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Honouring Our Mothers WINNERS TBA Submit Please ensure your submission does not include copyright protected material. Miigwetch. Ogiin OJIBWE mother (noun) caregiver (verb) bring up (a child) with care and affection look after (someone) kindly and protectively We want to hear about what "mother" means to you! May 14 th is Mother's Day and ONWA in honouring mothers. Submit a photo, share a teaching from, or tell a story that reflects the role of a past or present mother figure in your life for a chance to win prizes! About Submissions close at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, May 14th, 2023 . Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 Deadline How do I win prizes? Complete the Submission Form to receive an entry into the virtual ballot drum for our random draw. There will be ten (10) grand prize winners. Grand prize winners will be divided between two kinds of participants: Community Members (5) Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils (5) Winners will be notified through ONWA’s social media channels, by email or telephone. Prize Bundle includes: Floral Art Paint Kit Bla nket Calling my Spirit Back book (How you use the prize is up to you.) “Ceremonies have enriched my life, and [provided] a strong connection with my mom, with my Nohkom, all of my ancestors, and a connection to the land.” Ahkamayimo Linklater, Grandmothers to Granddaughters by Anna-Liza Badaloo, page 30 She Is Wise Magazine 2022 Spring/Summer edition Prizes What defines a "mother"? The Honouring Our Mothers promotion defines a mother as anyone who is a caregiver, who brings up (a child) with care and affection, and who looks after (someone) kindly and protectively. They do not have to be your biological parent. They can be your guardian, your foster parent, your aunt, your grandmother, or other relation. They can be living or in the Spirit World. How do I participate? Submit your entry through our Submission Form telling us about what "mother" means to you. Share a teaching from or tell us a story that reflects the role of a mother in your life. How many entries can I submit? You can submit one entry per person through our Submission Form . How long is this promotion? The promotion begins on Monday May 1s t, 2023 and ends on Sunday, May 14th at 11:59pm EST. Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Wednesday, May 17th, 2023. Who can participate? Anyone – women, men, youth and children! What are the Rules and Regulations of this promotion? Click here to read the full Rules and Regulations for this promotion. Please be aware that by participating in this promotion you agree to follow the Rules and Regulations outlined for this promotion. Rules & Regulations Past Winners 2022

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service FEEDBACK FORM Date Visited Name Location Visited Phone Email Were you satisfied with the client services we provided you? Yes No Was our client services provided to you in an accessible manner? Yes No Did you experience any problems accessing our goods and services? Yes No Other Notes / Details SUBMIT Miigwetch for sharing!

ONWA GoBAGS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ONWA began delivering various themed GoBAGS to support community members in their time of need. The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way organizations operate. The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) continues to respond and adapt to the unique needs of our communities through our Community Coordination Approach . Part of this Approach includes a provincial initiative that delivers GoBAGS to support community members in their time of need, utilizing a physical distance approach. ONWA embarked on this new initiative in April 2020. There are various themed GoBAGS available, each designed with a specific need in mind. GoBAGs are temporarily on hold WATCH OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN THEY RESUME Request a GoBAG INTERESTED IN RECEIVING A GoBAG? Call ONWA's Centralized Intake at 807-623-3442 or Toll Free at 1-800-667-0816 Please be advised that quantities may be limited. Request will be filled in the order received. Available Themes EACH THEME IS DESIGNED WITH A SPECIFIC NEED IN MIND CLEANING KITS FRESH FRIDAYS TRADITIONAL BUNDLE FAMILY MOON-TIME SPECIAL EVENT FOOD PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPEMENT (PPE) Help Us Do Our Best TAKE A MOMENT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE Please take a moment to share your experience completing a quick survey or calling us at 1-800-667-0816. With anything new comes challenges. “We all make mistakes. Learning from them is what we encourage and using all resources available can help us in our journey.” (7 Grandfather/Sacred Teachings, Wisdom). If we did not meet your expectations, your feedback will provide us with a way to improve. FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I receive a Go BAG? Call ONWA's Centralized Intake at 807-623-3442 or Toll Free at 1-800-667-0816 Talk an ONWA Worker and arrange to receive the Go BAG(s) that suit your needs Go BAGS will be delivered utilizing a physical distance approach (contactless delivery) Please be advised that quantities may be limited. Requests will be filled in the order received . What are the criteria? Go BAGs are fulfilled on an as needed basis. Please be advised that quantities may be limited. Requests will be filled in the order received. What locations are these available? All ONWA Locations (listing can be found here ). Please note that Go BAG offering may vary by location depending on availability. When do I need to call in my request? Go BAGS are delivered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (with exception of Fresh Fridays, which are only delivered on Fridays). 24 hours’ notice is recommended. Do I have to request every week? Yes. Requests need to be communicated when the they are needed. Do you have to request the different theme Go BAGS? Or are they different every Friday? You can request the type(s) you need; it can be multiple types. Can I request multiple Go BAGS? Yes. Go BAGS should be requested according to need. Is this service free? Yes. However, please be advised that quantities may be limited. Requests will be filled in the order received. For more information, please contact: ONWA Centralized Intake at 807-623-3442 or Toll Free at 1-800-667-0816

