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Thunder Bay, ON  – On September 10, 2024, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and highlight the importance of creating safe spaces to support open discussion. The World Health Organization’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme this year is “changing the narrative on suicide” and has a call to action for each of us to “Start the Conversation.” ONWA encourages communities to hold space for open conversations about suicide, reduce stigma, and raise awareness about the importance of supporting one another to foster healing and safety within our communities. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst youth, and these rates are disproportionately higher within Indigenous youth community. ONWA is committed to continuing to support vital conversations around suicide and to providing safe spaces and supports for Indigenous youth through culturally grounded programming that emphasizes Indigenous youth leadership, wellness, and capacity building. ONWA encourages youth community members across Ontario to take part in the co-development of our Sacred Self, Resilient Spirit: Connection Card Project . This project will incorporate youth community members’ knowledge to create a resource that youth can use to foster positive mental health and healing strategies. Please visit https://forms.office.com/r/KDu7jF7nhB to share your knowledge. ONWA is committed to helping Indigenous women, youth, and their families honor and celebrate life and the sacredness that comes from within. ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion Program works with communities across Ontario to build capacity while empowering youth education, mentorship, cultural support and leadership. This wholistic approach develops confidence and skills encouraging youth to take up their leadership roles, support each other and become strong leaders for the future. For more information on the program please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/youth-life-promotion   For more information and media inquiries, contact:  Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

Save the Date! WHAT: 53rd Annual General Assembly (AGA) & Leadership Conference WHEN: September 13-15, 2024 WHERE: Thunder Bay, ON at the Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre (2080 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1B8) Reminder to all eligible membership! The 53rd AGA registration closes 5:00 PM EST on Friday, August 23, 2024 ! If you have not registered yet, let this be your friendly reminder to register now. Membership Profile Updates Closed ​All membership submissions are closed as of June 26th. Only those annual profile update received prior to June 26th are eligible to attend and vote at ONWA's 53rd Annual General Assembly & Leadership Conference to be held in Thunder Bay, ON (September 13-15, 2024).

Thunder Bay, ON  – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to join the global community in celebrating International Youth Day 2024. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights the important role of youth in harnessing digital technologies to drive progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Today ONWA wishes to highlight the important role of Indigenous youth in harnessing digital technologies to drive progress within their communities. Improved access to technologies and innovative approaches is critical for improving Indigenous women and girls’ safety and meaningful inclusion. Equitable access to education in areas like science and technology is needed as it can lead to greater opportunities in a fast-changing digital world for Indigenous women and girls. As the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, with over 50 years of experience in activism, community development, policy, research, and front-line services, ONWA proudly stands with and elevates the voices of Indigenous youth. Their unique perspectives and vibrant leadership are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all. We honor their resilience and cultural heritage, which contribute significantly to our communities and the broader society. “Indigenous youth are reclaiming our rightful place as the leaders and trailblazers of our communities. We are the experts on our own lives, and we carry the solutions to the complex issues facing our communities and nations.  