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Ontario Native Women's Association - Empowering indigenous women throughout Ontario to be leaders in their homes and in their communities Find out what programs, events and promotions ONWA is currently running. CLICK HERE Program Calendar Learn about the programs and supports that ONWA offers. Programs & Services CLICK HERE Want to work with ONWA? Visit Career Opportunities to see what job we are currently hiring for. Join Our Team CLICK HERE Looking for cultural teachings? Want to learn more about critical issues? Read ONWA reports? CLICK HERE Learning & Resources Centralized Intake Do you need access to immediate supports and brief services across the province of Ontario? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA What's Happening NEWS & PRESS RELEASES READ MORE News Follow Us On Social Media Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Mindimooyenh 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 LEARN MORE She Is Wise Magazine An empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and on-line. 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. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL VERSION SUBSCRIBE TO PRINT VERSION CHECK OUT THE MAGAZINE Magazine Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages. GO TO WEBSITE Talk4Healing Top Mindimooyenh Line Magazine Talk4Healing News Programs & Services 6 Follow Us On Social

MOCC WALK GET ACTIVE - GET FIT - HAVE FUN What is the Mocc Walk? The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Whether it is exercising in your living room or walking around the block, participants are encouraged to get active and record the number of minutes spent exercising/walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning some cool prizes ! REGISTER SUBMIT TIME LOG SUBMIT WEEKLY ENTRY 2026 Mocc Walkers (NUMBERS UPDATED WEEKLY ON MONDAYS) - PEOPLE ACROSS ONTARIO - MINUTES SPENT EXERCISING How to Participate STEPS TO SUCCESS 1) REGISTER Complete Registration Form to join. 2) EXERCISE Exercise and keep track of how many minutes. 3) SUBMIT MINUTES Submit a weekly Time Log with the amount of minute you spent exercising. 4) PARTICIPATE Join Optional Challenges for a better chance of winning. Other Ways to Participate ABOUT OPTIONAL CHALLENGES Weekly Challenges Smoking Cessation Challenge Classroom Challenge Weekly Challenges Every week during the course of the Mocc Walk, there are optional Weekly Challenges available for participants. These are meant to help encourage you to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun” and keep you engaged in the Mocc Walk. They also offer the chance to win additional prizes in the weekly draws. What are this year's challenges? Check the Weekly Challenge listed below . Also, be sure to follow ONWA on social media to keep up-to-date with the Weekly Challenges. Where do I submit my entries? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter you Weekly Challenge submission. There are 8 weeks and 8 chances to win! Resource: Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker Smoking Cessation Challenge Are you looking to reduce the impact of smoking in your life? Submit a journal entry reflecting on how you are reclaiming your health by reducing smoking. Complete this challenge by the end of the Mocc Walk to be entered into the Smoking Cessation Prize Draw . Where do I submit my entry? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter your submission. Prize drawn at the end of the promotion. Resource: Mocc Walk Smoking Cessation Journal Pages In partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Indigenous Cohort Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) on Promoting Smoking Reduction and Cessation with Indigenous Peoples of Reproductive Age and their Communities. Classroom Challenge Are you a teacher looking to encourage youth exercise and diabetes awareness in your classroom? Every week gather and submit your class' combined exercise minutes to be entered into the Classroom Challenge Prize Draw . Prize drawn at the end of May. The Classroom Challenge runs from May 1 - May 29 . This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. Contact MOCCWalk@onwa.ca to enter. Resource: Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker Prizes THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO WIN 1) Grand Prize Draw 2) Participation Draw 3) Weekly Challenge Draws 4) Smoking Cessation Challenge Draw 5) Classroom Challenge Draw 1) Grand Prize Draw At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participants who have registered and submitted at least one Time Log will be entered into a draw for the Grand Prize. Grand Prize: $200.00 Manitibah Muklucks Gift Card + $300.00 Sport Chek Gift Card 2) Participation Draw At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participants from each Direction (East, South, West, and North) who have registered and submitted at least one Time Log will be entered into a draw with to win one of the 3 prizes . Each Direction (4) will have a draw for the 3 prizes, for a total of 12 prizes total. Prizes: Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch Fitness Bundle (YETI 1.36L water bottle, Goodrs sunglasses, Ciele hat, lip chap and sun screen) Hydration Vest and $50.00 Sport Chek Gift Card 3) Weekly Challenge Draw OPTIONAL Every week during the Mocc Walk participate in the Weekly Challenge by submitting an entry using the Time Log form. At the end of each week, 2 winners will be drawn from participants of that week's challenge . Prize: 36 oz. YETI Water bottle 4) Smoking Cessation Draw OPTIONAL At the end of the Mocc Walk, all participates who submitted a Smoking Cessation Journal entry using the Time Log form will be entered into a draw for one of 3 prizes . Prizes: Self-Care Bundle Beading Bundle Art Therapy Bundle 5) Classroom Challenge Draw OPTIONAL At the end of the May , all classes who participated will be entered into a draw for an (1) additional prize. Prize: (Prize will be a cultural activity delivered by ONWA, details depending on the age of the winning class.) 2026 Weekly Challenges Week 1 (May 1-10) Week 2 (May 11-17) Week 3 (May 18-24) Week 4 (May 25-31) Week 5 (June 1-7) Week 6 (June 8-14) Week 7 (June 15-21) Week 8 (June 22-30) Week 1 (May 1 - 10) Reason to Participate Welcome to Mocc Walk 2026! As the ice melts and the waters begin to flow, Mother Earth shows us how to take care of ourselves and one another. This change of season brings new life, the buds are growing on the trees, and the fish are spawning. Now is a good time to set your intentions for the new season. Let us know why you are participating in the Mocc Walk for this week’s challenge! Week 2 (May 11 - 17) Honouring Our Women Take some time this week to appreciate the women in your life, whether it’s a daughter, sister, mother, auntie, or grandmother. Make space to connect and share meaningful moments together. Go for a walk, move your bodies, and enjoy each other’s company. These small moments of connection can mean so much. For this week’s challenge let us know how you spent your time together, or feel free to share a photo of you and the women in your life . Week 3 (May 18 - 24) Full Moon Reflections May is known as the Flowering or Sucker Moon, a time of growth, healing, and renewal. It reminds us that this is a season for cleansing, reflection, and replenishing our spirit, a chance to begin again. Take some time this week to step outside and connect with the land or water. Breathe it in, slow down, and be present with the natural world around you. We invite you to share a photo or a journal entry about what this month means to you . Week 4 (May 25 - 31) 150 Minutes of Movement Putting in the work to build a strong, healthy body helps us do the things we love now and into the future. Diabetes Canada recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, along with resistance training 2–3 times weekly. This can include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups. Challenge yourself this week to reach 150 minutes of movement and let us know how you did for this week’s challenge. Week 5 (June 1 - 7) Strawberry Strong June brings the Strawberry Moon, a time that represents growth and reminds us of the importance of building strong relationships with all of Creation. According to Diabetes Canada, strawberries and other berries, are low on the glycemic index, making them a great choice for supporting overall health. They can help manage blood sugar, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. For this week’s challenge, take a moment to reflect on what the Strawberry Moon means to you . Week 6 (June 8 - 14) Water is Life Our bodies are made up of mostly water, and staying hydrated is essential for our overall health and well-being. