Search Results

WELCOME TO OUR VIRTUAL DRUM BOOK Please have your drum ready as you listen to the teaching of each song and follow along with the video. You can learn each song by following the lyrics provided. ONWA is proud to offer our virtual drum book, as we learn these songs together. These beautiful songs and teachings were given to us by our territory. There may be different versions of these songs and teachings throughout Turtle Island. Chi-Miigwetch! Play Video Play Video 02:28 Calling Our Four Grandfathers Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 04:15 Mikinaak Honour Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 03:25 Migizi Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 04:56 Life Giving Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 02:54 Wishita Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 03:47 Strong Woman Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 03:56 Spirit Bear Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 04:43 Anishinaabe Kwe Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 01:55 Niigananii Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 04:31 Miigwetch Honour Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 02:33 Womans Warrior | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 05:41 Wildflower Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 03:24 Niibi Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 06:17 Lullaby Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 03:18 Men's Honor Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 05:03 Mohawk Love Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 05:33 Wolf Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book Play Video Play Video 04:42 Travelling Song | ONWA Virtual Drum Book

Our Services for Indigenous Women in Kenora Programs & Services Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Program Listing Are you an Indigenous woman in Kenora? We’re here for you. ONWA PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN KENORA Breaking Free from Family Violence Delivers services to families at risk of or involved with child welfare and/or family violence sectors, and supports women to navigate through the complex systems encountered when experiencing violence and involvement in child welfare matters. K enora | Ottawa | Timmins LEARN MORE Centralized Intake Provides a single point of contact for referents and community members to access immediate supports and brief services across the province of Ontario. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Community Health Outreach Builds community capacity in community health and wellness, with the knowledge that if Indigenous women are well, the community is well. Provincially Available | Greenstone LEARN MORE Community Wellness Delivers strength-based, culturally- grounded programming, working one-on-one with families to support Indigenous women’s leadership. K enora | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women Provides education, training and tools to empower and support Indigenous women’s healing, specifically survivors of sexual assault and abuse, based on the needs of the individuals. Provincially Available | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Supports Indigenous communities in providing survivor-focused and localized responses to end Human Trafficking. Provincially Available | Toronto LEARN MORE Indigenous Diabetes Education Educates and supports communities about the risk of diabetes and diabetes management. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Indigenous Responsible Gambling Awareness Provides community awareness, education, prevention, and resource development regarding responsible gambling for the benefit of all Indigenous women and their families. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison Provides culturally relevant services, guidance, support, and advocacy for Indigenous women who have experienced violence and the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. K enora | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE 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 Maamawi (All Together) Parenting Combines traditional/cultural teachings with modern parenting practices to support Indigenous mothers and their families. Hamilton | Greenstone | K enora | Napanee | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Mental Health and Wellness Utilizes a trauma-informed and traditional support framework to provide support and advocacy services to Indigenous women and their families. Greenstone | K enora | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay | Timmins | Toronto LEARN MORE Mindimooyenh Health Clinic Offers a holistic community member driven approach to vaccination and healthcare in a safe space. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Family Support Supports families and loved ones of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIWG) with the reconciliation and healing process. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Nihdawin Assists the Indigenous population in Thunder Bay that are at risk of homelessness, and those experiencing homelessness. Hamilton | Greenstone | K enora | Napanee | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay | Timmins LEARN MORE She is Wise Program Builds leadership and capacity rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and being through a focus on Indigenous woman at the center approach. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Youth Life Promotion (Mentorship) Supports Indigenous youth life promotion and suicide prevention activities, including mental health and wellness supports, and clinical and land-based programming. Provincially Available | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Find out what programs, events and promotions ONWA is currently running. VIEW PROGRAM CALENDAR

Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Our Values At ONWA, we are committed to providing all of our employees, with support and guidance to be their best self and successful in their roles. Culture is the foundation of everything we do and is included in the delivery of all programs and services at the ONWA. It grounds us and keeps us focused on why we are here. ONWA prides itself on supporting all employee’s with continuous cultural teachings. We use the guidance provided by our teachings, our traditions and our Elders. Wisdom – We all make mistakes. Learning from them is what we encourage and using all resources available can help us in our journey. Love – We show our love for our community, our community members, our co-workers and our family, through our daily words and our actions. Respect – We accept everyone we deal with, as they are and without judgement. We listen to them openly and are sensitive to their feelings. Everyone matters. Bravery – We all have decisions to make and some are not easy. Having the courage to do things that can be difficult and need to be done or said is supported, as we understand this is how we grow and develop. Honesty – We support an environment of transparency. We encourage our employees to speak and act in an honest and kind way. Humility – We lead by being humble and modest and modelling the values we hold true to our heart. Truth – We know and believe in our Seven Grandfather Teachings. We identify ourselves through these and live by them in our daily dealings. Our Commitment Our stakeholders are both internal and external. Internal stakeholders and their needs have been identified and the HR Department is committed to ensuring these are fulfilled.

