Thunder Bay, ON – Today, on December 10th, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes United Nations Human Rights Day. This day also marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence. ONWA reaffirms its commitment to Indigenous women’s inherent right to safety.
Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world and commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This year’s theme is Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now. It is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives and to change perceptions by speaking up against hate, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. Today, ONWA honours the resilience, strength, and contributions of Indigenous women worldwide, recognizing their pivotal role in the fight for equality, justice, and the protection of their cultural and environmental rights.
“On Human Rights Day and every day, we recognize that far too many Indigenous women face violence and insecurity in their daily lives. ONWA’s international initiatives, including its collaboration with the United Nations and the recent agreement with the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL), are vital in creating a global movement for change. These efforts exemplify how Indigenous women are not only standing up for their rights but also empowering future generations to continue this essential work.” – Krystal Brant, President, ONWA
ONWA is committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and advocating for policies that promote our safety and wellbeing and uphold our inherent rights. This includes strengthening efforts to ensure Indigenous women are included in decision-making, both locally and globally, on the issues that impact our lives, and that our contributions and solutions are recognized as essential to advance human rights for all.
This year, ONWA participated in the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee)’s 10th review of Canada’s efforts to eliminate discrimination against all women and promote women’s equal rights. ONWA advocated for urgent action to address Indigenous women’s safety and uphold our rights – including immediate implementation of the Calls for Justice that prioritize our safety and healing, sustainable funding for Indigenous women’s organizations, elimination of all sex discrimination in the Indian Act, and, importantly, clear accountability and action from all levels of government.
Indigenous women are the experts in their own lives, and we have the right to live safely and to determine solutions for the challenges impacting our communities. We invite everyone to honour Human Rights Day by reflecting on the importance of basic human rights like safety, are not taken for granted, and that we work together to end the unacceptable levels of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
To learn more about ONWA’s participation at the 89th Session of CEDAW:
ONWA’s Shadow Report submitted to the CEDAW Committee (our review of Canada’s human rights record re. discrimination against Indigenous women): https://www.onwa.ca/_files/ugd/274c9a_474111f5e44d47cf8bf1f91c7116cf45.pdf
Joint press release from the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group on the CEDAW Committee’s report to Canada: https://www.onwa.ca/post/joint-press-release-cedaw-committee-urges-canada-to-take-immediate-action-and-end-discrimination-ag
To learn more about ONWA’s recent collaborative statement on Intimate Partner Violence with the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council (IWAC):
Statement from the Ontario Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council on Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic https://www.onwa.ca/post/iwac-declares-epidemic-2024
For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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