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, boosts energy, and keeps our minds clear and focused. This week, take a step toward caring for yourself by making water your drink of choice. Carry a water bottle, sip throughout the day, and notice how your body feels when it’s properly nourished. This week, challenge yourself to choose water more often and make hydration a daily habit . Week 7 (June 15 - 21) Stay Active Staying active doesn’t always have to mean structured workouts, sometimes it looks like laughter, connection, and playing traditional games. Traditional games are a powerful way to move our bodies while honoring culture, building community, and passing knowledge between generations. They remind us that physical activity can be joyful, meaningful, and rooted in who we are. This week, take time to get outside, gather with family or friends, and play a traditional game. Whether it’s running, throwing, or teamwork, every movement helps build strength, balance, and connection. Share how you stayed active and which traditional game or activity you participated in this week . Week 8 (June 22 - 30) Mocc Walk Commitment Our moccasins remind us to walk the good life with respect, gentleness, and kindness toward ourselves and others. As we finish the Mocc Walk, let’s carry this intention forward. Keep moving, stay active, and honor your body throughout the year. Let us know how you will continue to stay active . 2026 Resources Exercise Tracker DOWNLOAD & PRINT Smoking Cessastion Journal DOWNLOAD & PRINT Frequently Asked Questions What is the Mocc Walk? The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative that calls on Indigenous women and their families to get active, get fit, and have fun while promoting a healthy lifestyle and diabetes awareness. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Whether it is exercising in your living room or walking around the block, participants are encouraged to walk/exercise and record the number of minutes spent walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning some cool prizes! How long is the Mocc Walk? Begins: 12:01 AM EST on Sunday, May 1st Ends: 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, June 30th Exception: The Classroom Challenge contest period is shorter. It runs from May 1 - May 29. This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. “I registered for the Mocc Walk but I did it late, am I still registered?” Yes – There is no registration deadline, you can join and participate starting at any point during the Mocc Walk. Where is the Mocc Walk? All across Ontario – anywhere you can walk or exercise. Who can participate? All residents of Ontario - everyone! Elders, adults, youth and children! Can I still enter the Mocc Walk individually if I am participating in the Classroom Challenge? Yes - please do! Participants taking part in the Classroom Challenge are still eligible for individual participation in the Mocc Walk. Can I participate as a part of a team? At this time, we are only accepting individual registrations. However, we encourage you to make your own teams/groups and challenge each other. Encourage your family and friends to join you in getting active. What are the types of registrants? You can enter as one of three types of registrants: Community Member ONWA Membership (Chapters and Councils) ONWA Employee - Please note: This draw is for employees of ONWA and their households, and will be communicated internally. It is conducted separately from the other Mocc Walk draws, and will not impact your chance of winning. Why should I participate? Get Active ∙ Get Fit ∙ Have Fun Help raise awareness about diabetes - a key public health concern for Indigenous people Chance to win cool prizes How do I participate? Register Walk/exercise, keep track of how many minutes Submit minutes to ONWA every week, using our online Time Log form Participate in Optional Challenges for more chances to win prizes Submit to ONWA before 11:59 PM EST on June 30 Do I have to walk to participate? No, any type of exercise will do – garden or rake outside, watch and follow along a YouTube exercise video, walk up and down stairs, jump rope, etc. You can exercise standing up, sitting down, as long you are exercising! Be creative! When should I log my exercise time? Once a week – Friday’s are a great time to log your time ! TIP: Having trouble keeping track of your time? We have created a Mocc Walk Exercise Tracker to help! How do I win prizes? Register and submit at least one Time Log to be entered into a draw for the Grand Prizes and Participation Prizes at the end of the promotion. Participate in Weekly Challenges to be entered into weekly draw. Participate in Smoking Cessation Challenge to be entered into a draw at the end of the promotion. Participate in Classroom Challenge to be entered into a draw at the end of the promotion. Be sure to track and submit minutes to qualify! What are the prizes? Prize details can be found above . Where do I submit my Weekly Challenge/Smoking Cessation Challenge entry? There is a spot on the Time Log form to enter you Weekly Challenge submission. What are the Rules and Regulations of this promotion? Click to read the full Rules & Regulations for this promotion. Please be aware that by participating in this promotion you agree to follow the Rules & Regulations outlined for this promotion. Have more questions? Contact the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Indigenous Diabetes Education & Awareness Program Toll Free: 1-800-667-0816 Email: moccwalk@onwa.ca Top What is Mocc Walk Submissions Mocc Walkers How to Participate Ways to Participate Prizes Weekly Challenges Resources FAQ

