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Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is recognizing National Addictions Awareness Week (November 24-30, 2024) by highlighting the theme of “Forging Connections” as an essential part of healing. ONWA is dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and their families to seek support and access the resources they need. ONWA calls on all community members to strengthen connections with family, friends, and local services to enhance well-being and bring about much-needed healing. Belonging and empowerment, rooted in identity and heritage, strengthen our capacity to support ourselves, our families, and our communities. "Addictions touch so many families in deep ways. Indigenous women and families carry added burdens from the legacy of colonialism, facing racism, poverty, and inequitable access to healthcare—factors that have fueled addiction in our communities. On the path to healing, let’s share responsibility and hope for a future grounded in the Grandfather Teaching of Zaagi’idiwin (Love)." – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA. ONWA has created a variety of resources available on our website ( https://www.onwa.ca ). Throughout the week, ONWA will be sharing some of those teachings and resources on our social media. Learn more: Follow ONWA on social media: https://www.onwa.ca/social If you need mental health support grounded in Indigenous culture, wisdom and tradition, Talk4Healing’s toll-free lines are open 24/7: call 1-855-554-4325 or visit http://talk4healing.com If you are in crisis and looking for support, explore Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) mental health supports: https://cmha.ca/find-help/if-you-are-in-crisis Learn more and explore resources about the addictions at Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: https://www.ccsa.ca For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) stands in solidarity with Inuit women and their families in Nunavik as they received an apology from Canada for the killing of their qimmit, or sled dogs. In the 1950’s and 1960’s tens of thousands of dogs were slaughtered in front of their families as part of the colonial violence committed against Inuit across Inuit Nunangat. This was intended to destroy their traditional lifestyles and force them into permanent settlements. ONWA is pleased to see the federal government continuing to acknowledge the harm that their actions have caused to Inuit women and their families. In 2019, Canada apologized to Inuit in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut for colonial practices imposed on Inuit from 1950 to 1975, including the killing of sled dogs, forced relocations and family separation. “Killing these dogs was an attack on our identities and our way of life as Inuit. Our communities are still working to recover from the trauma and loss of traditional ways.” – Roxanne Ruediger, Director of Corporate Services, ONWA “Recognizing the harm that was caused and accepting responsibility is an important first step in recasting the story of Canada’s history,” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA, “but we need more than just words – we need action to end the ongoing violence perpetuated against Inuit by state institutions such as child welfare and police, and sustainable investment to support community healing.” For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Hamilton, ON – The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is honoured to partner with the Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women to host the 9th Annual Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Night. This event will take place 7:00-9:00pm (EST) on November 25, both online and in-person in Hamilton, Ontario. Every year, ONWA holds a Poetry Night on November 25th to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and to align with the UNITE 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (#orangetheworld) campaign. This annual event brings Indigenous women and allies together for healing through celebration of strength, resilience, and artistic expression. This year will mark the first expansion of the in-person portion of the event outside of Thunder Bay. The evening will be hosted by local justice advocate Lyndon George of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation and will feature poetry readings by Cher Obediah, Deyowidron’t Teri Morrow, and community members. It will also include a cultural opening by ONWA Grandmother Renee Thomas-Hill, a performance from a local drum group, and the release of Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Book, volume 8 . ONWA is seeking poetry for next years Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Book, volume 9 . Submissions can be made until December 31, 2024, and will be presented at next year’s Poetry Night. Register to attend Poetry Night online or in-person (Hamilton, Ontario) at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoc-2pqD8uG9W691ccV_-0H5t3Vg4cgNrB Submit your poetry: https://forms.office.com/r/UJ1mXkm8PB About the Strong Hands Stop Violence initiative: onwa.ca/strong-hands-stop-violence About the UN’s International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women: https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) celebrate 53 years as an agency by and for Indigenous women. ONWA is the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s agency in Canada, and we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in their family, community, and internationally for generations to come. Turning the issues that Indigenous women face into actionable change – now and for future generations – is the foundation of ONWA’s Strategic Picture 2021-2031 . ONWA honours the past generations of Indigenous women, whose wisdom continues to guide us. ONWA’s work in the Indigenous women’s movement started at the grassroots level, with a few Indigenous women gathering around a kitchen table taking action on issues that affected them and their and rights. We are now an association representing more than 35 Indigenous women’s organizations and groups in Ontario, and an agency with over 200 employees offering programming in 26 sites the province. In 2023-2024, ONWA's overall community impact reached 372,700 community members and provided over 186,000 direct services to Indigenous women and their families. Through our research, policy, and advocacy work, ONWA is affecting systemic change for Indigenous women by continuing to tell their stories and truths provincially, nationally, and internationally. Our advocacy on the key safety issues impacting Indigenous women and their families is now recognizable at the United Nations, and we are focused on empowering Indigenous youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. We celebrate another year of amplifying Indigenous women’s leadership and advancing the safety, healing, and wellbeing of Indigenous women and their families across the province. The strength and resilience of Indigenous women and girls is a testament to the power of our communities, and how when we come together collectively, we are stronger. To learn more about ONWA’s successes, read our 2023-2024 Annual Report . To learn more about ONWA visit: onwa.ca For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) commemorates the life and legacy of Métis leader, politician, and founder of Manitoba, Louis Riel. November 16th, 2024, marks the 139th anniversary of Riel’s execution for his role in the Red River Resistance. Born in the Red River settlement in 1844, Riel was a fierce defender of Métis rights and culture, facing threat, criminalization, and exile in his lifetime for his efforts. His legacy has evolved into that of a hero and martyr for Métis peoples and other Indigenous communities. Riel’s vision of equality, justice, and respect for Métis culture continues to guide ongoing discussions about Indigenous sovereignty and rights in Canada. Louis Riel Day provides an opportunity to recognize the historical and ongoing struggles of Métis peoples and other Indigenous communities in Canada and emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and Indigenous rights. Today, ONWA recognizes the impact of Riel’s legacy in carving pathways for all Indigenous women and peoples to defend their rights in Canada’s political landscape. For events and more information: Join ONWA for our Louis Riel Day Livestream with Knowledge Keeper Ash Moreau from 12:00-2:00pm EST on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Register now for a reminder ( forms.office.com/r/YtsxtK86h1 ) or join live on ONWA’s Twitch ( twitch.tv/onwa_official ), YouTube Live ( youtube.com/@onwa_official/streams ), or Facebook Live ( facebook.com/ONWA7/live_videos ). Métis Nation of Ontario Celebrating Louis Riel Day 2024 Events: https://www.metisnation.org/news/celebrating-louis-riel-day-2024-events Learn more about Louis Riel: https://louisrielday.com For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

