The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the 70th National Conference of the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL) from 9-14 October, 2024, in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
Press Release
Stronger Together: ONWA strengthens solidarity with Māori women
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Hamilton, New Zealand – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), alongside members of ONWA’s Board of Directors and Youth Council, is attending the 70th National Conference of the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL) from October 9-13, 2024, in Hamilton, New Zealand.
At the Conference - Day 1
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
A historic moment! The Ontario Native Women's Association and Maori Women's Welfare League have signed the Manaakitanga and Gizhewaadizi Agreement, marking a commitment to work together for the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls worldwide.
Indigenous languages are more than words; they’re stories of resilience and heritage. Every indigenous language is a treasure trove of knowledge. Protecting these languages protects our collective wisdom!
ONWA delegation was honoured to witness the Ngā Pū Kōrero ō Āpōpō competition, whose purpose includes supporting the growth of fluent Māori speakers, preserving and maintaining the te reo Māori, and increasing the confidence of tamariki and rangatahi speakers in public forum.
ONWA’s CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, spoke about Indigenous leadership and the power of women’s voices in creating global change at the Maori Women's Welfare League conference in New Zealand. Indigenous women have always been leaders in our communities. We stand here today not only to honor that legacy but to build upon it for future generations.
At the Conference - Day 2
Thursday, October 10, 2024
ONWA delegates are embracing every moment to learn and share at the MWWL Conference in New Zealand. Building bridges between our cultures is key to our collective growth.
ONWA is proud to participate in today’s leadership panel at Māori Women's Welfare League (MWWL) Conference, discussing the importance of Indigenous women in decision-making roles. Our voices must guide the path forward.
At the Conference - Day 3
Friday, October 11, 2024
ONWA’s delegation is proud to represent our communities and build lasting connections with Māori women in New Zealand.
We were honoured to meet Tangiwai Rewi, Dean/Professor, Faculty of Maori & Indigenous Studies at Waikato University, Hamilton New Zealand, she graciously led Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO and ONWA delegates on a tour of their beautiful university.
These cultural exchanges remind us that while our lands are far apart, our struggles and strengths are the same. We are sisters across nations.
Building relationships across nations empowers our voices and our leadership. We are not just learning from each other—we are reclaiming our power as Indigenous peoples. Together, we can achieve more for Indigenous women everywhere.
At the Conference - Day 4
Saturday, October 12, 2024
When Indigenous women lead, we create pathways for entire communities to heal and thrive. Our leadership is rooted in love, culture, and resilience.
Change starts with us! We are reclaiming our rights to govern and lead in ways that honor our cultures and histories. The connection between ONWA and the MWWL will continue to uplift our communities long after the conference ends.
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