General Rules & Regulations MOCC WALK General Rules & Regulations MOCC WALK General Rules and Regulations - "Mocc Walk" These are the official contest rules and regulations for the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) "Mocc Walk" 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: Mocc Walk Contest Period: Beginning 7:00 AM EST May 1st, 2024, and ending 11:59 PM EST June 30th, 2024. Overview: The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative intended to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. Participants are encouraged to get active and record the number of minutes spent exercising/walking. Minutes are submitted to ONWA for the chance at winning 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. How to Enter 1. There is one (1) way to enter the Mocc Walk 2. Beginning 12:01 AM EST on May 1 up to and including 11:59 PM EST on June 30, qualified entrants can visit www.onwa.ca directly or via a link provided in the advertising, and complete an online registration. 3. As part of registration participants must agree that ONWA has the right to use and publish submitted stories/descriptions, photos, videos, names for the purpose storytelling, sharing and honouring, via social media platforms and website (onwa.ca). Weekly Challenge 1. To qualify to be entered into the Weekly Challenges, participants must first be entered into the Mocc Walk. Once a participant has registered for the Mocc Walk, they can join the Weekly Challenges that take place every week during the course of the Mocc Walk promotional period (May 1 to June 30). 2. Weekly Challenges will be posted every week at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk and on ONWA's social media. 3. Submissions for the ongoing challenge should be submitted using the Time Log form available at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk Classroom Challenge To be eligible for this challenge you must be: - Be a teacher entering on behalf of your class - Be located in the province of Ontario, Canada Teacher of the class will contact sanderson@onwa.ca to enter Participants of the Classroom Challenge are still eligible for individual participation in the Mocc Walk. Smoking Cessation Challenge 1. To qualify to be entered into the Smoking Cessation Challenge, participants must first be entered into the Mocc Walk. 2. Submissions for the challenge should be submitted using the Time Log form available at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk Winners, Draw(s), Draw Date(s), Prizes: Winners Announcements and Eligibility Winners of draws will be notified via ONWA's social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn), www.onwa.ca , and through an email to the email address submitted during registration. 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. Winners of the "Weekly Challenge" draws, "Smoking Cessation" draw, and the "Classroom Challenge" draw are still eligible for the "Final Participation" draw and the "Grand Prize" draw. Employees of the ONWA and their households are only eligible for the Employee contest, which will be communicated internally through ONWA. NOTE: No cash options are available for any of these draws. Grand Prize Draw This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30, 2024. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Time Log form entry. All participants of the Mocc Walk will be entered into a two (2) random draw to win one (1) of the two (2) prizes. The two (2) Grand Prizes are as follows: Draw #1 - Handmade Moccasins Draw #2 - $500.00 Sport Chek gift card Participation Draws This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30, 2024. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Time Log form entry. All participants of the Mocc Walk will be sorted into their Direction (East, South, West, and North) based off of the ONWA Ontario Direction Map and the Mailing Address the participant provided in their Registration. There will be three (3) random draws to win one of the three (3) prizes for each Direction (East, South, West, and North), for a total of twelve (12) prizes total. The twelve (12) Participate Draws will take place as follows: North Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle South Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle East Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle West Direction: Three (3) draws Draw #1 - Garmin Forerunner SS watch Draw #2 - Sport bundle: ONWA Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and CND$50.00 Sport Chek gift card Draw #3 - Wellness Bundle Weekly Challenges Draws These draws will take place every week during the course of the Mocc Walk promotional period (May 1 to June 30). These draws are part of the optional Weekly Challenges available for participants. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at the Time Log form entry for the associated week within the time span of that week. Every Mocc Walk week (listed below) there will be two (2) random draws for a total of eighteen (18) individual prizes over the course of the full promotion. Every Weekly Challenge will have two (2) prizes as follows: ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler Draw dates: Week 1: May 1 to May 5 Week 2: May 6 to May 12 Week 3: May 13 to May 19 Week 4: May 20 to May 26 Week 5: May 27 to June 2 Week 6: June 3 to June 9 Week 7: June 10 to June 16 Week 8: June 17 to June 23 Week 9: June 24 to June 30 Smoking Cessation Draw This draw will take place at the end of the Mocc Walk promotional period, on June 30. To be eligible for this draw participant must have completed the Mocc Walk Registration and submitted at least one (1) Smoking Cessation Journal entry using the Time Log form. All participants of the Mocc Walk who submitted a "Smoking Cessation Journal Entry" will be entered in a random draw to win one (1) of three (3) prizes. The three (3) Smoking Cessation prizes are as follows: Draw #1 - Wellness Package Draw #2 - ONWA Stanely 40 oz Quencher Tumbler Draw #3 - BPSO Yeti Tumbler Classroom Challenge Draw This challenge runs from May 1 - May 26. This is done to allow the winning class to receive their prize before the end of the school year. This draw will take place on May 26. All classes participating in the Mocc Walk Classroom Challenge will be entered into a random draw to win one (1) cultural craft / activity for the winning classroom, provided by ONWA. The age and preference of the winning class will determine the cultural craft / activity. Winning class will be consulted once the draw has taken place. The one (1) Classroom Challenge Prize will be one (1) of the following options, depending on the age of the winning class: - A double ball set with teachings - Making your own double ball ONWA Employee Draw This draw is for employees of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and their households, and will be communicated internally. This draw will be conducted separately from the other Mocc Walk draws, and will not impact other draws. General Rules and Regulations 1. By participation in “the contest”, entrants agree to release/indemnify/hold harmless Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 2. 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. 3. ONWA acknowledges that “the contest” is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 4. No purchase is necessary to participate in “the contest”. 5. All winners must answer a skill testing question before any prize is awarded. 6. There is no maximum of the number of entries per person per promotional period. 7. 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. 8. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, and are non-transferable, nor do awarded prizes have cash value. 9. Prizing will be mailed to contest winners according to mailing instructions completed in the online ballot (see R&R 2). 10. 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. 11. ONWA is not responsible for complications that take place with email servers, telephone lines and/or computer delivery. 12. ONWA is not responsible for misdirected entries. 13. 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. 14. 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). 15. 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. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. All entries acquired through entry into “the contest” become property of ONWA and shall in no case be returned to the contest entrant. 19. Subject to applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws, these rules govern all aspects of this official contest rules and regulations and are binding. 20. 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”. 21. 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. 22. All prizes will be mailed within 30 days of winning.

