation & going viral. Mostly front line workers for keeping us safe, fed, healthy." - Tracey MacKinnon, Day 4 Winner "The seasons. I am so grateful to live in an area that has such healing and amazing seasons. Each season has so many important memories and resources for us all to honour and respect. Miigwetch & Thank You Spring & Mother Earth 🌍💗🙏🏽💗🌍" -Wendy Kabel , Day 5 Winner "I am grateful to have a son who makes me laugh throughout this difficult time and the ability to enjoy nature more than I have been. It’s important to get grounded and appreciate the things we have taken for granted." - Ashlynne Surovy, Day 5 Winner "Family." -Claudette Penagin, Day 6 Winner "I am grateful that my children appreciate the majestic beauty of nature as much as I do." -Heather Robidoux, Day 6 Winner "I am grateful for my four children; how well behaved they have been, how quickly they are adapting to online learning. Also grateful for the patience of the teachers." -Joanie Wassaykeesic, Dsy 7 Winner "I am grateful for my baby girl 💞" -Doretta Waswa, Day 7 Winner "I am so grateful for my daughter & waking up every morning to her beautiful smile. I'm so blessed to be her mommy! And I'm grateful for having such wonderful family in my life. I'm grateful for my husband because if it wasn't for him we couldn't have our beautiful daughter Aria in our lives." -Melodina Wesley, Day 8 Winner "I am grateful my 4 year sobriety, coming up April 19, 2020. Being here, at this present moment with so much more gratification. Living a well balance life with real life struggles. Rocky but real. Strong as each day goes by. Chi Miigwech." -Linda Nasekapow, Day 8 Winner "I am grateful for the life of sobriety that I chose to live for my children. As a family, we regularly pray to our Creator with our gratitude for all of the things in our life and are always willing to help a neighbor when needed". -Jessica Bannon, Day 9 Winner "I am grateful for Family. Many people will say family, because of support, love and care; it brought me back together with my aunt after 13 years. My father was adopted at a young age and lost contact with his adoptive side of his family as he got older, and began his own family. In 2018 I had to amazing opportunity to meet her after such a long time. She has grown to be my role model and my best friend. She has inspired me to be myself and become more confident. I look up to my aunt because she is a front-line worker (Nurse). No matter what, she is always helping and caring for others. I want to be just like her one day. Family isn't always blood, or those you live with. No matter where life takes you, or where you might be in life, your family will always BEE there for you. (Bees are her favorite)". -Maria Albanese, Day 9 Winner "I am grateful for my kids good health and our home. My son suffers from febrile seizures and my newest baby is only 7 weeks as he is yet to get his needles. I was terrified when this all started to happen. My Eldest daughter is a great help with her brothers she is the best big sister I love my babies so much and although our world has turned inside out the kids are staying in good spirits and we smile and laugh everyday." -Joanne Taylor, Day 10 Winner "I'm grateful for beautiful mother earth and the amazing outdoors." -Victoria McMahon, Day 10 Winner " I am grateful for the ones that call me mom and look to me for strength in these times." -Crystal Samms, Day 11 Winner " I am grateful for the path my daughter has chosen. She works hard every day to protect the environment and our natural resources. In this photo she's comforting three bear cubs while momma bear is given a health check in her den (out of frame)." - Kathy Bebamash, Day 11 Winner "As we navigate this quarantine and epidemic, it’s easy to focus on the negatives. I believe gratitude can be a powerful tool for resilience. There is always positives to any situation. Staying home and working from home means more unexpected time with my children and I am grateful for every single extra minute." -Pamela Pelletier, Day 12 Winner "That I Have four handsome sons, and one handsome grandson that mean the world to me." -Clarine Echum, Day 12 Winner "My beautiful baby girls! They make everyday fun and exciting. I am truly blessed and grateful for them." -Miranda Rappazzo, Day 13 Winner "I'm grateful for being apart of a team that only gives and gives, every year we give our children in our community this is year 4 now I've been volunteering for: Aroland 242 I'm forever grateful to be in my home." -Ginette Magiskan, Day 13 Winner "The women in my life all have their talents, but one tradition we enjoy doing together is sharing teachings about our ribbon skirts. Today, I am grateful to have such an amazing support system of strong and passionate men & women in my life who have not only taught me how to be strong and passionate about my life, my family and my culture but also to love fiercely, to always have compassion, know my worth and walk with pride." -Amy Michano, Day 14 Winner "I am most grateful for my son. Each day he teaches me how to love and endure the happiness and warmth he provides me with. He helps me grow and understand the meaning of life and my love for him. I am grateful to be his mother and to raise such a smart little man." -Tristin Boyce, Day 14 Winner