November 14 marks World Diabetes Day. ONWA recognizes that Indigenous women are the experts of their own bodies and health and wants to hear how Indigenous women and their families are living well with diabetes or how they are reducing their risk of developing diabetes. Please share by submitting a journal entry by midnight November 21, 2024 for a chance to win some great prizes! inviting Indigenous women and their families to share their stories on how they are living well with diabetes or working to reduce their risk of diabetes. Submissions of journal entries will be accepted starting November 14, 2024, until midnight on November 21, 2024. Participants will be entered to win exciting prizes! Submit now! https://forms.office.com/r/J2g5TitBb7 Submission deadline 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on November 21, 2024

Thunder, Bay ON -  On this Remembrance Day, we pause to honour and remember all those who have served and sacrificed for Canada. It is a day to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the veterans, whose contributions have safeguarded the freedoms we cherish today. Among these heroes, we pay special tribute to Indigenous women and men who have served with distinction in various conflicts, including WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping missions around the world.   The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) proudly acknowledges the significant roles Indigenous veterans have played, from code breakers and code talkers to leaders, warriors, healers, and protectors. We celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous women in the military, as highlighted in Grace Poulin’s book, Invisible Women: WWII Aboriginal Servicewomen in Canada . As we remember their sacrifices, we wish to ensure that the stories and legacies of all veterans including Indigenous veterans are honoured and preserved for future generations.

Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) proudly honours National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day dedicated to remembering and commemorating the significant contributions of Indigenous veterans. This day was first commemorated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1994 to ensure that Indigenous veterans were finally recognized for their contributions to WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and peace supporting operations around the world. We honour the Indigenous veterans who served Canada honourably and risked their lives defending shared values of peace, equality, and freedom. We celebrate and honour all Indigenous women who have served in the military in various roles, including as leaders, warriors, healers, and protectors. Author Grace Poulin from Thunder Bay, ON, in her book Invisible Women: WWII Aboriginal Servicewomen in Canada highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous women who served in the Canadian military during World War II. Poulin’s research documents the experiences of 18 Indigenous women who volunteered from various parts of Canada, including urban, rural, and First Nation communities. She highlights roles Indigenous women played, such as serving in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC), the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division (RCAF WD), and the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS). Poulin’s efforts help fill the gap in scholarly writing about the Indigenous female experience in WWII, ensuring these women’s stories are recognized and remembered. Indigenous people were instrumental in the victories of WWI and WWII, serving as code breakers and code talkers using their Indigenous languages. Mary McPherson, an Ojibwa artist and member of the Couchiching First Nation based in Thunder Bay, ON, celebrated her uncle, a code breaker who made the ultimate sacrifice. Her Canadian Mint coin design personally served as a remembrance to her uncle. The coin served to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt (1944-2019). Proudly, as a young Indigenous woman, Mary’s work is deeply influenced by her heritage and family stories. “We must remember the lives and selfless contributions of those who fought to preserve the freedom that today seems so fragile. History must not repeat itself. It is our duty to honour the memory of the Indigenous women and men whose sacrifices must not be forgotten.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA. Together let us reflect, remember, and honour all those who lost their lives and the loved ones whose lives were changed forever. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – On November 7th, as we observe International Inuit Day, we celebrate the culture, heritage, and resilience of Inuit peoples and recognize the vital role of Indigenous women in leading their communities, preserving traditions, and advocating for positive change across Canada. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) stands in solidarity with Inuit women and all Indigenous women who have historically been caretakers of the land, water, and cultural teachings. It is important for us to acknowledge the critical challenges they face, including systemic inequities, lack of access to healthcare, gender-based violence, and the ongoing impacts of colonization. Today, we honor Inuit women. We celebrate their strength, knowledge, kindness, and resilience. Their leadership has always been, and continues to be, integral to the sovereignty of Indigenous communities. As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Inuit women, ONWA calls on Canadians to support the fight for justice, equity, and recognition for all Indigenous women. Let today serve as a reminder that the path toward reconciliation is one that must be paved with the full inclusion and empowerment of Inuit and other Indigenous women in all spheres of life. ONWA is hosting a livestream event from 6:00-7:30pm EST on November 7, 2024. Join us as we honor Inuit traditions through the teachings of Elder Annie Salluvinuk and guest speaker Liam Kablalik. This virtual event is open to all. Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/wAAjfvmwXt or watch live on ONWA’s Facebook Live ( https://www.facebook.com/ONWA7/live_videos ), YouTube Live ( https://www.youtube.com/@onwa_official/streams ), or Twitch channel ( https://www.twitch.tv/onwa_official ). For more information and media inquiries, contact: 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) honours the life and service of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Anishinaabe leader and member of the Peguis First Nation, Manitoba. The people of Turtle Island grieve the loss of such a champion of Indigenous justice and advocacy. Mr. Sinclair became a lawyer in 1979. He was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba in March of 1988. He was Manitoba's first Indigenous Judge, and at that time, Canada’s second. Following his appointment as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba in 1988, Judge Sinclair was also appointed as Co-Commissioner, along with Court of Queen's Bench Associate Chief Justice A. C. Hamilton, of Manitoba's Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. He became the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) from 2009-2015 and, in 2016, was appointed to the Senate of Canada where he continued his lifelong journey as an advocate for Indigenous and social justice. As the Chief Commissioner of the TRC, Mr. Sinclair led efforts to document the experiences of residential school survivors and promote healing and reconciliation. His work culminated in the TRC’s final report, which included 94 Calls to Action aimed at addressing the legacy of residential schools and fostering reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Among the 94 Calls to Action several specifically addressed the needs and rights of Indigenous women and girls. These included Calls to Action 41, which called for a public inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and Calls to Action 53 to 56, which focused on establishing a National Council for Reconciliation to monitor and report on progress, including the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls. Mr. Sinclair led a very public and distinguished life of service. He dedicated time to writing articles to educate the broader public. He served on Boards and devoted time to public education, environmental issues, public speaking, and became a mentor to countless people. His life’s work saw him recognized with prestigious awards, including Lifetime Achievement Award, Indspire (2017) Companion, Order of Canada (2021), and the Order of Manitoba (2024). Mr. Sinclair will be greatly missed. He was a beacon of strength. He taught people what reconciliation should look like. He provided some of the most significant pieces of work in Canada’s history. ONWA extends heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sinclair’s family and community. Murray Sinclair’s passing is truly a national loss. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

ONWA's Responsible Gambling & Youth Life Promotion programs held a contest looking for Indigenous artwork for Earth Day T-shirts, to showcase our commitment to honouring Mother Earth. The winning design will be showcased on a t-shirt shared with Indigenous youth across Ontario. The winners are: Nevada Anwhatin - 1st place, iPad 8 prize, and the t-shirt showcase Ravindra Subramanya - 2nd place, and Outdoors Kit prize Mackenzie Shawanamash - 3rd place, and Traditional Medicine Basket prize Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who participated!

Chi Miigwetch (Thank you) to everyone who joined us in honouring Mother Earth by picking up debris and garbage from your surrounding area to help reduce the harmful effects both have to the environment. The winners are: Whitney Echum Danah St. Amand Liana Viens Christian Necan Disclaimer: As there were no submissions identifies as being from " Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils", all Grand Prize draws were amongst "Community Member" entries