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Indigenous Responsible Gambling Overview The objectives and goals of the Responsible Gambling Awareness Program is to provide Community Awareness, Education, Prevention, and individual referrals to our Indigenous women, community members and their families in a culturally appropriate manner. What Is Gambling? Gambling involves games of chance where something of value is wagered for personal gain. It involves risk-taking and may lead to addiction. This includes bingo, lottery tickets, raffles, sports events, casinos and online gaming. What Is Problem Gambling? Problem G ambling is an addiction, not a game and is not done for entertainment or recreation. Problem Gambling is an obsession that can overtake and destroy one’s life. Signs of Problem Gambling Unexplained absences from work, school and/or home Borrowing money from family/frien ds and not trying to pay it back Loss of spirituality Denial with self, family and/or events in life Unexplained large amounts of money and debts Self-neglect– eating and sleeping habits change, mood swings Withdrawal from social activities and relationships Responsible Gambling Responsible Gambling can be an exciting and entertaining activity for many people. They make careful decisions about spending time and money, where to go and how to have fun. How to Gamble Responsibly Set a budget and stick to it Do not use cash machines to get more money Do not “chase” losses. Accept them as the cost of entertainment Balance gambling with other leisure activities Take frequent breaks Be aware; risk increases at times of loss or depression Don’t borrow money to gamble Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money Only use discretionary income, not money for everyday expenses. Set a time limit How We Support & Educate Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Awareness Program (ARGAP) is committed to meeting the needs of Indigenous women and their families who are, or know someone who is experiencing problems related to Gambling. ARGAP is continually researching and developing educational information on the topic of responsible gambling, and healthy traditional alternative approaches to gambling and addiction. The focus is three main age groups: CHILDREN & YOUTH Preventative practices and education for children of problem gamblers Gaming and electronics – Healthy Habits ADULTS Responsible Gambling education Awareness of problem gambling risks, available support and treatment services ELDERS/SENIORS Education on problem gambling with Elders Healthy alternative activities Provincially Available DELIVERY SITES Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES Problem Gambling Hotline 1-888-230-3505 (24hrs) Responsible Gambling

Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Breaking Free from Family Violence OTHER THINGS MAY CHANGE, BUT WE START AND END WITH FAMILY Overview Breaking Free From Family Violence delivers services to families at risk of or involved with child welfare and/or family violence sectors. Services Offered The Breaking Free From Family Violence program supports Indigenous women so that they are better able to navigate through the complex systems encountered when experiencing involvement with child welfare. Liaise with service providers Traditional supports Systems navigation Advocacy support Education provision for mothers on their rights and responsibilities Cultural and traditional supports Conflict resolution supports for families involved with CAS that uphold the rights of both the mother and child Ongoing aftercare Supports that promote and facilitate family reunifications Prevention (family and community violence) Promotion (healthy lifestyles) Plan of care/safety planning and goal setting DELIVERY SITES Provincially Available K enora Ottawa Timmins ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) CHAPTER SITES For t Erie Niagara Chapter o f Native Women Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women Mid land Georgian Bay Native Women's Association Orillia Orillia Native Women's Group Sioux Lookout Sunset Women's Aboriginal Circle Thunder Bay Beendigen, Inc Toronto Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto OTHER RESOURCES PROGRAM BROCHURE

Programs and Services Would you like to access one of our programs or services? 1-800-667-0816 CONTACT ONWA Program Listing Babaamendam (Trauma-Informed Care) Creates safe spaces for Indigenous women who wish to exit oppressive and violent situations. Hamilton | Napanee | Ottawa | Thunder Bay | Timmins LEARN MORE 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 Gladue Aftercare First ever Gladue Program for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. Provides supports and services to ensure Indigenous women’s voice is heard in the justice process. Hamilton | Ottawa LEARN MORE Gladue Writer First ever Gladue Program for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. Provides supports and services to ensure Indigenous women’s voice is heard in the justice process. Hamilton | Ottawa | 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 Healthy Babies Healthy Children Assists Indigenous families in providing the best possible opportunities for healthy development of children through family home visiting, service coordination, and referrals. Greenstone | Hamilton | K enora | Napanee | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | 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 Sexual Assault Program The Indigenous Sexual Assault program provides culturally relevant and trauma informed services to Indigenous women who have experience sexual assault and/or sexual violence. Sioux Lookout 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 Land-Based Healing Camps Provides land-based services that meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through a culturally trauma-informed approach. 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. Greenstone | Hamilton | 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 Ska-Be (Helper) Provides support services to improve the health and wellbeing of urban Indigenous elderly women and/or those with chronic illness or disabilities. Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Trusted Sources Program The Trusted Sources Program assists with the application, facilitation, and renewals for applicants who have already been registered under the Indian Act. Hamilton | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay | Timmins LEARN MORE Urban Aboriginal Strategy ONWA is the sponsoring agency for the Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Youth Cultural Intervention Program Provides immediate support to female youth involved with, transitioning out, or at risk of involvement in the justice systems, police involvement, probation, and parole systems. Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Youth Education Program The Youth Education Support Workers 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. Thunder Bay | Timmins LEARN MORE Youth in Transition Delivers housing supports and services to youth (16-17) years old who are in a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement. Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Youth in Transition - Human Trafficking Youth In Transition - Human Trafficking supports youth that are at risk, currently involved in or are survivors of human trafficking and sex trades. 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 ONWA Operating Model ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE At ONWA, we do not see one person as more important than the other, but rather, we focus on each of our responsibilities as part of the whole. We come together in unity and work towards one vision. ONWA’s Operating Model (below) places Indigenous women at the centre surrounded by our vision, principles, and mandate. Our operating model is reflective not only of our organizational structure but also reflective of the intersectionality of our work as an agency and focuses on everyone’s responsibilities as leaders within the agency. ONWA Portfolios: Community Development Community Services Corporate Services Policy Research and Evaluation Strategic Planning and Communications LEARN MORE ABOUT ONWA READ ONWA'S STRATEGIC PICTURE