Using our voice and taking up our inherent responsibilities is vital to building a future where Indigenous women and girls can live freely and fully, and every Indigenous youth knows that they are a sacred part of Creation” – Alana Robert ONWA Youth Director “Witnessing and supporting our young Indigenous women on their leadership path is fulfilling and rewarding. Leaders have a responsibility to make not only space for those younger generations, but to find out what their needs and priorities are. We have an obligation to implement those strategies today, for them.  On this International Youth Day, I am personally encouraged by their continued passion and commitment.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO In recognition of International Youth Day, ONWA will be hosting events locally for youth in Thunder Bay. Registration is required for both activities. Lunch will be provided both events. A Double Ball workshop with Lamarr Oksasikewiyin will be held on August 12 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at ONWA’s Ray Blvd location. Double Ball is a traditional Indigenous game played with 2 small balls that are tethered to each other with leather. The Balls are thrown and caught using sticks similar to Lacross. Each registrant will learn how to play this traditional game and have the opportunity to make their own double ball game to take home and share with their families and communities. Register now at: https://forms.office.com/r/2ykyBGBfhT On August 13 at ONWA’s Ray Blvd location join Sara Kanutski a local singer, songwriter, journalist and storyteller to be part of an interactive storytelling workshop from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Each registrant will receive an Indigenous dice story telling game. Register now at: https://forms.office.com/r/XbQRmLtF9B We hope you’ll join the activities as we honour and amplify the voices of Indigenous youth. ONWA encourages everyone to celebrate, mentor and make space for youth in all the work we do as community.   For more information and media inquiries, contact:  Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

All members (Chapters and Councils) that are in good standing with ONWA Bylaws will be sent the nomination papers to nominate Indigenous women to the ONWA Board and Grandmothers Council. Nomination papers have been sent to the main contacts of all chapters and councils that have completed the annual profile update process and are in good standing.   Please reach out to Julia King at jking@onwa.ca to request a copy of the nomination package.   2024 Nomination and Election Process for Directors   The Ontario Native Women’s Association has eight openings for Board members this year.   The following eight (8) Director positions will be open for election:   ► 1 Eastern Director ► 2 Southern Directors (one is a Youth Director) ► 2 Western Directors (one is a Youth Director) ► 3 Northern Directors (one is a Youth Director)   Submit your nomination papers to Julia King JKing@onwa.ca  by 5:00 on August 14th, 2024.   If you have any questions, please reach out to me at  Catalyst@bellnet.ca or jking@onwa.ca .   Election Process for Directors Between August 19th, 2024 – September 4th, 2024 Voting for Regional Board members will be done by region and through survey monkey. Three reminders to vote will be circulated during this time. The election results will be announced at the AGA.   2024 Grandmothers’ Selection Process   The Ontario Native Women’s Association has two openings for Grandmothers at the 2024 AGA. The ONWA Grandmother’s Council has four Grandmothers. As described in the ONWA by-laws, the mandate for the Council is: The ONWA Grandmothers shall work to preserve Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage according to the mandate of the Association. The Council provides moral and spiritual supports, as well as connecting through ceremony.   Each region may identify one (1) Grandmother to be part of the ONWA Grandmothers’ Council. All ONWA Grandmothers must be Members of the Association but shall not be current Directors of the Association. ONWA has four regions: Eastern, Southern, Western and North.   At the September 2024 AGA, there is the opportunity to select two out of the four Grandmothers.   ► One in the Eastern Region ► One in the Northern Region   Please see the attached ONWA Grandmothers Council Nomination Process for full details and eligibility.   Closing of Nominations for Grandmothers is August 14th, 2024 at 5pm   Submit your nomination papers to Julia King JKing@onwa.ca  by 5:00 on August 14th, 2024.   If you have any questions, please reach out to me at  Catalyst@bellnet.ca or jking@onwa.ca .