NationTalk interview with Cora McGuire-Cyrette (Executive Director, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)) about the organization's actions in response to COVID-19 and how it’s affecting Indigenous Women and families across the Province of Ontario. Listen on NationTalk at: http://nationtalk.ca/story/cora-mcguire-executive-director-ontario-native-womens-association-onwa

A new empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and on-line in digital format. ​ This new magazine is a platform that will actively support ONWA’s on-going work celebrating Indigenous women’s accomplishments and successes and tireless commitment to end racism and violence. The magazine framework centres on Indigenous Women’s leadership. It honours collective wisdom by reclaiming that which colonization had targeted, our inherent knowledge as leaders in our families and communities.

Thunder Bay ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences to the family of Elize Hartley, “Listening Fox Woman.” Ms. Hartley, a proud Red River Métis, touched countless lives in her commitment to cultural preservation and the well-being of her people. Family, friends and community celebrate her passion, strength, and resiliency as she travels to the spirit world. Elize Hartley was a long-time member of the Ontario Native Women’s Association. She was a founding member of the Métis Women’s Circle located in Hamilton, ON. Her work focused on working in community to ensure that Metis and Indigenous women had access to much needed programs and services. She was very passionate about ensuring the history of the Métis people and Métis ways of knowing were shared throughout the community. As an author and storyteller, Elize knew the importance of knowing who you were and where you came from. Her gift was ensuring that others knew this as well. “Elize embodied Indigenous women’s leadership. Her accomplishments were many. A member of the ONWA Board of Directors, Elize also served on the ONWA Grandmother Council and was the representative for the southern region for many years. She served as a leader who selflessly contributed to the richness of the lives of Indigenous women across the country. Her life promoted and celebrated Métis culture, helping new generations on the path to rediscovering their identities and for this we are forever thankful,” stated ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette. ONWA Board President Dawn Lavell-Harvard remembers, “She was not just a role model she was an inspiration. She always had the highest of expectations for all of us and she never gave up on making sure we achieved our dreams.” It is the beauty and context of lives well lived and world’s changed by the passion and strength of women like Elder Hartley that we hold dearly at times like this. For More Information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Ontario – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) announced today the launch of its newly updated and improved website. Visitors are invited to explore the new website designed to offer a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality. Created with the user experience in mind, the site includes new features to help quickly and easily navigate the site and access much needed resources. As we continue to enhance our online presence, community members can expect to see new features rolled out, such as a dedicated area for our Chapters, Councils and Community Partners to access resources, an online storefront and the ability to sign up for and attend ONWA events online. Visitors to the new site can stay informed with the latest news and valuable content. The user is always just one click away from current pertinent information, including the ability to sign up to receive digital copies of ONWA’s “She Is Wise” magazine. “The new website reflects ONWA’s commitment to providing tools such as real time communications and support to community members, partners and colleagues during challenges such as the current Coronavirus 19 Pandemic. ONWA has mobilized its workforce remotely across the province. It’s business as usual while our organization responds to changing dynamics each day and on the hour. Modernizing our website is one tool to support the Indigenous community right now. The website will be a “living” document that will be updated regularly as we share our best practises, resources and videos to support a community development approach. Copyright will not apply to the Indigenous community, others are expected to respect the First Nations principles of OCAP® the set of standards that establish how Indigenous data should be collected, protected, used, or shared. The sharing of knowledge is what our communities need right now from safety plans to address family violence to remote work plan templates.” - Cora-Lee McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA Executive Director. ONWA Board President Dawn Lavell-Harvard shared, "We are excited about our new website launch and the valuable information it will provide for community members, partners, and stakeholders across the province. Now more than ever current accurate communications are needed to keep our communities informed. We recognize these are very difficult times for everybody and we want to let you know that ONWA staff are here to support you in virtual ways until this crisis passes and things return to normal.” About the Ontario Native Women’s Association The Ontario Native Women’s Association supports women to take up their leadership roles in the family and in the community. ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen families, communities and supports the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. To view the site please visit www.onwa.ca For More Information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: 647-970-7661 Karen Marconi, Marketing Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: 807 631-0850