Ontario Native Women's Association - Empowering indigenous women throughout Ontario to be leaders in their homes and in their communities Love Builds The Bundle 2SLGBTQQIA+ Toolkit Welcome to the Love Builds The Bundle 2SLGBTQQIA+ Toolkit Resources For Everyone JOURNALS GLOSSERY OF TERMS WHAT IS TWO-SPIRIT? VIDEO RESOURCES COMING OUT PARTNERS Journals Youth Journal DOWNLOAD Parents & Caregivers Jounal DOWNLOAD Glossary of Terms Ally Affirmed Gender Agender Androgynous Asexual Assigned Gender Bisexual Cisgender Closeted Gay Gender Gender Binary Gender Expression Gender Fluid Gender Identity Gender Spectrum Intersex Lesbian Pansexual Phobias Queer Questioning Sex Sexual Orientation Transgender Two-Spirit Ally A term to use to describe someone who is not part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but, actively supports 2SLBGTQIA+ people. Affirmed Gender Is the gender that matches a person’s gender identity. This means if someone was presumed to be male at birth but identifies as female, then their affirmed gender would be female. Agender A person who does not identify with any gender. Androgynous A non-binary gender identity typically used to describe a person’s appearance or clothing. Asexual Complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction. Assigned Gender The gender that is assigned to an infant at birth based on the child’s genitalia and other visible physical sex characteristics. Bisexual A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender, though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree. Sometimes bisexual is used interchangeably with pansexual. Cisgender A term used to describe an individual whose gender identity aligns with the one typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. Closeted Describes a person who is not yet open about their sexuality or gender identity. Gay A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. People of any gender identity can use these terms to identify themselves. Gender Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors, and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender Binary The concept that there are only two genders, male and female, and that everyone must be one or the other. It also implies the assumption that gender biologically determined. Gender Expression The way in which a person expresses a gender identity, typically through their appearance, dress, and behavior. Gender Identity The sense of being male, female, some of both, or neither. A person's gender identity does not always match with their biological sex. Gender Spectrum The concept that gender incorporates more then just the “male/female” binary model. Intersex A general term used for people who have conditions in which they were born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit into the typical definitions of male or female. This can include a baby being born presenting as a female externally, but internally having a mostly male anatomy. Lesbian A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. People of any gender identity can use these terms to identify themselves. Pansexual A person whose emotion, romantic, and/or physical attraction is to people of all gender identities and biological sexes. Queer A word that was used in a derogatory manner to insult people who were or thought to be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Today the term has been reclaimed by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is used as an umbrella term to refer to being part of the community. Umbrella term for those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or have non-binary or gender-expansive identities. Questioning The process in which individuals who are questioning their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This is a term also used by those that are still exploring their identities or used by some who do not want to label themselves with just one identity. Sex The biological and physiological features of a person which include genes, chromosomes, hormones, and the reproductive and sexual anatomy. Sex, in most cases, is assigned to someone at birth as either male or female depending on the genital’s a baby has at birth. Sexual Orientation The natural attraction someone feels towards others, this includes feeling romantically, emotionally, and sexually drawn to a person. Transgender An umbrella term that is use by those whose gender identity is different from their sex that was assigned at birth. The transgender umbrella term can also include terms such as transsexual, transfeminine, and transmasculine as well as terms like non-binary, agender, bigender, and more Two-Spirited An umbrella term used by Indigenous people who identify as having both masculine and a feminine spirit. As an umbrella term, Two-Spirit, is used to describe an Indigenous person sexuality, gender identity/expression, and spiritual identity. Phobias The fear and/or hatred of or discomfort with people based off of their sex, gender, or other personal factors. Homophobia: The fear, hatred, or discomfort with of those who are attracted to members of the same sex. Transphobia: The fear, hatred, or discomfort with people who identify outside of Western binary gender norms. Gender Expression A person who does not identify with a single fixed gender or has a fluid or unfixed gender identity. What is Two - Spirit? A Brief History The Two-Spirt Movement Indigenous Worldview Definition Two-Spirit History What is the history of Indigenous peoples in relation to 2SLGBTQQIA+ knowledge? What is the history of Indigenous peoples in relation to 2SLGBTQQIA+ knowledge? Through conversations with Indigenous girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, we continue to learn and grow our understandings of gender identity and sexual orientation. Our research shows: Two-Spirit people are recognized and honoured for their gifts. Historically, Two- Spirit people held positions as advisors, healers, and leaders. Two-spirit people have roles and responsibilities and their own ceremonies. Colonialism introduced patriarchy and normalized violence to those that did not conform to Western binaries of gender: male and female. Colonial violence forced Two-Spirit people into hiding. As they went underground, so did teachings of their roles and responsibilities. History of the Term Two-Spirited Elder Myra Laramee was bestowed by Creator the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag meaning two spirits. Two-Spirit, or 2S folks have always existed in Indigenous Communities. Two-Spirit is an umbrella term used to describe those who are given masculine and feminine spirit by Creator, including people who might be described in western culture as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer or who have multiple gender identities. Historically, Two-Spirit people were seen, loved, and respected as unique individuals in most Indigenous communities. They were gifted with keen insight and the ability to see things through both feminine and masculine eyes (double vision). Many held important roles within their tribes, such as chiefs, medicine people, marriage counsellors, caregivers, protectors and knowledge keepers. It is important to think about how Two-Spirit identity will look differently for every community and person. Different communities will have different names with over 155 different words used across communities and languages to describe people with multiple genders. Being Two-Spirit embodies much more than identity and includes important traditional and sacred roles within Indigenous Communities. Two-Spirit folks were known for their “wisdom, healing, and visions.” In the Mohave creation story it says “ever since the world began, there have been Two Spirit People, and from the beginning of the world, it was meant that there should be Two-Spirit people”. Traditional teachings about Two-Spirit folks can be found in the Midewiwin creation story of the Anishinaabe. In some communities, when a Two-Spirit person reaches puberty, the community would hold a ceremony, placing the Two-Spirit child in a lodge and asking they pick a basket or a bow. Depending on their decision, this meant which path the child was going to be guided by the masculine or feminine. In other communities, vision quests guided Two-Spirit folks to their roles. Male-embodying Two-Spirit folks