Thunder Bay, ON  – On Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, the United Nations commemorates the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons  with the theme of No Child Left Behind. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child. In Canada, Ontario is known to be a hub for human trafficking, with Indigenous girls being disproportionately impacted and targeted for human trafficking and sexual exploitation in cities, communities, neighbourhoods, rural and remote areas across the province. The impacts of colonization and its lasting intergenerational legacies have created the conditions for Indigenous girls to be targeted by human traffickers, including overrepresentation in child welfare and youth justice systems and experiences with mental health and/or addictions issues. The resource extraction industry exacerbates this issue by perpetuating the circumstances through which Indigenous women and girls experience heightened vulnerability to human trafficking and other forms of violence. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has been and will continue to advocate at various international forums, including at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women , the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues , and Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples  for strong action to be taken to better ensure Indigenous women and girl’s safety and to uphold Indigenous women’s inherent rights. This includes the right to be safe from the threat of violence from human trafficking. Through our years of supporting Indigenous women and communities in combating sexual exploitation, including our Courage for Change program, which is the largest Indigenous led anti-human trafficking program in Ontario and through the largest ever engagement with over 250 self-identified Indigenous survivors of human trafficking, which is detailed in our Journey to Safe Spaces report ,  we have come to understand that one of the most effective preventative methods is to empower Indigenous survivors. When program and services adopt strengths-based approaches that affirm the inherent gifts and sacredness of Indigenous women and girls, we are better able walk alongside survivors on their healing journeys. Indigenous women and their organizations continue to lead the way in addressing the violence against them, implementing their own solutions and programs with minimal resources, raising awareness and holding governments and communities to account. The violence against Indigenous women is more than a statistic. Indigenous women are the heart of our families, communities, and nations, and deserve to have futures where their sacred gifts are celebrated rather than exploited. The first step to improving responses to human trafficking/sexual exploitation is to learn more about the conditions that cause it, the signs to look out for, and how to better understand and support survivors. Together, let’s commit to upholding Indigenous women and girls’ human rights, safety, and dignity as we work alongside one another to end human trafficking. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons , ONWA is calling on all levels of government, as well as law enforcement and service agencies to increase their efforts to strengthen prevention-based initiatives and ensure culturally grounded supports are available for Indigenous women and girl survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Indigenous women know what they need to be safe. It is time for Canadians and governments at all levels to listen and act. Indigenous women and girls’ lives depend on it.   For more information and media inquiries, contact:  Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Read ONWA's new MMIWG report: Beyond the Inquiry - ONWA's journey 5 years after the National Inquiry Final Report It speaks to current challenges in addressing MMIWG include systemic racism, inadequate resources for support and prevention, and the need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive policy reforms and a lack of implementation on the Calls for Justice and the National Action Plan. Read the report:

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is honoured to celebrate the release of the tenth edition of She is Wise magazine. This issue marks a milestone for the publication, commemorating five years of centering Indigenous women’s voices, stories, and achievements. Today is also a day of reflection, attributed to both the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. From its inception, the magazine has been an empowering voice for Indigenous women. It is a platform that celebrates Indigenous women’s accomplishments and successes and our tireless commitment to end racism, discrimination and violence. The magazine’s 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. In the 10th edition, we see the ways that Indigenous women are finding strength and healing through relational work across our nations. Grassroots movements and Indigenous organizations are driving change through advocacy and innovation with Indigenous women carving paths to healing by responding directly to the needs they see in their communities. Artists, writers, and educators are amplifying the voices and experiences of Indigenous women, challenging colonial narratives, and recognizing the importance of coming to understand ourselves through our healing journeys. The special issue includes a focus on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Key highlights include: On the cover: Ann McGuire’s artwork which honours her sister, Jamie McGuire, and was created through ONWA’s Medicine Lines of Womanhood MMIWG Commemorative Art Project From grassroots initiatives like Quilts for Survivors, Drag the Red, and #SearchtheLandfill, to organizations such as Ganǫhkwásra Family Assault Support Services and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), Indigenous women are making change to support healing paths for survivors of MMIWG and sexual violence. Brandi Morin, Tenille K. Campbell and Cora Kavyaktok witness and reflect on Indigenous women’s realities, inviting people to look at the world through an Indigenous lens. As we reflect on this special edition, we honor the voices that have shaped its pages—authors, experts, and everyday leaders who have shared