The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee’s 89th Session from October 14-16, 2024, in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
Press Release
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Attends Key International Meetings to advocate for Indigenous Women’s Rights
Monday, October 14, 2024
Geneva, Switzerland – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to announce its participation in key United Nations (UN) sessions taking place throughout October in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
In the News
First Nations Women Traveling to UN CEDAW Committee
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)
October 14, 2024
Why We Are Attending the Conference
By attending the UN CEDAW ONWA is sharing the voices and experiences of Indigenous women to ensure that their unique challenges are addressed and that Canada is held to its obligations in protecting their rights. This engagement is crucial for fostering meaningful change and promoting justice for Indigenous communities.
The UN CEDAW provides a platform to amplify Indigenous voices and advocate for change. We are attending to advocate for ONWA’s recommendations to be included in the CEDAW Committee’s concluding observations.
ONWA is attending the UN CEDAW to ensure that Indigenous women’s voices and experiences are represented. Indigenous women’s perspectives are crucial for shaping policies that affect their communities. By actively participating in this review process, ONWA is advocating for equitable representation, highlighting the specific challenges Indigenous women face, and driving meaningful change that respects their rights and amplifies their stories.
At the Conference - Day 1
Monday, October 14, 2024
Today, ONWA is participating in the 89th session of CEDAW in Geneva. CEDAW is a vital international legal instrument developed in 1979 to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. We're here to ensure Indigenous women's voices are heard and upheld. Watch 2099th Meeting, 89th Session, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 🌐 https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1s/k1sdy2d4ho
"Today, ONWA is participating in the 89th session of CEDAW in Geneva. CEDAW is a vital international legal instrument developed in 1979 to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. We're here to ensure Indigenous women's voices are heard and upheld. Follow ONWA’s journey as we advocate for the safety and rights of Indigenous women." Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Native Women's Association
ONWA Stands in Solidarity with Māori Peoples at the 89th CEDAW Session
This week, ONWA stands proudly alongside Māori and Pacific Island women from Aotearoa (New Zealand) at the 89th session of the UN CEDAW Committee.
Together, we continue the fight to ensure Indigenous women's voices are heard and our inherent rights are upheld.
At the Conference - Day 2
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
ONWA’s recommendation to Canada: Implement the National Action Plan on MMIWG2S and the Calls to Justice that prioritize Indigenous women’s safety and healing. These steps are essential for a safe future for all Indigenous women.
Indigenous women continue to face systemic discrimination, impacting their right to safe and healthy lives. We are here at CEDAW to hold Canada accountable for these violations and advocate for change.
At the Conference - Day 3
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
By sharing resources, knowledge, and strategies, nations unite to combat discrimination and promote equality. Together, we can create a future where every woman’s rights are upheld! ✊✨
ONWA as part of the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group, collectively raised issues and recommendations related to the second generation cut off, Indian Act registration, compensation and reparations.
📢ONWA is proud to connect with Chief Marilyn Slett (elected Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council) at the UN! Collaborating with several organizations to draft her impassioned address challenging the sex discrimination in the Indian Act and MMIWG crisis highlights the ongoing need for justice, equality, and the importance of building international relationships.
Watch the 2103rd Meeting, 89th Session, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k10/k10pecn9gn
Watch Chief Marilyn Slett address at: https://youtu.be/JoSUFI8S30U
ONWA is at the UN to build connections. Together, we are stronger, and our voices are louder. We will continue to advocate until Indigenous women’s voices are heard.
Photo 1 (top left): Vicky Woodbeck (Assistant Director Community Services, ONWA); Elena Pennell (Sr Policy Analyst, Women and Girls, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs); Ingrid Green (Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA)
Photo 2 (top middle): Group shot of NGOs who advocated at CEDAW
Photo 3 (top right): Ingrid Green (Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA); Zoe Craig-Sparrow (Director of Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice at Justice for Girls), Vicky Woodbeck (Assistant Director Community Services, ONWA)
Photo 4 (bottom left): Donald Nicholls (Director of the Cree Nation Government Department of Justice and Correctional Services); Ingrid Green (Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA)
Photo 5 (bottom middle): Repeka Lelaulu (President of Pacifica Inc, national NGO for Pacific women, New Zealand); Hilda Anderson-Pyrz (chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle); Ingrid Green (Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA)
Photo 6 (bottom right): Vicky Woodbeck (Assistant Director Community Services, ONWA); Sharon McIvor; Ingrid Green (Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA); Shelagh Day, Dr Gwen Brodsky Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA)
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