had a wide range of duties including healers, undertakers, and creative work including beading, quillwork, and making regalia for dancing. Many engaged in masculine-centered activities such as sweat lodges but also engage in domestic responsibilities such as cooking. Female-embodying Two-Spirit folks engaged in duties including chiefs, hunter, fisher, medicine people, and peace keepers. Indigenous Worldview The guiding principle of Indigenous worldview is that all living things are connected. Appreciation for all living things is a prominent Indigenous value which comes directly from the Indigenous worldview. Indigenous people live their lives under the principle that all living things contribute to the circle of life equally and should be acknowledged and respected as such. Indigenous people believe that connection to ourselves, to the Creator, to Mother Earth, and all living things are integral parts of existing. That is why the land and other natural life is so important to Indigenous worldview. Understanding that all living things are connected and that every living thing plays an important role in the world is important to understanding indigenous worldview. These principles are what guide the teachings, beliefs, values, and practices of Indigenous communities. Understanding the Indigenous worldview can help you have more empathy toward people with different perspectives. Definition Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples Today, Two-Spirit peoples are Indigenous peoples who (often, but not always) identify as any of the following: • Gay • Lesbian • Bisexual • Transgender • Queer • Other gendered • Third/fourth gendered individuals It is important to note that not every Indigenous person who identifies as LGBTQQIA+ will use the term Two-Spirit, and not everyone who uses the term Two-Spirit will identify as LGBTQQIA+. Two-Spirit takes on a different meaning for different people. Some Indigenous peoples use Two-Spirit to identify sexual orientation, while others use it to explain transgender identity. Terms for identification vary from culture to culture. We may not be aware of all identities present and defined within all Indigenous nations, but we respect and appreciate them, and remain committed to continued learning. Dr. Myra Laramee, B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph. D (Education) of Fisher River First Nation discusses what it means to be Two-Spirit, as well as the term’s history and origin. In 1990, the term Two-Spirit was introduced at the third annual international LGBT Native American gathering in Winnipeg. Video Resources 2S Bundle Videos Sign in 2S Bundle Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... All Categories All Categories Education Entertainment Film & Animation News & Politics Nonprofits & Activism People & Blogs Science & Technology Now Playing Trans And Native: Meet The Indigenous Doctor Giving Them Hope | AJ+ 07:50 Play Video Now Playing 2 spirit people the balance bringers 17:37 Play Video Now Playing 2Spirited People and Ceremony 19:18 Play Video Now Playing 2022 January 2SLGBTQQIA+ Idenity 01:07:06 Play Video Coming Out Overview Testing the Waters Planning Timing Process Safety What is "coming out" and what does it mean? “Coming out” is the personal decision of revealing one’s sexual orientation and gender identity to others, most typically to family and friends. The process of coming out is personal and different for everyone and can often trigger an emotional response ranging from fear and anxiety to relief and joy. You, and only you, are in charge of your coming out experience. It's up to you to choose how, where, when, and with whom to be open about your sexual orientation (and gender identity). It may feel safer to start by being open with other people who also identify as LGBTQ. This could be online, in community centers, at an LGBTQ club or group, or with a few close friends. Testing the Waters An easy and fairly safe way to determine peoples stances, general opinions, and overall knowledge of the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community is to start the conversation by first talking to them about arms length topics. This can include: - Events such as Pride - Media topics such as movies or TV shows that feature people within the community or that you may relate to - Social issues that might be in the news or media. By keeping initial conversations distanced from your personally, it gives you an opportunity to disengage if the person is combative, or strongly disagrees. This also allows you to gauge their general stances and opinions on a wide variety of topics as well as allows you to address any misconceptions or misinformation they might have prior to having the subject be you personally. It also gives you an opportunity to provide your world views to them through a fairly safe barrier, while letting you know how they feel about the community in general. Planning Coming Out Before coming out you can ask yourself a series of questions to start the process and plan for potential reactions. Who do I want to come out to? You don't need to come out to everyone all at once. Choosing one person who you feel the safest around is a great way to start. How do I want to come out to them? You can come out in a variety of different ways depending on how you feel most comfortable or safe. This includes: in person, through text, over a phone call, in a letter etc. What do I expect them to say? Make a list of what you might expect their response to be, remember to write both the “good and bad” responses. People will react differently, some will be overwhelmingly positive, some will be neutral, and some may be negative. It is important to be ready for any outcome. Do I want to prepare before coming out? Some people prefer to write down exactly what they want to say before hand. Sometimes when we do things that make us feel anxious and we forget how to do something or what to say, so having it written down can help you to stay focus and say exactly what you want to say. What are some good/bad responses I may hear? Write down some of the responses you want to hear from them, as well, the one you wouldn’t want to hear. This can help you to prep how you want to respond. How do I want them to react? Not everyone is looking for the same response out of a coming out experience. Some people hope to feel loved and be showered with positivity, while others just want to know that nothing has or will change (as they are just the same person they were prior to letting people know. What questions might the person have? Coming out often comes with questions, you might have had the opportunity to get to know who you are, but others may not be as well versed in what you are saying to them. Knowing what those questions might be and having answers ready to help the person better understand can be helpful. When Should I Come Out? That depends on your situation. Its important to remember that even though expressing your true authentic self to those around you can feel good, it’s not a requirement and choosing not to come out doesn’t make your 2SLGBTQIA+ identity any less valid. Some people never come out, some people are completely out, some people are selective of who they come out to. It is a personal choice, and the “right” answer for you may differ greatly from others due to your personal circumstances and level of acceptance/ support you may receive from those around you. How Do I Come Out? Coming out doesn’t have a single correct approach and while being open and honest about your sexual orientation and gender identity can often be empowering, its crucial to consider various factors before deciding to come out. Telling Yourself The first step is often coming out to yourself by accepting and learning more about your own sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This could include exploring what is means to be gay, trans or anything else in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Telling Others Next, you might choose to tell others. This could be a family member, a close friend, a counsellor, or anyone else you feel comfortable with. However, it’s important to remember that this is not something you want to rush. Coming out to others is easier when your comfortable with yourself and have a good understanding of your own feelings and rely less on others for validations. Repetition Coming out is not a one-time thing. Many people initially assume that everyone they meet is straight and gender-normative. Because of this, 2SLGBTQIA+ people are constantly coming out. Every time you meet someone new (coworkers, friends, healthcare professionals, etc.) you will need to decide when and how to come out to them. Safety Unfortunately, coming out isn't safe for everyone in every part of their life. Homophobia and Transphobia exist, and people have different sets of personal beliefs that create their opinions. Not all of these beliefs and opinions align and provide safety to the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community. With that in mind, it is important to ask yourself questions before coming out: Is coming out going to affect your safety? Does coming out mean that you risk losing emotional or financial support from your family? Could coming out put you in physical danger? Could coming out lead to it impacting other parts of your life by them telling others who may not be as accepting? Partners Top MMIWG 1 Home 1 Journals Glossary of Terms What is Two-Spirit? Video Gallary Coming Out Partners