Health INFORMATION & RESOURCES Mindimooyenh Health Clinic is open and drop-ins are welcome! CHECK THE OPERATING SCHEDULE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLINIC DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE 807-697-1753 vaccine@onwa.ca Indigenous-led culturally-safe sexual health and vaccination information and health care navigation What to do if you’ve been exposed Mindimooyenh Health Clinic OUR JOURNEY TO SAFE INDIGENOUS FOCUSED HEALTHCARE The Ontario Native Women’s Association opened the Mindimooyenh Health Clinic at our office located in Thunder Bay at 380 Ray Boulevard (parking off of Dalton Ave.) . The Mindimooyenh clinic prides itself in offering a holistic community member driven approach to vaccination and healthcare in a safe space. Indigenous community members and their families, anyone who lives in an Indigenous household, or works in an Indigenous community are eligible at this time to receive of COVID-19 vaccines. Clinic offers: 1st and 2nd doses by request (6 months and up) (2nd doses available 8 weeks/56 days after 1st dose) Booster doses (12 years+ up: 3 months/84 days after last dose) Bivalent booster doses (5 years+: 3 months/84 days after last dose) Flu shots (6 months old+) Learn about the clinic 14,650 Total vaccination doses given by the Mindimooyenh Health Clinic as of September 30, 2022 Mindimooyenh – the “one who holds things together” in Ojibwe. It is a term that embodies women’s power and recognizes the pivotal role and hard-earned wisdom that Indigenous women and elders exercise within their families and communities. Women hold communities together through the renewed relationships with the human and spiritual world to create a space of connectedness to grow and heal. Adapted from Brenda. J Child – Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women and Survival of Community (2012) I am honoured to have witnessed the determination of the Indigenous community and our hardworking dedicated staff who worked two jobs to support the Mindimooyenh clinic week after week. Their commitment to saving lives while bringing the comfort of our culture to the community during this difficult, stressful time was outstanding. Against the backdrop of a colonial system determined to dictate their wants and needs we stood our ground on the frontline providing solutions by Indigenous people for Indigenous people. We have so much to be proud of in the crucial work achieved behind the countless masks, PPE and important safety guidelines. Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director (ONWA) My daughter is thrilled to have received her first vaccine and I don’t think that I could have asked for a more kind and pleasant experience than what we received. It might sound weird to say that we’re looking forward to coming to get our second doses but I’m pretty sure we’ll be happily heading there in a few weeks to see all the faces that I know were smiling behind those masks. A young mother shared about her experience at the clinic. COVID-19 SAFETY A Mother's Story Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing A Mother's Story 02:11 Play Video Now Playing I got my COVID-19 vaccine for... 01:06 Play Video Now Playing Mindimooyenh Vaccination Clinic Virtual Tour 2 02:48 Play Video Videos Registration Line Mindimooyenh Health Clinic WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE OR FLU SHOT? Open to everyone who is Indigenous, lives in an Indigenous household, or work in an Indigenous community Clinic is locat ed in Thunder Bay at 380 Ray Boulevard (parking off of Dalton Ave.) Need help finding a COVID-19 clinic in your area? Contact the Mindimooyenh Registration Line! Call 807-697-1753 to b ook an appointment now or drop-in during clinic hours! OPEN: Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM EST (closed through the lunch hour 12:00-1:00PM EST) If you have any questions or concerns: Email: vaccine@onwa.ca Operating Schedule Be a warrior against COVID-19! Getting a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible keeps everybody safe. Book online: https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca OR call: 1-833-943-3900 Ontario's Vaccination Plan Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO Safe and effective vaccines will help protect us against COVID-19. Learn about them and when they will be available in Ontario for you and your family. LEARN MORE Top of Page Learn about the clinic What to do if you’ve been exposed Videos Registration Line Operating Schedule Ontario's Vaccination Plan