Learn more about the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) with this at a glance corporate overview. At the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community and internationally for generations to come. ONWA VISION Vision What's Happening NEWS & PRESS RELEASES READ MORE What's Happening About ONWA VALUES & KEY AREAS OF FOCUS ONWA is committed to using a human rights framework for our work. As our foundation, we use the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) . This framework supports Indigenous women’s individual and collective rights to have their own agencies, to be directly and meaningfully engaged on issues that directly impact them and the reclaiming of their leadership. RECLAIM Indigenous women’s role as matriarchs (leadership) in their families and communities. RESTORE Indigenous women’s identity and inherent rights beyond a jurisdictional approach. RECONCILE relationships to ensure that Indigenous women have a right to safety regardless of location. RECOGNIZE that Indigenous women are the medicine needed to heal ourselves, families, and communities. ONWA’S 9 KEY AREAS OF FOCUS: Mother Earth Family Violence Sexual Violence Child Welfare Human Trafficking Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Housing and Homelessness Justice Health LEARN MORE About ONWA Key Document Key Documents ONWA KEY DOCUMENTS 2021-2031 Strategic Picture Based on the wisdom and knowledge of thousands of Indigenous women throughout the province of Ontario. DOWNLOAD 2020 Reconciliation with Indigenous Women Changing the Story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Report. DOWNLOAD 2023-2024 Infographic A high level overview of ONWA, including statistics and government savings. DOWNLOAD 2017-2018 Journey to Safe Spaces Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement Report. DOWNLOAD 2023-2024 Annual Report Collective Voices: Healing. Intention. Community. DOWNLOAD BI-ANNUAL She Is Wise Magazine An empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and online. READ READ MORE Media Requests First name Last name Email Write a message Submit Thanks for submitting! Social Media Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

A new empowering voice for Indigneous women in print and online. THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO NATIVE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION She Is Wise Magazine An empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and online. The She Is Wise magazine is a platform that actively supports 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. Please note that ONWA does not mail out individual copies of She Is Wise magazine. In order to receive a print edition of the magazine you must subscribe a minimum of 1 month before the Summer Solstice edition on June 21st and a minimum of 1 month before the Winter Solstice edition on December 21st. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL VERSION SUBSCRIBE TO PRINT VERSION READ MAGAZINE She is Wise - 2023 | Magazine Promotion Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Magazine Archive ALL EDITIONS 2025 FALL/WINTER Honouring the 13 Grandmother Moons Teachings READ 2025 SPRING/SUMMER Indigenous Women in Media READ 2024 FALL/ WINTER Leading as Life-Givers READ 2024 SPRING/SUMMER Reflections of Love: Turning personal grief into collective strength through art READ 2023 FALL/ WINTER Health & Well-Being: The gift of a kidney turns friends into family. READ 2023 SPRING/SUMMER Global Spotlight: Indigenous Women Making a Difference Worldwide READ 2022 FALL/WINTER Walking Beyond: Maxine Noel Lives Up to Her Sioux Name READ 2022 SPRING/SUMMER Cindy Blackstock: A champion for Indigenous children READ 2021 FALL/WINTER Celebrating 50 years: The Journey of Indigenous Women's Leadership READ 2021 SPRING/SUMMER Balance: Indigenous men supporting Indigenous women’s work READ 2020 FALL/WINTER Spilling the Tea with Mona Hardy - Insight into an Indigenous change maker READ 2020 SPRING/SUMMER The Healing Power of Art, insight from Métis Artist Christi Belcourt READ 2019 FALL/WINTER Inspiring a New Generation, Dorothy Wynne's extraordinary life of service DOWNLOAD

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Youth Life Promotion WHO AM I? Gichabida'odan Bi Biimaadiziwinn - Embracing Life Overview Through the services offered by the program, Indigenous youth will be supported in their emotional well-being through holistic, culturally-grounded supports that instill a sense of belonging, purpose, meaning and hope. Indigenous youth identity and positive role development are key features of this program. The Battle Within Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual Lost Identity - Who am I? Oppressed - Where do I come from? Vision - What are my responsibilities? Disconnected - Where am I going? Addressing the risks Prevent - Where is your safe space? Intervene - Who can you talk to? Alleviate - What can you do? Connect - How to be you, love you, embrace you? Provincially Available DELIVERY SITES Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) Youth Activities ONWA will host fun activities for Indigenous Youth which will be focused on Cultural Teachings and Ceremony. Seasonal Traditional Activities: Bear fat rendering Community clean-ups Community kitchen Drum making Family-orientated activities Fire Keeper teachings Gardening Harvesting Moccasin making Prep and tan hides Self-esteem and life skills Skill learning workshops Snowshoeing Story telling Syrup making Tea/bannock teachings Youth Mentorship Program ONWA's Mentorship Program provides a series of traditional and cultural experiences for Indigenous youth applicants who are carefully paired with mentors. Mentors will be involved in the process of creating and participating in Youth Group Events, while working with ONWA staff, Traditional Healers, Elders and Community Members. The goal of the Youth Mentorship program is for Youth Mentors to gain knowledge of: Leadership skills Prioritization Effective Communication Healthy and Safe Environment Structured Organization Planning and Scheduling Strengthened Relationships Efficiency Coordination Ceremony