Honouring Mother Earth SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT WINNERS Submit Please ensure your submission does not include copyright protected material. Miigwetch. "As stewards of their lands and waterways, Indigenous women are at the forefront of action defending their territories from irreversible harm and have long recognized the urgency to maintain healthy relationships with Mother Earth." Cora McGuire-Cyrette Executive Director, ONWA ONWA is 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. What actions are you taking to protect Mot her Earth? Submit a photo/video/story about w hat ste ps you are taking to protect Mother Earth for a chance to win an prizes ! We can all individually take responsibility for our impact on Mother Earth. About Submissions close at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 . Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Monday, April 24th, 2023. Deadline 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) Prizes How do I participate? Submissions are closed. How many entries can I submit? Submissions are closed. How long is this promotion? Stay tuned to our social media for the announcment of all upcoming promotions . 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 th is 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

Our Services for Indigenous Women in Hamilton 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 Hamilton? We’re here for you. ONWA PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN HAMILTON Babaamendam (Trauma-Informed Care) Creates safe spaces for Indigenous women who wish to exit oppressive and violent situations. Hamilton | Napanee | Ottawa | Thunder Bay | 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 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 Gladue Aftercare First ever Gladue Program for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. Provides supports and services to ensure Indigenous women’s voice is heard in the justice process. Hamilton | Ottawa LEARN MORE Gladue Writer First ever Gladue Program for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. Provides supports and services to ensure Indigenous women’s voice is heard in the justice process. Hamilton | Ottawa | 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 Healthy Babies Healthy Children Assists Indigenous families in providing the best possible opportunities for healthy development of children through family home visiting, service coordination, and referrals. Hamilton | Greenstone | K enora | Napanee | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay LEARN MORE Indigenous Registration Administrator The Indigenous Registration Administrator assists with the application, facilitation, and renewals for applicants who have already been registered under the Indian Act. Hamilton | Ottawa | Sioux Lookout | Thunder Bay | Timmins 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 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 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 HAMILTON SHELTERS Native Women’s Centre 905-664-1114 Native Women’s Centre – Healing Our Sisters 905-389-9908 Good Shepherd – Family Centre 143 Wentworth Street South 905-528-9442 24 hours Good Shepherd – Women’s Shelter (Mary’s Place) 30 Pearl St. North 905-540-8000 (general information) 905-523-6277 (crisis line) Mon – Sun 24 hours Good Shepherd – Women’s Shelter (Martha House) 25 Ray St. North 905-523-8895 Mon – Sun 24 hours Mission Services of Hamilton (Inasmuch House) 905-529-8149 (general info) 905-529-8600 (crisis line) Mon – Sun 24 hours Interval House of Hamilton 630 Sanatorium Rd 905-387-9959 (general info) 905-387-8881 (crisis line) Mon – Sun 24 hours Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter 905-339-2918 *Located in Oakville. The shelter may be able to arrange transportation to Burlington shelter Barrett Centre 905-529-7878 *Crisis Line, Mental Health Crisis line, Shelter Service Mountainview 905-318-2666 Halton Womens Place 905-332-1200 Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention 519-752-1005 Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services 519-445-4324 Womankind Shelter/Addiction Services 905-521-9591 YWCA 905-527-2238 EMERGENCY FOOD & COMMUNITY KITCHENS Salvation Army – Food Bank 80 Bay St. North 905-540-1888 Mon-Wed, Fri 9:30 am – 11:45 am, 1pm- 3:30 pm *Thur 9:30 am – 11:45 am Salvation Army – Food Bank 150 King St. W Ste 1 Dundas 905-627-0572 Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 am – 11:30 am; Fri 1pm – 3:30 pm Restoration House – Food Bank 103 McNab St. North 905-527-1622 Fri 12:00 noon Welcome Inn Community Centre – Food Bank 40 Wood Street 905-712-4726 Mon, Wed, Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Neighbour to Neighbour Centre – Food Bank and Emergency Services 28 Athens St. 905-574-1334 Mon – Wed 9:30 am – 3:30 pm; Thur 12:30 pm – 7:30pm; Fri closed; Pet food also available Eva Rothwell Centre – Emergency Food Pantry 460 Wentworth St. 905-526-1558 ext: 419 Mon – Fri 10 am – 4 pm Good Shepard – Venture Centre Marketplace 155 Cannon St. East 905-972-9485 Mon, Thur 9 am – 3 pm Provides food and clothing Mission Services of Hamilton – Good Food Centre 196 Wentworth St. North 905-528-4212 Mon – Fri 9:30 am – 12:30 pm *Provides hampers that contains 5 food groups and 3-5 days of food for every person in the home Ancaster Community Services - Food bank 300 Wilson St East 905-648-6675 Office: Mon – Fri 9 am – 4 pm *Food Bank Mon, Tue 9 am – 4 pm by appointment only King’s Way Outreach Centre – Food Pantry 649 King St. East 905-296-9473 Mon – Thur 11 am – 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm – 3 pm *Grocery baskets provided to those in need upon request as food items are available Niwasa Food Bank 785 Brittania Avenue 905-549-4884 Mondays & Thursdays 9am-12pm Wesley Centre Drop in – Hot Meals daily 195 Ferguson Ave, N 905-528-5640 Hamilton Regional Indian Centre; Friendship Centre 34 Ottawa Street North 905-548-9593 Monday – Thursday 5pm Dinner Thursdays 1pm – Meals to go Native Women Centre – Emergency Outreach Program (Foodbank) 1900 King Street East Delivered to Community Member once a month 905-664-1114 Former Creek Community Church, Rear Entrance – Food Bank 605 Hwy 8 Stoney Creek Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays 9:30-1pm 905-643-2090 St. Matthews House – Food Bank 414 Barton Street East 905-523-5546 ext 230 Living Rock Youth Services (13-25yrs) 30 Wilson Street Breakfast Program Monday – Friday 7:45am – 9:30am Evening Meal Drop in program Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:30pm-9pm; Saturday 1:30-4:30 Food Bank – Tuesday & Thursday 1-4pm; Wednesday 1:30-4pm; Saturday 1:30-5:30pm Shelters & Emergency Food