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Youth Education Program Overview Youth Education Program assists Indigenous youth (ages 12-24) with support and navigation through their learning and meets them where they are at in their level of learning. Services Offered The Youth Education Support Workers (YESW) will guide youth in creating community connections, teach essential life skills, incorporate traditional knowledge, provide peer based mental health support, and various forms of advocacy. Access to Traditional supports and Ceremony Education resources Life skills programming Health, mental health, and addiction navigation services Advocacy and referrals Access to educational workshops and online classes Peer mentorship DELIVERY SITES Thunder Bay Timmins ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES PROGRAM BROCHURE

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Indigenous Sexual Assault Overview The Indigenous Sexual Assault program educates service providers, health professionals, community leaders, and community members about sexual assault and violence against Indigenous women and girls. Services Offered Indigenous Sexual Assault program provides culturally relevant and trauma informed services to Indigenous women who have experience sexual assault and/or sexual violence. Intake Advocacy and accompaniment Healing and sharing circles Cultural and traditional teachings Assist with basic needs and transportation Emergency crisis and safety planning Group and individual counselling (traditional and contemporary) Education and awareness workshops Referrals Partnering with community agencies Aftercare follow up and support DELIVERY SITES Sioux Lookout ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES PROGRAM BROCHURE

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Land-Based Healing Camps Overview Land-Based Healing Camps provide land-based services that meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being through a culturally trauma-informed approach. Services Offered Land-Based Healing Camps educate and support Indigenous women, their families, and the community in regaining their connection to the land, culture, tradition. Land-based Therapy (seasonal) Access to Elders and Traditional Healers Traditional healing and cultural ceremony Traditional protocol teachings Crafting and making ceremonial items (skirts, shirts, drums, rattles) Sharing and healing circles Medicine walks and teachings (harvesting and usage) Teachings on shared responsibilities and traditional roles Land-based skills teachings (medicines, trapping, fishing, snaring) Traditional food harvesting and preparation (rice, bannock making) DELIVERY SITES Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES PROGRAM BROCHURE In connecting and learning from the land, we learn to care for ourselves. Mother Earth nurtures us, helps us to heal, and empowers us to reclaim our identity as Indigenous people. Land-based Programming In connecting and caring for the lands, we learn to care for ourselves. Mother Earth helps us to heal, she helps us to know who we are. I n knowing who we are in relation to the land, we become the medicine. This video has been deleted. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Overview The Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison (IAHTL) Program supports Indigenous communities in providing survivor focused and localized responses to Human Trafficking. The IAHTL initiative was created by and for Indigenous people in order to end Human Trafficking in our communities. The program develops and implements culturally grounded presentations, educational materials, trauma-informed tools and resources, as well as, awareness and prevention tools specific to Indigenous HT for communities that are created with invaluable guidance from survivors. Liaisons organize community engagement and educational sessions with survivors, including youth, Two-Spirit and those who have recently exited, focusing on their strengths and resiliencies in order to inform the development of best practice models. Services Offered Build capacity in service providers through training and education Build capacity in survivors through empowerment, mentorship, supporting survivors in meeting their identified needs such as goal setting, training and education Nurture survivor resilience and strengthening Indigenous women’s leadership Increase awareness in community through resource development & distribution Community engagements and consultation Survivor led strategies and initiatives Advocacy Connect those seeking to exit with culturally appropriate, wraparound, trauma-informed supports and services Systems navigation Provide safer spaces for survivors Workshops, presentations and training across sectors to increase awareness of Indigenous Human Trafficking across the province in order to effect systems change Provincially Available DELIVERY SITES Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) CHAPTER SITES Ak wesasne Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario Fort Frances Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services Ottawa Métis Nation of Ontario , Minwaashin Lodge Toronto Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto OTHER RESOURCES LEARNING RESOURCES

