ONWA Celebrates Indigenous Women Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Thunder Bay, ON – Throughout March, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) proudly celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing the remarkable achievements and contributions of Indigenous women across Ontario. As this year’s celebration concludes, ONWA is honored to share exciting news: six outstanding Indigenous women have been awarded the prestigious inaugural King Charles III Coronation Medal.

ONWA had the privilege of nominating the following exceptional leaders for their dedication and commitment to uplifting Indigenous women and their communities:

• Mary Daoust (Minwaashin Lodge)

• Stephanie Mikki Adams (The Matriarch’s)

• Roberta Wesley (Constance Lake Anishnawbe Quek)

• Tana Troniak (Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle)

• Norma General Lickers (Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women)

• Jasmine Van Every (Deshkan Zii Bi Indigenous Women’s Association)

The King Charles III Coronation Medal, established to commemorate His Majesty’s Coronation on May 6, 2023, honors 30,000 exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. This prestigious recognition reflects values of service, environmental sustainability, and the celebration of Canada’s diversity—values that resonate deeply with Indigenous women’s leadership.

ONWA was proud to join in the medal ceremony held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, where Ingrid Green ONWA Interim CEO, delivered heartfelt remarks in recognition of the recipients’ contributions. She emphasized the powerful impact of Indigenous women’s leadership, stating:

“This medal is about recognizing the significant difference you make in your communities. Given to less than 1% of the population, this award honors your tireless work, which has had a tremendous impact. Indigenous women do ‘heart work’—we are the medicine. This award affirms that Indigenous women are leading the healing of our families, communities, and Nations.” – Ingrid Green, ONWA Interim CEO

From Ottawa to Sioux Lookout, Niagara to Constance Lake, these remarkable leaders are paving the way for future generations by modeling what Indigenous women’s leadership looks like. Their work goes beyond advocacy—it is about healing, empowerment, and creating lasting change.

ONWA extends heartfelt congratulations to Mary, Mikki, Tana, Norma, Roberta, and Jasmine. Their dedication and leadership inspire us all. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions, and ONWA is honored to stand alongside them in their continued efforts to uplift Indigenous women across Ontario.

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 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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Mary Daoust, Ojbway White Sand First Nation, joined Minwaashin Lodge in 2005 as a Sexual Abuse Counsellor. The support Lodge provides a range of programs and services to the Indigenous community. In 2008, Mary joined management as the Counselling Team Supervisor becoming Acting ED in 2011 and ED in 2014. The spirit of her ancestors led her to pursue her dreams in supporting Indigenous women and children fleeing domestic abuse and violence with a Native Studies and Addictions background.

Stephanie Mikki Adams, Executive Director Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Received her Management Studies Certificate in 2001 at the Nunavut Arctic College and her Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers designation from AFOA Canada in 2009. Mikki is the co-chair of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, board member with CASO Inuit Non-Profit Housing and member of the Indigenous Education Advisory with Ottawa Carleton District School Board.

Roberta Wesley, Constance Lake Anishnawbe Quek, has worked with Nishawbe Aski Legal Services for 15 years advocating for restorative justice, Gladue hearings, and the Talking Together Program. Roberta served 10 years as Vice President with Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). Roberta was 1 of 4 who developed an Alternative Dispute Resolution model in Child Welfare to assist families through holistic healing rather than the court system and dealing with Child & Family Services.

Tana Troniak, Sioux Lookout Ontario, Executive Director of First Step Women’s Shelter for the past 15 years has over 30 years of experience working in the Violence Against Women Sector. Tana currently manages two women’s shelters First Step Women’s Shelter, Sioux Lookout, ON, and the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter located in Atikokan, ON. Tana is an advocate for Indigenous women in the shelter system, and the issues surrounding women living in rural and remote first nation communities.

Norma General-Lickers Teiotsistaserthe ion kiats – Bright Star is Mohawk, Turtle Clan, Norma was appointed as the 1st Indigenous full-time Justice of the Peace for Southern Ontario in 1989 and a Federal Justice of the Peace in 2001. She is one of the founding members of both Niagara Chapter-Native Women, Inc. and Ganawageh Urban Homes. She previously sat on the Six Nations Police Commission (Elder/Advisor/Community Representative) and was honoured by them in January 2024.

Jasmine Van Every, Turtle Clan from the Senedoga Nation, is head of Deshkan Zii Bi Indigenous Women’s Association. With her leadership her group has taken on monumental tasks to support Indigenous women, children and families in her community. She is a change maker, who is innovative in ways to approach and work alongside community organizations who drive change. Mother, Daughter, and Sister to a wonderful family she has strong roots in community service and helping others.