Gladue Writer & Gladue Aftercare FIRST EVER GLADUE PROGRAM FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN BY INDIGENOUS WOMEN Gladue Writer Overview Gladue Writer prepares and submits culturally grounded and individually focused recommendations to the courts for consideration during sentencing. Services Offered Gladue Writer provides supports and services to ensure that Indigenous women’s voices, aged 12 and over are heard in the justice system. Aftercare Gladue Reports & Letters Bail letters Referrals Cultural Practices Education and Awareness Access to Traditional Ceremony and cultural teachings Legal services (advocacy & court support) DELIVERY SITES Hamilton Ottawa Thunder Bay ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES DOWNLOAD BROCHURE DOWNLOAD GLADUE REQUEST FORM Gladue Aftercare Overview Gladue Aftercare supports Indigenous women from the initial Gladue interview onward. Services Offered Gladue Aftercare works with the Gladue program to provide culturally relevant, full circle supports and services to Indigenous women. Access to Traditional Ceremony and cultural teachings Assist in navigating the conditions of their release Education and Awareness Referrals, as required Advocacy and resource support in the community Assist in addressing identified barriers (housing, addictions, trauma) DELIVERY SITES Hamilton Ottawa ONWA SITES (ADDRESSES) OTHER RESOURCES DOWNLOAD BROCHURE Gladue Bail Letters Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Since 1999, the Canadian criminal justice system and the Criminal Code have been trying to address the over incarceration rates of Indigenous Women across Canada through the writing of Gladue Reports at a finding or pleading of guilt. However, despite over 20 years of implementing s. 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code and Gladue Principles in the criminal justice system, Indigenous Women continue to be incarcerated at increasing, disproportionate rates. ONWA has been writing Gladue Reports at the sentencing of Indigenous women since 2018, and as an organization, we recognize that overincarceration starts well before sentencing at the denial of bail. ONWA will now be writing Gladue Bail Letters for Indigenous accused women at the Ottawa and Brantford Courthouses come November 1, 2021. To request a Bail Letter, please download our Gladue Request Form and send it to the Program Coordinator at gladue@onwa.ca To request a Gladue report, please contact us: SUBMIT Thanks for submitting! Top Gladue Writer Gladue Aftercare Video Contact

SEASONAL FEASTING ONWA shares the teaching of Preparing and Feasting Your Spiritual Bundles with Al Hunter, Elder and Traditional Healer. The video describe what items you will need and how to prepare to conduct your very own Feast at home. This can be done in any season; spring or fall. Items you you will need: Tobacco Food - ammount depending on how many are feasting Bowl Cup for water Three (3) offering dishes - for the land, the water, and the fire Cloth for offerings Smudging - sage or sweetgrass Sacred items - example: feathers, drums, regalia Preparing and Feasting Your Spiritual Bundles Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Medicine Pouch FOUR SACRED MEDICINES CEDAR Keezhik It is said that Cedar has protection powers, that a guardian spirit lives amongst it and will chase away bad spirits. It is used to purify the home and has many restorative properties. SWEETGRASS Weengush Sweetgrass has a calming effect and is used for smudging and to purify the spirit. It is considered the sacred hair of Mother Earth, its braid and sweet aroma remind people of the gentleness, love, and kindness she has for the people. SAGE Sukodawabuk Sage is used in ceremonies, in traditional healing, and to cleanse homes, sacred items and individuals. It can help release what is troubling the mind & remove negative energy. TOBACCO Semah The gift of Tobacco is communication. It is used as an offering for everything and in every ceremony; for seeking help and advise, for expressing gratitude, and for harvesting medicines. During challenging times, we can offer tobacco to Creator and ask for help and advise; or to thank him for the good things we have in our lives. 4 Sacred Medicines Tea Recipes OTI-ANIIBIISH About Tea Medicinal plants have always held a meaningful significance in the lives of the Anishnawbe people. Numerous varieties of herb plants are harvested for their healing properties and used in teas for the alleviation and cure of various ailments. Traditional tea recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for the wealth of healing and knowledge that they provide. Let us always be thankful for the sacred gifts from the Creator and the bounty mother earth provides. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. It is merely a guide with recommendations for personal use. You should always follow the advice of a licensed practitioner. DOWNLOAD TEA BOOK Tea Recipes Top 4 Sacred Medicines Tea Recipes

Show Your Pride RULES & REGULATION [Back to Promotions page] General Rules and Regulations - "Show Your Pride " These are the official contest rules and regulations for the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) “Show Your Pride”. 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: Show Your Pride Contest Period: Beginning 7:00am EST Wednesday May 17th and ending 11:59pm EST, Wednesday May 31st, 2023. Contest Draw Dates: Friday June 2nd, 2023. Overview: Submit your entry through our Submission Form telling us what inspires you in your advocacy efforts for LGBTQ2S+ justice and awareness. Artwork can be: a painting, a drawing or beadwork. If you are creating in a physical medium, please be sure to take a clear, in focus picture of your completed work. 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 There will be three (3) grand prize winners. 1st Place Prize: Artwork Feature + iPad 2nd Place Prize: Indigenous art medium package 1 3rd Place Prize: Indigenous art medium package 2 Winners will be notified through ONWA's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and via email notification and telephone for a total of three (3) attempts. How to Enter There is one (1) way to e nter the ”Show Your Pride" Beginning 7:00am EST Wednesday May 17th and ending 11:59pm EST, Wednesday May 31st, 2023 . Qualified entrants can visit www.onwa.ca directly or via a link provided in the advertising, and complete an on-line ballot which includes submission of a photo and/or video with accompanying description and collection of the following information: First Name, Last Name Email details Mailing address details Phone number Best way to contact information 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 authorize the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) to use the submitted artwork images for website, social media, and any other marketing materials, including but not limited to: T-Shirts, Stickers, Brochures, Catalogs, Print Advertising, Emails, Trade Show Booth Graphics, etc.. In exchange for this permission, the artist will be credited whenever their artwork images are utilized in said materials by the Ontario Native Women’s Association. General Contest Rules and Regulations By participation in “the contest”, entrants agree to release/indemnify/hold harmless Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, website. By participating in the "consent" you agree to allow The ONWA to use stories/descriptions/photos/video submissions on social media channels for the purpose of story-telling, sharing and honouring Indigenous women and families. The ONWA acknowledges that “the contest” is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook. 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. However, entrant is only eligible for one prize per contest. Personal information collected from contest entrants will be used solely by the 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 on-line ballot. 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 ONWA is not responsible for complications that take place with email servers, telephone lines and/or computer delivery. The 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 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 ONWA reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. The 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. The ONWA reserves the right to amend these official contest rules and regulations at any time. Should amendments occur, the 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 the 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. The ONWA is not liable for delays or cancellation of “the contest”. The 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.