Building Capacity BUILT ON A STRONG CULTURAL FOUNDATION Land-based Programming In connecting and caring for the lands, we learn to care for ourselves. Mother Earth helps us to heal, she helps us to know who we are. I n knowing who we are in relation to the land, we become the medicine. This video has been deleted. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Community Development builds on a strong cultural foundation and delivers education and awareness programs across the province to empower communities on issues that affect Indigenous women and their families. Programs are delivered in two ways: the first being knowledge and information exchange through a Program Coordinator that utilizes a service delivery model to encompass a combination of workshops, education campaigns, and regional activities. The second is by way of a flow-through funding model that delivers direct community member services through ONWA sites, Chapters and partnering organizations based on community need and organizational expertise. ONWA has developed our service structure to reflect the reality of Indigenous women’s lives and works with community to ensure that their needs are being met through capacity building. Our Community Development Programs OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Aboriginal Diabetes Education This program aims to educate and support communities about the risk of diabetes and diabetes management. This is done through the delivery of diabetes awareness and prevention presentations and workshops; to deliver presentations about gestational diabetes and proper foot and wound care management, to increase awareness of the need for physical activity; and to ensure information given out is age appropriate and culturally sensitive for Indigenous women and their families. Services Provided: Workshops, Presentations and Training about diabetes that are designed specifically for Indigenous women and their families. Prevention and management of diabetes workshops Gestational Diabetes information sharing sessions and presentations Educational activities about diabetes that are designed specifically for Indigenous women Basic Foot Care Information Sessions Nutritional educational information and sessions on traditional foods as healthy alternatives DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Awareness This program provides community awareness, education, prevention, and resource development regarding responsible gambling for the benefit of all Indigenous women and their families. The programming focuses on community development using a traditional Indigenous and land-based approach to provide education, identity, self-location, and healing. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Information and support Training and education Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals DELIVERY SITE: PROVINCIAL CHAPTER SITES: FORT ERIE: NIAGARA CHAPTER OF NATIVE WOMEN | HAMILTON: HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CHAPTER OF NATIVE WOMEN | MIDLAND: GEORGIAN BAY NATIVE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION | SIOUX LOOKOUT: SUNSET WOMEN'S ABORIGINAL CIRCLE | THUNDER BAY: BEENDIGEN, INC | TORONTO: NATIVE WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE OF TORONTO Breaking Free from Family Violence EDUCATION & AWARENESS This program focuses on meeting the unique needs of Indigenous women, their children and families, who are involved with the child welfare system and violence against women sectors. The program supports women in a culturally rooted, wholistic way, so that women are better able to navigate through the complex systems encountered when experiencing violence and involvement in child welfare matters. This program is delivered via ONWA sites and Chapters to build community capacity. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Crisis management and stabilization of family Liaison with service providers Traditional and cultural supports through activities and workshops Systems navigation and advocacy support Education provision for mothers on their rights and responsibilities that promote and facilitate Family Reunifications DELIVERY SITE: PROVINCIAL CHAPTER SITES: SIOUX LOOKOUT: SUNSET WOMEN'S ABORIGINAL CIRCLE | THUNDER BAY: BEENDIGEN, INC Community Health Outreach EDUCATION & AWARENESS This program is delivered through two ONWA Chapters and builds community capacity in the area of community health and wellness, with the knowledge that if Indigenous women are well, the community is well. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Health Information and support Resource development related to health Advocacy and support to youth Referrals Cultural and traditional activities and workshops DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women EDUCATION & AWARENESS This program provides vital education, training and tools to empower and support Indigenous women. This program is geared to support Indigenous women’s healing through wholistic and culturally grounded presentations and workshops. The EV Training Coordinator also develops and delivers resources and training programs tailored to educate EVAIW Workers, and front-line service providers across the province with their responsibilities in advocating for Indigenous Women and their families. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals Cultural and traditional activities and workshops DELIVERY SITE: PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY CHAPTER SITES: AKWESASNE: ABORIGINAL SHELTERS OF ONTARIO | FORT ERIE: NIAGARA CHAPTER OF NATIVE WOMEN | FORT FRANCES: FORT FRANCES TRIBAL AREA HEALTH SERVICES | OTTAWA: METIS NATION OF ONTARIO, MINWAASHIN LODGE | TORONTO: NATIVE WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE OF TORONTO Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking This program supports Indigenous communities in providing survivor-focused and localized responses to end Human Trafficking. The Liaisons are located at six key partnership sites each supporting one of the five targeted regions: Greater Toronto Area and The Golden Horseshoe area, Ottawa, Akwesasne, Thunder Bay and Treaty #3. The Anti-Human Trafficking Program Lead at ONWA supports the program lead provincially through training, education, mentoring, guidance, and ensuring Indigenous survivor’s voices are central to the work. Services Provided: Build capacity in survivor, community and agency to ensure that Survivor led strategies and initiatives are developed and delivered Nurture survivor resilience and strengthening Indigenous women’s leadership Resource Development Advocacy and Support Systems navigation Workshops, presentations and training across sectors in order to effect systems change DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Indigenous Women’s Leadership This program focuses on building capacity and supporting Indigenous women as leaders in their current roles as leaders of organizations and communities. The program is responsible for maintaining relationships with ONWA’s membership. By supporting Chapters and Councils’ endeavors, the program collaborates with Indigenous women to support their cultural gatherings, educational events, demonstrations, community crises, and community celebrations. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Information and support Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Family Support This program supports families by connecting families to trauma-informed services and provide supports and referrals in their communities. This program is structured to assist families and loved ones with the reconciliation and healing process. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY She is Wise PASSING ON OUR WISDOM This program builds Indigenous women’s leadership and capacity through a focus on Indigenous woman at the centre approach. By increasing her individual skills and abilities, she is able to support her family and community growth. This is completed through a comprehensive training and capacity building approach that is rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and being. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Land-based activities and programming Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals Cultural and traditional activities and workshops CHAPTER SITES: FORT ERIE: NIAGARA CHAPTER OF NATIVE WOMEN | MIDLAND: GEORGIAN BAY NATIVE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION Services vary at each service delivery site Ska-Be (Helper) EDUCATION & AWARENESS This program provides support services to improve the health and wellbeing of urban Indigenous elderly women and/or those with chronic illness or disabilities. This program is delivered through community partners to increase capacity for an improved quality of life, reflective of their needs and culture. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Individual personal care Resource development Advocacy and services navigation support Referrals Social and cultural activities for individuals and their families to come together DELIVERY SITE THUNDER BAY Urban Aboriginal Strategy ONWA is the sponsoring agency for the Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee (UAAC). The UAAC seeks to provide comprehensive and representative advice on urban Indigenous issues in the City of Thunder Bay. The Committee is comprised of members of the urban Indigenous community, urban Indigenous agencies, government, and other community partners in Thunder Bay. Services Provided: Building Indigenous community capacity through community collaboration Partnership development Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals DELIVERY SITES PROVINCIAL | THUNDER BAY Youth Life Promotion MENTORSHIP This program supports Indigenous youth life promotion and suicide prevention activities, including mental health and wellness supports, and clinical and land-based programming. Training provided by the program assists youth with gaining practical tools to enable them to support Indigenous youth to build a strong cultural identity to ensure Indigenous youth feel confident in their individual roles for themselves, and within their families, and communities. Services Provided: Educational Workshops, Presentations and Training Land-based activities and programming Resource development Advocacy and support Referrals Cultural and traditional activities and workshops Send us a message DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING? LET US KNOW. CONTACT ONWA

