Indigenous women hold the solutions to the issues that impact their lives. Through collective advocacy, we will amplify Indigenous women’s knowledge and expertise, strengthen our own Indigenous women-led institutions, and work in solidarity.

Join the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) for this parallel event as we propose solutions and co-develop advocacy positions to collectively amplify Indigenous women’s voices and influence change at CSW68 and upcoming United Nations’ sessions.

Download the slides here:

View photos from the event under At the Conference - Day 5

Applying an Indigenous Gender Based Analysis to Reclaim Indigenous Women’s Leadership

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, ONWA (left) | Ingrid Green, Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA (right)

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s Indigenous Gender Based Analysis works to reconstruct understandings of the key issues that Indigenous women navigate, and to support the development of solutions that are critically needed for safety.

Join ONWA for this parallel event to better understand Indigenous women’s experiences and develop solutions that foster safety, healing, and empowerment.

Press Release

ONWA Delegation to attend 68th Session, UN Commission on the Status of Women

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) will be sending a delegation to the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) taking place from March 11 to 22, in New York.

In the News

Up North with Jonathan Pinto: ONWA representatives attend the 68th annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Aired: Tuesday, March 12, 2024

They're small but they're mighty, and they're not going away. A contingent from the Ontario Native Women's Association is in New York City trying to make Indigenous women's voices heard at the 68th annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Listen now!

TBnewswatch: ONWA members host Indigenous event in NYC with the United Nations

Katie Nicholls | Thursday, March 14, 2024

An Indigenous women-specific side event was created for the first time this year at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Read now!

At the Conference - Day 1

Monday, March 11, 2024

2030 Agenda & Sustainable Development Goals

Adopted in 2015, the 2030 Agenda & Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for global peace, prosperity, and sustainability. They call for action to end poverty, improve health & education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth, tackle climate change, and preserve our environment.

The Ontario Native Women’s Association is honoured to be attending the United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).

Tree of global cooperation

Art installation at UN Headquarters depicting a Tree of global cooperation, titled Communities Empower Global Cooperation.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Our work at CSW68 is not just about advocating for Indigenous women's rights, but about building a stronger, more connected community.

Indigenous women know the solutions to the issues that we face

“Indigenous women know the solutions to the issues that we face. Investing in Indigenous women and our organizations is an investment in the whole community – it has a critical multiplier effect on poverty eradication and helps drive equitable and sustainable economic development and builds safer communities.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA

The vital role of women in decision-making

"The meaningful inclusion of women in decision-making increases effectiveness and productivity, brings new perspectives and solutions to the table, unlocks greater resources and strengthens efforts across all the three pillars of our work. "- Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres

Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the vital role of women in decision-making. At ONWA, we're committed to empowering Indigenous women's voices in leadership, as their inclusion enhances productivity and brings new solutions to the table. Join us at #CSW68 in advocating for meaningful participation.

Together, we're shaping a brighter, more inclusive future

Empowering voices, driving change! ONWA leaders Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Tina Bobinski, and Ingrid Green are at #CSW68 advocating for Indigenous women's rights. Together, we're shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. ONWA represents over 30 Indigenous women’s organizations, our organizations require sustainable multiyear funding. This is key to financing with an Indigenous gender perspective and that enable us to strengthen our own institutions.

Progress is an intergenerational effort

“Doors don’t just open one to the next. There has been lots of intergenerational effort made”. -Tarcilia Rivera Zea, FIMI President speaking at the Indigenous Women’s Coordination Meeting.

At ONWA, we know that progress is an intergenerational effort and we are working to pave the way for future generations. As we advocate at #CSW68, we carry forward the legacy of Indigenous women who have fought for change. Join us in amplifying Indigenous voices.

Governing Council of the Norwegian Sámi Parliament

Meeting with the Governing Council of the Norwegian Sámi Parliament was a profound reminder of the strength in Indigenous leadership. Ingeborg Heidi Larsen, Inga Marie Nymo Riseth, and Maja Kristine Jama exemplify the values we champion: sustainable financing, meaningful participation, and safety for women. Their dedication fuels our advocacy at #CSW68.

At the Conference - Day 2

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

An act of reclaiming our rightful place as leader

"Our participation at the UN CSW68 as Indigenous women is an act of reclaiming our rightful place as leaders on the national and international stage. We are the experts on our own lives, and we carry the solutions to the complex issues facing our communities. Our participation restores our voice and inherent responsibilities to BUILD a future where Indigenous women and girls can live freely and fully, and every Indigenous youth knows that THEY are a sacred part of Creation." - Alana Robert, Youth Director, ONWA

Our leadership is at the forefront to lift Indigenous women out of poverty

Left to Right: Alana Robert, Youth Director, ONWA, Ingrid Green, Research Director, ONWA, Jackie Neapole, Executive Director, CRIAW, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA, Ingrid Green, Director of Research, ONWA, and Tina Bobinski, Sr Director of Community Development, ONWA

At #CSW68, our leadership is at the forefront, advocating for sustainable solutions to lift Indigenous women out of poverty. The Sphere within Sphere sculpture symbolizes our interconnectedness and the need for sustainable, inclusive solutions. Join us in advocating for change.

Advocating for sustainable financing, meaningful participation, and safety for Indigenous women with the Maori Women's League

Connecting with the Maori Women's Welfare League was a powerful reminder of the strength in #IndigenousUnity. Together, we're advocating for sustainable financing, meaningful participation, and safety for Indigenous women. Our collaboration amplifies our voices at #CSW68.

Advocating for sustainable solutions with Alia Butt

Meeting with Alia Butt, the Canadian Assistant Deputy Minster, Strategic Policy, Women and Gender Equality reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions to empower Indigenous women. Together, we're driving meaningful change for a more inclusive future.

Addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women with Patty Hajdu and Melanie Omeniho

Our meeting with Minister Patty Hajdu and Melanie Omeniho of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak was a crucial step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women. We are advocating for sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous communities.

Gender Equality as a Core Economic Imperative

Attending the session on 'Gender Equality as a Core Economic Imperative' at #CSW68 was an honor. We discussed how government structures, processes, and evidence can drive gender equality forward. Together with global leaders like Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market; Katy Gallagher Minister for Finance, Women, Public Service; Teresa Curristine, Deputy Division Chief, International Monetary Fund; and Oneeva Tu’uhetoka, Australia Women’s Business Program, Australia; we're advocating for systemic changes that benefit all.

Moderating the "Indigenous Women's Voices on the Barriers and Opportunities Towards Their Inclusive Socio-Economic Development" Panel with Quotes

ONWA CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette was honoured to moderate "Indigenous Women's Voices on the Barriers and Opportunities Towards Their Inclusive Socio-Economic Development" at the UN CSW68. This panel provided a spotlight to the lived experiences of Indigenous women, showcasing their resilience and vision for inclusive socio-economic development.

“Investing in Indigenous women and their organizations is an investment in the whole community. It has a critical multiplier effect on poverty eradication and helps drive equitable and sustainable economic development “. - Cora McGuire Cyrette

“Taking the time to honour Indigenous women across the globe…Indigenous women are in the front line of defending our environment and so much more”. -Minister Nahanni Fontaine

“This is a time to listen and learn”.- Minister Marci Ien

Cora McGuire-Cyrette on creating systemic change

Cora McGuire-Cyrette spoke on creating systemic change at the side event: Indigenous Women's Voices on the Barriers and Opportunities Towards Their Inclusive Socio-Economic Development.

"In order to affect systemic change we need Indigenous women everywhere. We need Indigenous women in elected leadership. We need Indigenous women on the ground in grass roots. We need our youth to continue to tell the truth and be brave and courageous leaders, and to challenge leaders on their future. Because this world is theirs."

Minister Nahanni Fontaine on the many accomplishments of Indigenous women

We were honoured to be present for Minister Nahanni Fontaine speaking on the many accomplishments of Indigenous women. "Indigenous women are in the front line of defending our environment and so much more." Let's celebrate their leadership and contributions!

Indigenous Women's Voices on the Barriers and Opportunities Towards their Inclusive Socio-Economic Development (CSW68 Side Event)

Watch the full recording at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1x/k1x6cedjpr

At the Conference - Day 3

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Critical Space to Amplify Indigenous Women's Voices

"The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women is a critical space to amplify Indigenous women’s voices on key areas affecting our safety, empowerment, leadership and right to decision making. The legacy of systemic racism and gender inequities imbedded within institutions must be challenged and eradicated so Indigenous women in Canada and beyond are heard, valued and included in systems re-design." - Tina Bobinski, Senior Director Community Development, ONWA.

Amplifying Indigenous voices and strengthens our communities

Our leadership was honoured to drum and sing with representation from the Native Women's Association of Canada at the UN. Together, we amplify Indigenous voices and strengthens our communities. Together, we advocate for sustainable funding and meaningful participation of Indigenous women in decision-making at the #CSW68.

Emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to poverty

Our delegation joined a side event at the UN focusing on achieving SDGs by 2030 through gender equality. Yvonne Apyio Brandle Amolo, Member of Parliment, Switzerland, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to poverty, empowering people to fully participate in economic life. This aligns with our mission to empower Indigenous women and communities for sustainable development.

Experience the power of Indigenous culture and leadership as our leadership perform in front of the flags of the world at the UN in New York. Their rhythmic beats symbolize unity, strength and resilience, echoing our commitment to advocating for Indigenous Women’s rights.

At the Conference - Day 4

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Representation matters

"Representation matters, Indigenous women need to be in spaces and at tables where decisions are being made about us and our bodies. This includes decisions being made that impact us, our families, and communities." - Ingrid Green, Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA.

Building relationships with other women leaders across the world

"As and Indigenous woman, and a representative of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, I am honored to participate in this UNCSW68. This forum provides me an opportunity build relationships with other women leaders across the world. Collectively, we will disrupt the structures that contribute to gender inequality and poverty and advocate for solutions and investments towards eliminating poverty gaps and advancing gender equality for women." - Tina Bobinski, Senior Director Community Development, ONWA

Influencing change for those yet to come

"As an Indigenous woman, I know that I am privileged to be in at the CSW 68 and am honoured to here to learn and share about Indigenous women’s issues. We need to be where we can influence change for those yet to come. " - Ingrid Green, Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA.

Meeting strong Indigenous women leaders from around the world

Our leadership had the honor of meeting strong Indigenous women leaders from around the world at the screening of "Warrior Women." The film tells the story of Madonna Thunder Hawk, who shaped activists' children into the "We Will Remember" Survival School, a Native alternative to government-run education. Inspired by their resilience, we continue our work to empower Indigenous women and communities.

At the Conference - Day 5

Friday, March 15, 2024

Proposing solutions and co-developing advocacy positions to amplify Indigenous women's voices

At the recent workshop hosted by ONWA, Indigenous women leaders and youth came together to propose solutions and co-develop advocacy positions to amplify Indigenous women's voices. The images from the workshop capture the spirit of solidarity and empowerment as we work towards positive change.

Advocating for Indigenous women’s ways of being and knowing

"The CSW is where we can advocate for Indigenous women’s ways of being and knowing to impact much needed change for Indigenous women in Ontario." - Ingrid Green, Director of Research & Evaluation, ONWA

ONWA at UNCSW68

Highlights

ONWA Events

Collective Solidarity with Global Indigenous Women Leaders