Rules and Regulations These are the official promotional rules and regulations for the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) “14 Days of Grateful Photo Draw”. Entry in “the draw” constitutes acceptance of these rules and regulations (the “draw rules and regulations”), and entrants are bound by these rules and regulations. By checking the "I agree to the rules and regulations" box on the on-line ballot and by clicking the SUBMIT button on the same on-line ballot, all participant's agree to these rules and regulations. Draw Name : 14 Days of Grateful Photo Draw Draw Period: Friday April 10, 2020 – Thursday April 23, 2020 Draw Dates: Every day beginning Friday April 10, 2020, up to and including Thursday April 23, 2020. Draw Daily Prizes : Two (2) prizes each day during the draw period will be awarded, for a total of twenty-eight (28) individual prizes. Each draw prize consists of one (1) prepaid visa gift card in the amount of one-hundred dollars CDN (CDN $100.00). No cash option is available. For the purpose of these official rules and regulations the following terms/definitions apply: ONWA : Ontario Native Women’s Association Qualifying Period : B eginning Thursday April 9, 2020, up to and including Thursday April 23, 2020. Daily Prize(s) : A daily draw for a prize during the promotional period. Qualified Entrant : A resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. Individuals who are ineligible include employees of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), all sponsors related to “the draw”, their dealers, subsidiaries, agents and affiliates and their respective advertising agencies, members of such employees’ immediate families, same household members. For the purposes of all draws, immediate family is defined as mother, father, in-laws, grandmother, grandfather, brother or spouse, sister or spouse, children and grandchildren. Qualified Entry : Entry ballots are generated when a Qualified Entrant enters the draw in accordance with these rules and regulations. How to Enter There is one (1) way to enter the ”14 Days of Grateful Photo Draw”. Beginning Friday April 10, 2020 at 12:00pm ET up to and including Thursday April 23, 2020 at 11:59am ET qualified entrants can visit www.onwa.ca directly or via a link provided on the Ontario Native Women’s Association Facebook page, and complete an on-line ballot (one ballot during the promotional period) which includes submission of a photo with accompanying description and collection of the following information: First Name, Last Name Email details Mailing address details Phone number Agree that the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has the right to use, publish submitted photo on social media platforms. Each day at 4:00 pm ET, two (2) random winners will be selected. Participant's may enter one (1) time during the promotional period. If participants enter multiple times during the promotional period, all entries after the first original entry will NOT be considered. The"virtual ballot drum" will not be emptied. All entries qualify during the length of the promotional period. Winners of daily draws will be contacted the following morning of a daily draw and winner names will be published on social media. Every attempt will be made to contact winners. In the event the winner cannot be contacted, a message will be left, and/or an email notifying a winner will be completed. General Rules and Regulations By participation in “the draw”, entrants agree to release/indemnify/hold harmless Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or LinkedIn. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) acknowledges that “the draw” is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or LinkedIn. No purchase is necessary to participate in “the draw”. All winners must answer a skill testing question before any prize is awarded. There is a maximum of one (1) entry per person per promotional period. Personal information collected from draw entrants will be used solely by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) for the purpose of administering “the draw”. By participating in “the draw”, each entrant consents to collection, use and disclosure of personal information for these purposes. By participating in ONWA's "14 Days of Grateful", all participant's agree to having photos, description of photo and name published on social media platforms identified in Rule 1 and 2. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, and are non-transferable, nor do awarded prizes have cash value. Prizing will be mailed to draw winners according to mailing instructions completed in the on-line ballot (see R&R 2). To claim a prize, you a resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. The Ontario Native Women’s Association is not responsible for complications that take place with email servers, telephone lines and/or computer delivery. The Ontario Native Women’s Association is not responsible for misdirected entries. In the case of an email entry, if the identity of an entrant is in disputed, the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry will be deemed to be the entrant. The individual assigned to the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address is considered the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the selected entry. All entries must be submitted from a valid e-mail account that may be identified by reverse domain name search. The sole determinant of time for the purposes of receipt of a valid entry in this draw server machine(s). Any attempt to deliberately damage any web site or to undermine the legitimate operation of this promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reserves the right to deny a draw entrant a prize in the event an entrant fails to meet any of the above conditions. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reserves the right to amend these official draw rules and regulations at any time. Should amendments occur, the Ontario Native Women’s Association will take action to communicate new rules within 48 hours of amendments to the official rules and regulations. All entries acquired through entry into “the draw” become property of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and shall in no case be returned to the draw entrant. Subject to applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws, these rules govern all aspects of this official rules and regulations and are binding. If “the draw” is cancelled for any reason, “the draw” will end with no compensation offered to existing qualified entrants or draw prize winners. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is not liable for delays or cancellation of “the draw”. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reserves the right to cancel “the draw” or disqualify a participant due to fraud, technical failures, or human errors, the draw cannot be held as originally planned by the station and associated sponsors. All prizes will be mailed within 30 days of winning.

