Mother Earth: Women are medicine
Land. Healing. Roles
The Ontario Native Women's Association Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, strength, and unity of Indigenous women across the province.
As delegates gather, they bring with them a wealth of experiences, traditions, and aspirations, creating a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous voices. We embark on a journey to explore the impact and significance of this assembly, delving into the stories and initiatives that shape the ONWA's vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Join the oldest and largest Indigenous Women's Organization in Canada as we celebrate the 52nd AGA!
Highlights:
Friday September 8, 2023 - Annual General Assembly
What is your commitment to Mother Earth?
We are looking forwards to seeing commitments on the "Make a commitment to Mother Earth" chalkboard up at the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)'s 52nd Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference happening this weekend (September 8-10, 2023). Enjoy this time lapse as we prepare the chalkboard!
"Indigenous women’s voices must be centered in all conversations about Mother Earth. We are at a critical junction-we must make a choice”.
- Tina Bobinski, Sr. director, Community Development, ONWA
🌐 Our Caucus Engagements on ONWA’s Mother Earth Strategy is in full swing! Attendees are engaged, sharing ideas, and learning together. 🤝
"We know that Indigenous women’s wellness is inextricably linked to the health of Mother Earth. Indigenous women have inherent knowledge about how to protect and sustain Mother Earth – our knowledge and solutions are needed now more than ever."
- Debra Vermette, President, ONWA
ONWA knows that the wellness of the land is linked to the wellness of Indigenous women and their families, now and for future generations.
Indigenous women and girls have the responsibility to protect and support Mother Earth. We must reconcile our relations with the water, land, and with each other.
We were honoured to have artist Devon Kerslake of Think Link Graphics creating a mural at the AGA.
Saturday September 9, 2023 - Leadership Conference
"Indigenous women’s leadership comes from the leadership in rooms just like this. The knowledge that Indigenous women bring to future generations strengthens us and is inspiring".
- Chief Michele Solomon, Fort William First Nation
“WhenI look at the people who have come together in this room; the knowledge, energy and capacity I know we can really thrive as a community“.
- His Worship, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, City of Thunder Bay
“We need strong partnerships to create safety and strengthen our communities.”
- Chief Darcy Fleury, Thunder Bay Police Service
Welcoming Remarks from the Honourable Michael Tibollo, As/Minister of Mental Health and Addictions at the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)'s 52nd Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference.
Welcoming Remarks video from the Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social, and the Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
Read the Welcoming Remarks from the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.
ONWA Youth Directors amplify their voices to ignite change!
They could not attend this portion of the AGA today, as they are taking up their leadership roles where the live - working, attending school, and fulfilling their commitments to community. However, we were honoured to be able to spotlight some of the awesome things they have achieved.
As part of our Youth Envisioning Change we played the "Inspiring Future Leaders" variation of the Legends of the Four Winds – ONWA Dice Game Activity. It was fun and inspiring! Above are some photos from the event.
Want to play this version? Here is the activity sheet:
"We are committed to building strength and resiliency within families and within the Inuit community. We believe that families who are heathy and strong are able to raise healthy and strong children."
- Stephanie Mikki Adams, Guiding Principles and Values of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Presentation
The theme of this year's Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership conference is "Mother Earth: Women are medicine - Land. Healing. Roles", and we are engaging with ONWA's Membership about this.
"Indigenous women and girls have the responsibility to protect and support Mother Earth. We must reconcile our relations with the water, land, and with each other."
Land Workshop: Commitments to Mother Earth
Healing Workshop: Healing, Empowerment, Reclamation, and Safety (HERS)
Roles Workshop: Governance and Board Training
The ladies at the ONWA 52 AGA had their loonies were ready for the "Indian Auction" (an annual fundraiser started by the late Dorothy Wynne)! Stan Wesley donned his finest (jump)suit , fun was had by all!
Saturday September 9, 2023 - Awards Gala
Each year, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) recognizes women whose work and contributions to the Indigenous community have made an impact upon the quality of life of Indigenous women and their families. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and are based on the listed criteria. Awards were presented during the Gala Dinner at ONWA's 52nd Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Leadership Conference.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Comments