10 DAYS OF TEACHINGS Please ensure your submission does not include copyright protected material. Miigwetch. What is “10 Days of Teaching”? The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognises the importance of sharing our Teachings and culture. It is in this spirit, ONWA is asking membership and community members from all Nations to share with us Teachings that are meaningful to you. What is ONWA doing with the submitted Teachings? In an effort to share and preserve our Teachings for future generations, ONWA is working towards featuring collected Teachings across on our website and social media channels. The entries submitted during “10 Days of Teaching” will be part of this initiative. How do I participate? Submit your Teaching as a video or photo with written explanation using the Submission Form. You can enter multiple Teachings, however they must be entered as separate submissions. How many Teachings can I submit? You can submit as many Teachings as you wish to share. Each Teaching requires a separate submission via the Submission Form . For every Teaching submitted, you will receive one entry into the virtual ballot drum for our daily random draws. By entering multiple Teachings you increase your chance to win. How long is “10 Days of Teaching”? 10 days – beginning on Thursday, June 11th and final draw taking place on Saturday, June 20th Do I have to submit every day? No – You can submit as much or as little as you please. Every Teaching submitted receives one entry into the virtual ballot drum for our daily random draws. This ballot will remain active until it is drawn or the promotion ends. Who can participate? Residence of Ontario – women, men, youth and children Why should I participate? Opportunity to share Teachings with our community for generations to come Chance to win cool prizes! How do I win prizes? Submit your Teaching using the Submission Form . Every Teaching submitted receives one entry into the virtual ballot drum for our daily random draws. This ballot will remain active until it is drawn or the promotion ends. There will be two (2) winners drawn every day; one (1) community member entry and one (1) ONWA membership entry. Winners will be notified daily through ONWA’s social media channels, by email or telephone. What are the prizes? Daily prizes alternate between: CDN $100 prepaid visa gift cards Themed gift baskets (approximate value is CDN $100) 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. Have more questions? Contact the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Building Indigenous Women’s Leadership Program - Toll Free: 1-800-667-0816

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