Telephone 1-800-667-0816 Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Social Media Send us a message SUBMIT Thanks for submitting! ONWA COMPLIES WITH AODA REQUIRE MENTS | SHARE YOUR AODA FEEDBACK EXTERNAL COMPLAINT FORM Our Locations EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS WOMEN THROUGHOUT ONTARIO

Announcements Find out what programs, events and promotions ONWA is currently running. VIEW PROGRAM CALENDAR Membership Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) membership is based on the establishment of either Chapters or Councils within the province of Ontario. Membership provides Indigenous women the support, capacity development opportunities, and visibility they need to further enhance their lives. ONWA Membership provides Indigenous women within Ontario the opportunity to collectively influence both national and provincial policies and legislation as it relates to issues that affect them. Chapters are incorporated organizations, and Councils are non-incorporated grassroot women’s organizations. Chapters and Councils are registered by regions (North, East, South, and West) based on the Medicine Wheel so that the voices of Indigenous women are heard from all four directions. Key Documents Questions? Chapters Any previous Local or new group of Indigenous women whose organization is registered and in good standing as an Incorporated group through the provincial or federal government will be eligible to become a full service delivery site of the ONWA. Chapters will be required to enter into a MOU with the ONWA in order to strengthen clarity and accountability in the relationships. Become A Member (Chapter) Councils A grassroots group of women, who chose not to become an incorporated body, but maintain a presence to provide supports, educate and advocate for Indigenous women and/or children in their community. These groups can also be in the process of becoming an ONWA Chapter. Become A Member (Council) Membership Services Indigenous Women’s Leadership Builds capacity and supports Indigenous women as leaders in their current roles as leaders of organizations and communities. Maintaining relationships with ONWA’s membership. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE ONWA in Ontario As of August 2025, ONWA’s membership consists of 17 Chapters (incorporated organizations providing frontline services) and 22 Councils (grassroots groups supporting community development models), representative of ONWA’s four regional directions – North, South, East, West – throughout the province. (This number is likely to increase as ONWA continues to work with communities and expand the membership.) Reflected in the map, ONWA is currently delivering services and programs in 27 sites across Ontario. 10 of these sites are direct service delivery sites, whereas the remaining 17 are through our Chapter membership organizations. ONWA recognizes that Indigenous women’s agencies are stronger together as a collective and we will continue to build relationship and capacity with Indigenous women and their agencies as a result our membership numbers may change from year to year. Eastern Region Chapters Biimaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle (BRAWC) Daughters of the Fur Trade Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association Minwaashin Lodge Nakehndan: Knowing Your Truth Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Orillia Native Women’s Group Tyendinaga Native Women’s Association Councils All Our Relations Bawaating Anishnabekwewok Indigenous Women On-Line Kingston Thunder Women The Matriarch's Rainbow Women Waibejawong Anishnabequek Southern Region Chapters Hamilton Wentworth Chapter of Native Women Inc. Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto Niagara Chapter-Native Women Inc. Councils Deshkan Zii Bi Indigenous Women’s Association Indigenous Women of Niagara Kiinwi Gdaniwewin’aa Métis Women’s Circle Western Region Chapters Beendigen Inc. Biidaajiwun Inc. Kenora Anishinaabe-Kweg Aboriginal Women’s Organization Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle Councils Grassy Narrows Women’s Group Mindemoyag Women’s Group Thunder Bay Council Wabigoon Aboriginal Women’s Group Northern Region Chapters Anishnaabe Kateri Association Councils Aroland Ladies of 242 Constance Lake Anishinawbe Quek Ginoogaming First Nation Council Mamowedew New Post Women’s Group Rocky Bay Women’s Council Board of Directors ONWA’s leadership is based on a policy governing board of Directors comprising of twelve Indigenous women, including four youth Director positions to ensure the mentorship and voices of our future generation is reflective in our work. All the Directors are elected from ONWA’s membership. A regional Grandmothers’ Council, who are non-voting members of the board, provide advisory and mentorship support to the Board of Directors. EAST Melinda Commanda President Stephanie (Mikki) Adams Secretary Hunter Corbiere Youth Director Suzanne Knapp Grandmother SOUTH Vacant Director Brandy Pasalic Director Sophia Carnovale Vice President/ Youth Director Renee Thomas-Hill Grandmother WEST Tana Troniak Treasurer Debra Vermette Director Madison Wigwas Youth Director Vacant