their stories and wisdom. ONWA is honoured to carry the stories that have been shared with us, and highlight some of the significant work being done by Indigenous women in the face of the MMIWG crisis. This National Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite you to join us in recognizing the many ways that Indigenous women are unsettling cycles of trauma and using their inherent truths and knowledge in their healing journeys. When we heal ourselves, we heal our communities; it is through all our relations that we move forward with wise practices at hand. To read the She Is Wise – 10th Edition Digital Publication, please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/she-is-wise-magazine To learn more about MMIWG, please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg 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, on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to share the Canada Post unveiling of a commemorative stamp in honour of the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Josephine Mandamin. Josephine Mandamin, fondly remembered as Grandmother Water Walker, dedicated her life to protecting the waters and advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental conservation. She walked thousands of kilometers around the Great Lakes, raising awareness about the importance of clean water and Indigenous women’s responsibilities as water carriers, and inspired countless Indigenous women, youth and peoples across Canada and around the world. Along side Canada Post, ONWA had the honour to celebrate the profound impact Josephine has had on Indigenous communities, Mother Earth and the broader Canadian society. Josephine worked with ONWA in various capacities throughout the years. She served on ONWA’s Board of Directors and Grandmothers Council between 1996-2001, and was Executive Director of ONWA from 2002 until 2006. “This commemorative stamp is a testament to Josephine Mandamin’s tireless commitment to protecting Mother Earth. With each step she took leading water walks she educated generations on the sacred value of water in our lives raising awareness with her environmental grassroots stewardship.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA Josephine Mandamin passed away on February 22, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of environmental activism and a profound impact on the global water protection movement. Her dedication and passion continue to inspire others to take action to reclaim our relationship with Mother Earth. Participants at today’s event shared memories and reflections on the remarkable life of our dear friend, sister, and Grandmother Josephine Mandamin. 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 – As we celebrate Father's Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the important roles of Indigenous fathers within our communities and their vital role in strengthening families and cultural traditions. Since time immemorial, Indigenous communities have held deep reverence for the role of fathers as providers, protectors, and spiritual guides. The devastating impacts of colonization, including forced assimilation, residential schools, and systemic marginalization, have disrupted the very foundations of Indigenous family structures. Recognizing the unique contributions of Indigenous fathers is essential for healing intergenerational trauma and rebuilding resilient communities Across families, communities, and nations, fathers are relearning their responsibilities and sharing their inherent strengths to create balance and safety for all our relations. In their roles as fathers, Indigenous men are healing and helping future generations find the tools they need to walk a good path by understanding our traditional ways of knowing, doing, and being. Together, we can work toward a future where Indigenous families are fully empowered to reclaim their heritage, honour their ancestors, and continue to build a brighter tomorrow.  This Father’s Day, ONWA celebrates fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, nephews, and cousins who share their strength, patience, resilience, and love through commitment and care for their families and communities. For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - In recognition of the five-year anniversary of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ (MMIWG); Anishinabek Nation, City of Thunder Bay, Fort William First Nation, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), Thunder Bay Police Service, and the Thunder Bay Police Service Board announce the joint development of an Urban Indigenous Community Safety Plan for Thunder Bay. This initiative, part of Public Safety Canada’s Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI) is a first of its kind for a community the size of Thunder Bay. It underscores the collective commitment to addressing the systemic issues affecting Indigenous women and girls, and promoting safety, healing, and reconciliation. The Urban Indigenous Community Safety Plan will be developed through a collaborative and community-driven process and will aim to address the unique safety concerns and priorities of Indigenous women and girls and their families. The development of this safety plan reflects a shared commitment to honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and gender-diverse people, and to preventing further tragedies through proactive and community-led initiatives. We invite all community members, including Indigenous people, organizations, and allies, to actively work towards ensuring the safety of Indigenous women and girls by supporting this important work. Together, safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities for everyone can be built. “Community Safety Planning Initiatives are a fundamental step towards creating safe and secure environments where women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples can thrive. Implementation of the Final Report’s recommendations has been a top priority for many Anishinabek First Nations and we are proud to partner in this collective effort. Uniting through these shared responsibilities strengthens our relationships and will propel our work towards outcomes and successes that will continue to evolve in the future.” – Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe “The City of Thunder Bay