Thunder Bay, ON - It is a human right for all women to live in a world without fear and violence. To ensure a level playing field, gender equity needs to be recognized as a cornerstone of all human rights. Today, December 10th, is the United Nations Human Rights Day. It marks the last day of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” #orangetheworld campaign. Violence comes in many forms - physical, psychological, and sexual – and the importance of this issue does not end today; Indigenous women face violence 365 days a year. The root causes of violence against Indigenous women is embedded in colonialism; when we talk about colonialism and the Indian Act, we talk about the destabilization of families, culture, community, and the role of Indigenous women. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the importance of continuing to support women to take up their leadership roles in the family and in the community. This will further solidify the right of Indigenous women to speak on their own behalf, to develop services that meet their needs, and to choose who represents them. Human rights are the values that we place on the world, which will be reflected in the smiles of our children seven generations from now. As the mothers of those children, gender equity in a respectful world is now, more than ever, a human right that all women should demand. For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: (647) 970-7661

Ottawa, ON – June 3, 2019 Today Canada received the much-anticipated National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place. ONWA acknowledges the families that have chosen to participate in this process and those who have not. “We need to begin to look at how we work together, we need to rebuild our relationships as agencies, community members and systems. We need change now,” stated ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuireCyrette. ONWA has seen how effective holistic strength-based services, combined with Indigenous ways of knowing and being are in providing wrap around services to Indigenous women and families which mirrors many of the recommendations within the Inquiry Final Report. ONWA has recognized a direct connection between Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people and human trafficking as outlined in its Journey to Safe SPACES: Indigenous Anti- Human Trafficking Engagement Report. ONWA’s work in communities across Ontario is congruent with The Principles for Change within the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry Final Report. This provides guidance and direction placing cultural safety at the centre of “self-determined and Indigenous led solutions and services.” As stated by ONWA board president Dawn Lavell-Harvard, “ONWA is committed to ending violence against Indigenous women, rooted in a long legacy of colonialism that has diminished the value of Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people in this country. The best way we can remember the value of those missing or murdered is to put an end to the conditions, attitudes, behaviours and systems that have caused this devastating situation.” More time is needed to read the report and to connect with families. We will include the Elders that help guide this work so that we can continue to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This report is only the beginning, honouring the lives of MMIWG requires us to move forward, together. Moving forward in a good way, building relationships and implementing healing programs are necessary to continue this work that the National Inquiry has highlighted. The Ontario Native Women’s Association calls for unity across families, communities and nations to create safety for Indigenous women at the grassroots level, now is the time for reclaiming Indigenous women’s voice within the circle. To read: Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Journey to Safe SPACES: Indigenous Anti- Human Trafficking Engagement Report For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca | Phone: (647) 970-7661

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is pleased to see that the province has listened and responded to Survivors of Human Trafficking. Today’s announcement, a head of International Women’s Day reflects a commitment to addressing gender-based violence for women in Ontario. This new and expanded strategy contains investments that address the safety needs of Indigenous women and girls, which is critical to healthy communities. Indigenous women and girls comprise a disproportionate number of those sexually exploited in Ontario through human trafficking. Today’s announcement by the Ontario government provides much needed hope. We are encouraged that this investment will allow for opportunities and collaboration to address the safety needs of women and children. Strategic and cross-ministerial investments are critical for longterm systemic change in addressing serious violence-related issues. “It is clear that Indigenous women are a priority in this Strategy. This announcement brings with it an opportunity to make real change happen on the frontlines. This much-needed additional funding will bring foundational stability, resources and capacity to those communities most in need. ONWA applauds the foresight and forward thinking of the province and its commitment to ending Human Trafficking.” stated ONWA Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette. The new Strategy is aligned with the key principles contained in ONWA’s Journey to Safe SPACES: Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement Report which highlights the need for Indigenous specific initiatives. The Safe SPACES strategy recognizes that Indigenous communities are vital to addressing this issue in a balanced approach including education, prevention, support and accountability. ONWA looks forward to continued collaboration with government and partner agencies to fully implement expanded anti-human trafficking initiatives across the province. Read: Ontario’s Announcement - Ontario's New Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy The Journey to Safe SPACES: Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement Report For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: (647) 970-7661

In support of the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (February 22), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is holding events across Ontario to raise awareness about Human Trafficking. Indigenous women have the right to live in safety, free from the threat, fear or experience of exploitation and violence. To prevent this ongoing issue for future generations, people need to be informed and aware of the risks and preventative measures they can take. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day serves as a platform to educate and provide safeguards to our communities. “Indigenous women and girls comprise a disproportionate number of those sexually exploited in Canada through Human Trafficking” – Journey to Safe Spaces Report For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Tel: (647) 970-7661