Grandmother NORTH Lisa Echum Director Roberta Wesley Director Alysha Wesley Youth Director Gwen Provost Grandmother Board of Directors Melinda Commanda PRESIDENT Melinda Commanda is a proud Anishnawbe Kwe and a member of the Serpent River First Nation. She has been affiliated with ONWA for over 20 years as an employee, ONWA Council member, and a member of the Board of Directors. Melinda was raised in the city of Toronto but has also lived in many parts of Ontario such as Red Lake, Thunder Bay, and Serpent River First Nation. She now resides in Sudbury. Her experience in living in various locations across Ontario provides her with an understanding of the issues Indigenous women across the province face. Melinda has devoted her entire career to working with and for Indigenous organizations. She consistently demonstrates her integrity, willingness to share her knowledge, and strong communication skills through her work. Melinda began her career in social work but made the decision to obtain a post-secondary education, to better her and her children’s lives. While completing her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree she also took many native studies courses and statistical courses that focused on quantitative and qualitative research. To complement her formal education, she has also taken various workshops and skills training. Melinda has volunteered her time to a variety of non-profit organizations either as a board member, chairperson, or as an advocate. Her extensive career and education have given her the ability to work in a variety of areas. In her spare time, she likes to quilt, craft, and spend time with family. She has three grown children and many grandchildren. Cora McGuire-Cyrette Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cora McGuire-Cyrette has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the largest and oldest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, since 2015. 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. A proud member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), she uses her voice to champion the rights of Indigenous women and girls, cultivate healing, create safe spaces, and supporting Indigenous women and youth as they reclaim their role as leaders. As a role model in Indigenous women’s leadership, Cora was integral to the development of the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Cora serves as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council of Ontario, and the Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, among others. Cora holds a BA in Indigenous Learning and Sociology from Lakehead University and an MMBA from York University, Schulich School of Business. She lives in Thunder Bay with her husband and has three children and two grandsons. BIOGRAPHY Leadership Top Board of Directors Leadership Announcements Programs & Events Membership Chapters & Councils Membership Services ONWA in Ontario Membership Map Membership Listing

Honouring Mother Earth SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT [Back to Promotions page] General Rules and Regulations - "Honouring Mother Earth" These are the official contest rules and regulations for the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) "Honouring Mother Earth" Contest . Entry in “the contest” constitutes acceptance of these rules and regulations (the “contest rules and regulations”), and entrants are bound by these contest rules and regulations. Contest Name: Honouring Mother Earth Contest Period: Beginning 7:00 AM EST Friday April 7th, 2023, and ending 11:59 PM EST Saturday April 22nd, 2023. Contest Draw Dates: Monday, April 24th, 2023 Overview: Saturday, April 22nd is Earth Day; a day that celebrates and promotes environmental awareness and action. ONWA has long been invested in the protection of Mother Earth, as ONWA knows that the wellness of the land is linked to the wellness of Indigenous women and their families. Everyone can individually take responsibility for community impact on Mother Earth. ONWA is asking community "What actions are you taking to protect Mother Earth?". Community is asked to submit a photo/video/story about what steps they are taking to protect Mother Earth for a chance to win an prizes. Definitions For the purpose of these official contest rules and regulations the following terms/definitions apply: ONWA: Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Contest Qualifying Period: The 24-hour period from 12:01AM ET on one day to 11:59 PM the following day during the contest period. Contest Prizing: A draw(s) for the number of prizes during the contest period. Qualified Entrant: A resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. Individuals who are ineligible include employees of the (ONWA), all sponsors related to “the contest”, their dealers, subsidiaries, agents and affiliates and their respective advertising agencies, members of such employees’ immediate families, same household members. For the purposes of all contests, immediate family is defined as mother, father, in-laws, grandmother, grandfather, brother or spouse, sister or spouse, children, and grandchildren. Qualified Entry: Entry ballots are generated when