Thunder Bay, ON – On the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) reaffirms its commitment to eradicating systemic racism and discrimination that continue to impact Indigenous women, their families, and communities.
Indigenous women experience racism differently than other racialized groups, because this racism is rooted in colonization and systematic efforts to destroy their families, communities, and leadership. Anti-Indigenous racism remains a persistent barrier to equity, justice, and self-determination for Indigenous women across Canada. Systemic discrimination in healthcare, education, justice, and social services disproportionately affects Indigenous women and girls, contributing to socio-economic disparities and increased vulnerability to violence, including the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
"Indigenous women have been at the forefront of the fight against racial discrimination for generations," says Ingrid Green, ONWA Interim CEO. "On this important day, we honour their resilience and call for immediate action to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate racism against Indigenous peoples."
ONWA calls upon all levels of government to commit to meaningful reconciliation by:
Implementing the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S’ Calls for Justice that keep Indigenous women safe
Supporting Indigenous women-led solutions to address racial discrimination in policy and service delivery through long-term flexible funding
Ensuring Indigenous women’s voices are at the centre of decision-making processes that affect their lives
Committing to address anti-Indigenous racism in institutions serving Indigenous communities through education and policy reforms
Racial discrimination is an ongoing crisis that requires immediate and sustained action – this is especially so at a time when anti-rights and anti-women rhetoric is escalating worldwide.
The current global trend toward restricting rights and rolling back social protections poses a direct threat to Indigenous women’s rights and safety in Canada. Diminishing human rights protections, eroding Indigenous sovereignty, and defunding critical services will further marginalize Indigenous women and heighten their vulnerability to violence and discrimination. ONWA remains dedicated to supporting Indigenous women’s safety, healing and wellness by advocating for culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred approaches to addressing racial discrimination.
On this day, and every day, ONWA stands in solidarity with all Indigenous women and their families in the fight for justice, equity, and the elimination of racial discrimination.
Learn more about the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
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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About the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA):
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is committed to empowering Indigenous women and their families through advocacy, research, policy development, and community-driven programs. Our mission is to support the voices and leadership of Indigenous women in the pursuit of equity, justice, and self-determination.
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