is proud to support the Urban Indigenous Community Safety Plan. This collaborative effort between the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Anishinabek Nation, Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Police Service Board, and the City of Thunder Bay is so important. As we continue our journey towards reconciliation, and addressing systemic issues facing our community, we are also making the safety of Indigenous women and their families in our community a top priority. We would like to thank Ontario Native Women’s Association for their continued efforts and advocacy towards making Thunder Bay a safer place for all.” – City of Thunder Bay, Mayor Ken Boshcoff “Developing a community safety plan that is rooted in cultural sensitivity, community collaboration and proactive measures is an important step towards addressing the systemic issue faced by Indigenous women and girls. Fort William First Nation is committed to working together through this partnership to ensure the well-being of our women and to develop a positive path forward.” – Fort William First Nation, Chief Michele Solomon “We must recognize the resilience and strength of survivors, families, and communities who continue to seek truth, justice, and accountability. We all have role a to play to ensure the safety of Indigenous women and girls. This is a positive step that we can take as community to address and prevent incidents of violence against Indigenous women in our city.  It’s time to change the narrative of our community and show Indigenous women that we have heard them, believe them, and are prepared to action their solutions together.” – Ontario Native Women’s Association, Chief Executive Officer Cora McGuire-Cyrette “It is an honour to work with such knowledgeable and progressive partners to improve the protection and well-being of Indigenous women and girls in our community. This Indigenous-led, holistic, and proactive approach recognizes the powerful impact of collaboration on community safety.” – Thunder Bay Police Service, Chief Darcy Fleury “As Chair, and on behalf of the Board, we strongly support the work of ONWA and other community groups that have recognized a need to address the critical public safety challenges that exist for Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, especially Indigenous women and girls. We call on all levels of government to provide the funding necessary to result in the safety of Indigenous peoples in Thunder Bay.” – Thunder Bay Police Service Board, Board Chair Karen Machado For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay - The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) proudly celebrates Pride Month throughout the month of June. Pride Month is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection on the progress made towards rights and equality, as well as the work that remains to be done. At ONWA, we recognize and honour the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities within Indigenous cultures, including the sacred and respected role of Two-Spirit individuals. This year, we are especially proud to honor the late Mona Hardy, whose life was driven by sharp humour and activism. As a proud trans-woman, Mona dedicated her life towards advocating for Indigenous women, the trans community, and Two-Spirit people’s rights. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and her infectious spirit ignited a fire in the hearts of those around her. Throughout Pride Month, ONWA will be participating in a series of events and activities to celebrate the resilience and contributions of the Two-Spirit community.  Our aim to raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster solidarity within our communities. “As we commemorate Pride Month, ONWA proudly recognizes and uplifts the voices and experiences of our Two-Spirit relatives. We honor the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Two-Spirit people within our communities and raise awareness of the intersectional racism and systemic barriers that they continue to face. Let us stand together, to celebrate the Two-Spirit community, and take action against discrimination and violence so that we not only strengthen our present but safeguard the future.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Pride Month, honoring Mona Hardy, and standing in solidarity with the Two- Spirit community. Together, let us continue to work towards a future where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and love. For more information about ONWA, please visit https://www.onwa.ca/love 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 – This Mother’s Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reflects on the profound significance of the inherent leadership and resilience of our beloved mothers and caregivers. Indigenous cultures recognize mothers and caregivers as the heartbeat of the family, the foundation of the community, and as the role models who lead us toward a better future for the generations to come. Indigenous mothers and their wisdom have always played a vital role in passing down cultural teachings, responsibilities, language and traditions ensuring the survival and health of their communities. When women are healthy, they raise healthy children, which builds healthy communities, and shapes healthy Nations. “I would like to recognize and celebrate all the mother figures in our lives. The critical role of parenting and providing love and safety has been a collective responsibility of our communities for generations. I would also like to acknowledge all the women who continue to walk their healing journey to take up the sacred responsibility of caring for our future leaders.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette CEO ONWA. This Mother’s Day we honour the strength, resilience, wisdom and leadership of Indigenous mothers and caregivers. We must amplify Indigenous women’s voices, uplift Indigenous women’s led solutions and work toward creating safer futures for Indigenous women and girls. Our ancestors, children and families are all in our hearts today as we celebrate and recognize mothers and caregivers who are with us today and those who have passed onto the spirit world. On behalf of ONWA, Happy Mother’s Day. For more information and Media Inquiries: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-