a Qualified Entrant enters the contest in accordance with these Contest rules and regulations. Contest Prizes Protecting Mother Earth Kit (includes "Mother Nature" by Kevin Belmore Paint Kit, maple syrup, wild rice, and a "Breath of Life" Cosmetic Bag set) There will be ten (10) grand prize winners. Grand prize winners will be divided between two kinds of participants: Community Members (5) Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils (5) Completes Submission Forms will count as an entry into the virtual ballot drum for the random winner's draw. In the case of multiple entries, there will only be one entry counted per person. Winners of the draw will be notified through ONWA’s social media channels, and by email or teleph one. How to Enter There is one (1) way to enter the "Honouring Mother Earth" Contest Beginning 7:00 AM EST Friday April 7th, 2023, and ending 11:59 PM EST Saturday April 22nd, 2023. Qualified entrants can visit www.onwa.ca directly or via a link provided in the advertising, and complete an online ballot which includes submission of a photo and/or video with accompanying description and collection of the following information: First and last name Email details Mailing address details Agree that the ONWA has the right to use, publish submitted photo on social media platforms. Qualified entrant's who participate in "the consent", by selecting/clicking the consent button agree to allow ONWA to use submitted stories/descriptions, photos, videos, names for the purpose storytelling, sharing and honouring, via social media platforms and website (onwa.ca). General Contest Rules and Regulations By participation in “the contest”, entrants agree to release/indemnify/hold harmless Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. By participating in the "consent" you agree to allow ONWA to use stories/descriptions/photos/video submissions on social media channels for the purpose of storytelling, sharing and honouring Indigenous women and families. ONWA acknowledges that “the contest” is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. No purchase is necessary to participate in “the contest”. All winners must answer a skill testing question before any prize is awarded. There is no maximum of the number of entries per person per promotional period. Personal information collected from contest entrants will be used solely by ONWA for the purpose of administering “the contest”. By participating in “the contest”, each entrant consents to collection, use and disclosure of personal information for these purposes. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, and are non-transferable, nor do awarded prizes have cash value. Prizing will be mailed to contest winners according to mailing instructions completed in the online ballot (see R&R 2). To claim a prize, you a resident of the province of Ontario 18 years of age or older, or who is under the age of 18 years of age, with authorization of their guardian. ONWA is not responsible for complications that take place with email servers, telephone lines and/or computer delivery. ONWA is not responsible for misdirected entries. In the case of an email entry, if the identity of an entrant is in disputed, the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry will be deemed to be the entrant. The individual assigned to the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address is considered the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the selected entry. All entries must be submitted from a valid e-mail account that may be identified by reverse domain name search. The sole determinant of time for the purposes of receipt of a valid entry in this contest server machine(s). Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, ONWA reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. ONWA reserves the right to deny a contest entrant a contest prize in the event a contest entrant fails to meet any of the above conditions. ONWA reserves the right to amend these official contest rules and regulations at any time. Should amendments occur, ONWA will take action to communicate new rules within 48 hours of amendments to the official contest rules and regulations. All entries acquired through entry into “the contest” become property of ONWA and shall in no case be returned to the contest entrant. Subject to applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws, these rules govern all aspects of this official contest rules and regulations and are binding. If “the contest” is cancelled for any reason, “the contest” will end with no compensation offered to existing qualified entrants or contest prize winners. ONWA is not liable for delays or cancellation of “the contest”. ONWA reserves the right to cancel “the contest” or disqualify a participant due to fraud, technical failures, or human errors, the contest cannot be held as originally planned by the station and associated sponsors. Any person entering the contest in such a way that it will corrupt the fair and honest conduct of the contest or could interfere with any other contestant’s chances of participating or winning, will be disqualified. All prizes will be mailed within 30 days of winning.

Honouring Water 2023 WINNERS Submit Please ensure your submission does not include copyright protected material. Miigwetch. About We want to hear about what water means to you! March 22 is World Water Day and ONWA is honouring water teachings and stories. Share a teaching about water or tell us how water is impacting your life, and your community. Why do you honour water? Is, or has, your community been under a boil water advisory? What is the significance of water in your life? Submit a photo/video/write up explaining what water means to you to be entered into a draw to win a water bundle prize! THE TEACHING OF THE HUMMINGBIRD: One day there was a large forest fire that broke out. All the wild animals ran for their lives. They stood at the edge of the blaze, watching the flames in terror and sadness. Above their heads, a hummingbird flew steadily back and forth to the fire. The bigger animals asked the tiny little bird what she was doing. She replied, “I am flying to the lake to get water to help put out the fire.” All the animals began to laugh at her and said, “You can’t put out this fire by yourself!” The tiny hummingbird responded, “I’m doing what I can.” How do I win prizes? Complete the Submission Form to receive an entry into the virtual ballot drum for our random draw. There will be ten (10) grand prize winners. Grand prize winners will be divided between two kinds of participants: Community Members (5) Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils (5) Winners will be notified through ONWA’s social media channels, by email or telephone. Grand Prizes include: A hummingbird water bottle Reusable bag with hummingbird on it Hummingbird art piece designed by Deanna Therriault Including the card that you are designing explaining the hummingbird story First 40 submissions receive re-usable bag with hummingbird art print (1 prize per person)! Prizes Submissions close at 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 . Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Friday, March 24th, 2023 Deadline How do I participate? Submit your entry as a video, photo with written explanation, or a written entry using the Submission Form . How many entries can I submit? You can submit as many entries as you wish to share. Each entry requires a separate submission via the Submission Form . For every entry submitted, you will receive one entry into the virtual ballot drum for the Grand Prize Draw. By entering multiple entries you increase your chance to win. You can win one (1) prize per person. How long is this promotion? 8 days – beginning on Wednesday March 15th and closing at 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday March 22nd, 2023. The final prize draw taking place on Friday March 24th, 2023. Who can participate? Residence of Ontario. If you are under the age 18, please ensure that you have parental consent to participate. What are the Rules and Regulations of this promotion? Click here to read the full Rules and Regulations for this promotion. Please be aware that by participating in this promotion you agree to follow the Rules and Regulations outlined for this promotion. Rules & Regulations 2023 Winners 2022 Winne rs

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ONWA recognizes and honours families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls NATIONAL ACTION PLAN Ontario’s Strategy: PATHWAYS TO SAFETY REPORT (2021) PLACEMAT OVERVIEW PATHWAYS ONWA's Report: RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS WOMEN REPORT (2020) 13 RECOMMENDATIONS INDIGENOUS GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS Community Resources: VIDEOS GRANDMOTHER EARTH DRESS National Action Plan MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS, AND 2SLGBTQQIA+ PEOPLE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN National Action Plan Ontario's Strategy Pathways to Safety Report Pathways to Safety ONTARIO’S STRATEGY IN RESPONSE TO THE FINAL REPORT INTO MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS (2021) “As the bearers of the future generations of our peoples, Indigenous women, mothers, are physically and symbolically the source of resistance against those who would see us disappear.” – Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, ONWA. With the truth uncovered and the government respecting the recommendations of Indigenous women, the plan is a solid foundation for lasting change. The Ontario government’s plan outlines six key areas where action is needed. READ THE REPORT (ENGLISH) READ THE REPORT (FRENCH) Placemat OVERVIEW OF ONTARIO’S PATHWAYS TO SAFETY REPORT The Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council has developed a placemat that is a companion to Ontario’s Response. The placemat illustrates the structure and recommendations of Ontario's MMIWG response, while also incorporating cultural elements. DOWNLOAD the placemat in: ENGLISH INUKTITUT MICHIF MOHAWK MOOSE CREE OJIBWAY OJI-CREE SWAMPY CREE Placemat Pathways BASED ON ONTARIO’S PATHWAYS TO SAFETY REPORT Pathway to Safety and Security We begin in the East by creating safe spaces for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons by identifying systemic change. Ontario will support Indigenous women to lead what is needed to increase safety and healing. Key Initiatives, such as addressing social and economic marginalization, will act as protective factors against the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons. Pathway to Health and Well Being We move to the South and we restore Indigenous wellness practices and ways of being by applying an Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis that leads to action and change. Ontario’s actions and initiatives seek to promote community-led renewal and restoration of health by including Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+-centered approaches to the health system delivery. This includes programs and services to improve access, promote safety, and increase culturally relevant and appropriate treatment and mental health services across Ontario. Pathway to Justice In the West, we work together to reclaim our rights and affect systems change to ensure justice for all. Ontario will focus on systems-wide transformation informed by Indigenous perspectives and structural change in priority areas including justice, policing and child welfare. Pathway to Culture From the North, we take action to continue the work of reclamation, to ensure our identity is recognized. Respecting cultural rights means renewing honour for Indigenous women - it means celebrating and embracing women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons as sacred and valuable. Initiatives that seek to promote healing by supporting the restoration, reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, cultures and identities are key. Pathways ONWA's Report "Indigenous women must not go missing from the National Action Plan." (Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA) Reconciliation with Indigenous Women Report Reconciliation with Indigenous Women CHANGING THE STORY OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS (2020) ONWA's Recommendations for the National Action Plan to Address Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls. This report embodies critical recommendations that must be integrated into the national Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women and girls. Indigenous women are at the center of our families and communities. We need to be at the center of the National Action Plan. DOWNLOAD ONWA'S REPORT 13 Recommendations 13 Recommendations FROM THE RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS WOMEN (2020) REPORT For decades now, ONWA has worked to end violence against Indigenous women. Our recommendations are well-informed, prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of Indigenous women and their families, and seek to ensure that no additional harms will come to Indigenous women. Theses recommendations were developed by combining research, community submissions, and ONWA’s expertise: (Click the recommendations title to view the full details.) 1. The Safety of Indigenous Women Must be at the Centre of the National Action Plan 2. Centre the National Action Plan on Indigenous Women - Restore Indigenous Women’s Roles and Responsibilities through the National Action Plan 3. Invest in Indigenous Women and Our Organizations 4. Reclaim and Restore the Role of Indigenous Women as Mothers 5. Invest in Healing 6. Restoration of Indigenous Women’s Inherent Rights 7. Restoring Balance within Communities 8. Addressing the Many Forms of Violence that Indigenous Women and Girls Face 9. Moving Beyond the Legal System to Justice 10. Policy and Research Capacity – Revealing the Story and Understanding its Meaning 11. Education – Learn the Truth 12. Culturally-Appropriate Services and Systems that Indigenous Women Navigate 13. Accountability IGBA Model Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis VISUAL REPRESENTATION ONWA’s Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis (IGBA) provides a deeper understanding of issues facing Indigenous women and the multiple systems we navigate. ONWA identified 28 systems from listening to Indigenous women as the experts in their lives. All of the systems have embedded systemic racism and perpetuate violence against Indigenous women. ONWA’s IGBA is built from an analysis of existing anti-violence work ONWA undertook over 50 years. It is designed to identify and eliminate factors that create any form of violence against Indigenous women. This graphic is a representation of the 28 systems and our roles and responsibilities based on teachings from the turtle. It starts with an understanding that we are ALWAYS moving in a direction – forward, backwards or sideways. When we are in balance as Indigenous women, we can be guided by Creator and culture. The turtle’s head represents Creator’s purpose for us. Every Indigenous woman has a purpose and gifts to fulfill that purpose. The turtle’s tail represents community needs. Each Indigenous woman is intended to use her gifts to contribute to her community’s restoration and maintenance of balance. The turtle’s feet represent the four roles Indigenous women need to maintain: Self – Our role as strong and healthy Indigenous women in the world. Family – Our role to restore and maintain a strong and healthy Indigenous family. Community – Our gifts and skills to rebuild and restore Indigenous communities. Our organizations can sometimes be our community. Nation – Our gifts and skills to rebuild and restore Nations (Indigenous, First Nation, Provincial, National) The turtle’s shell represents the 13 Grandmother Moons, each moon corresponding with a key recommendation. Community Resources Videos Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) Indigenous women’s solutions key to Reconciliation with Indigenous Women (2020) Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Indigenous women’s solutions key to Reconciliation with Indigenous Women (2020) 01:27 Play Video Now Playing Grandmother Earth Dress 01:46 Play Video Now Playing Theland Kicknosoway Honour Song 01:11 Play Video Now Playing ONWA Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil 01:01 Play Video Grandmother Earth Dress Grandmother Earth Dress HEALING & HONOURING INDIGENOUS WOMEN & GIRLS IN THE SPIRIT WORLD 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 one in beautiful traditional regalia. Métis artist Jaime Black started the REDress Project ( www.theredressproject.org ) to call attention to the gendered and racialized nature of violent crimes committed against Indigenous women and to evoke a presence through the marking of absence. Inspired by her work and our own work with Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, ONWA created Grandmother Earth Dress. 365 jingles on the dress represent a year round call for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. While the colour red is not normally part of the Journey Ceremony, this specific dress was born out of vision and ceremony through the guidance and consultation of Elders, Healers, and Knowledge Keepers, where she received her name Grandmother Earth Dress. Through ceremony and teachings, guidance and explanation told that Grandmother Earth Dress came from the Southern Direction to honour women, girls, and Two-Spirit people as missing loved ones and as mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, grandmothers, nieces and cousins. They will know the dress is made for them. They will know that they are loved. Grandmother Earth Dress travels throughout Ontario to support families and communities. She is never meant to be worn in this realm but is symbolic of those in the spirit world. ONWA cares and provides ceremony for her four times per year, when she travels, and to prepare her for the community she will be visiting. ONWA would like to offer special acknowledgement to staff members Collin Graham and Lindsay Tyance, for their dream and hard work to bring forward Grandmother Earth Dress; and to recognize Rita Tyance for beadwork; and Jordis Duke for her creative ability to capture the essence of the Grandmother Earth Dress in ‘She Dances …and they dance with her’ artwork (right). Ontario Native Women's Association Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemorative Art Project Top Placemat IGBA Model Grandmother Earth Dress Pathways to Safety Report Reconciliation with Indigenous Women Report 13 Recommendations Pathways National Action Plan Videos Commemorative Art Project