She Is Wise Conference 2026
- ONWA
- Feb 8
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
ONWA's She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin: 7th Annual Conference is happening February 9-11, 2026 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel (11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J1).
Stay tuned for up to the minute updates by exploring this blog or following ONWA on social media: onwa.ca/social
Highlights
About the Conference
Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin translates to “she is wise in ways of life.” This conference captures the voices and perspectives of Indigenous women and seeks to change the narrative of violence through collective cultural and gendered empowerment. It acknowledges the wisdom and intelligence of women, as well as our life-giving power.
The conference is structured around the teachings of Grandmothers, Mothers & Aunties, and Daughters, reflecting the intergenerational roles Indigenous women carry in nurturing strong families and thriving communities.
Through shared learning and creating space, this conference will strengthen leadership that is grounded, relational, and deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge.
2026 Theme
This year's theme is Growing Together: Wisdom, Healing & Leadership. Rooted in relationship — to spirit, land, family, and community — this theme reflects the understanding that growth happens collectively. Like a living forest, each generation contributes to the health of the whole; planting seeds of wisdom, tending roots of care, and cultivating a flourishing future.
Press Release
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Monday, February 9, 2026
Day 1 - Grandmothers "Aligning Our Purpose with Spirit & Community"
Good morning from #SheIsWise ✨
Day One is all about our Grandmothers — the knowledge keepers who ground us, guide us, and remind us who we are. We’re starting in ceremony, community, and care as we step into three powerful days together. 💜🪶
Opening in the best way possible 🥁✨
Prayer. Song. Ceremony.
Honoured to be guided by Elder Tina Armstrong and the ONWA Passwewe Ikwewug Drum Group as we open.
We are honoured to receive welcoming words from leaders and partners who strengthen Indigenous communities in the Ottawa area and across Ontario. These voices remind us that collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility are essential as we continue this work together.
“…we all come here with our own spirit, our own challenges, our own assignments. [...] Your ancestors are proud you are here.” - Verna McGregor, Representative of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin Nation
“Indigenous women lead in ways the world is still learning to recognize. [...] We lead by carrying others when they are tired, by holding space […], by choosing community instead of ego, by standing firm when the ground has been shaken. [...] Support each other the way our ancestors intended, side-side, not ahead." - Mary Daoust, Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition
“Your wisdom matters. Your healing matters. This room is full of women who have been tested by life. We are still here, we are still leading because we are wise. [...] Our strength has never been individual; it has always been a collective.” - Stephanie Mikki Adam, Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition
"We need hope, we need healing, and we need love now more than ever. […] She is Wise is about reclaiming who we are within our own systems, our own teachings, our own values – because the world needs it.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO
This morning we are honoured to listen and learn from an extraordinary Knowledge Keepers Panel, featuring Indigenous women Elders whose courage, teachings, and leadership have shaped generations.
Because of their bravery—and the bravery of those who came before—we are able to reclaim our cultures, step into leadership, and be proud Indigenous women. Their wisdom grounds us as we face uncertain times and reminds us of our responsibilities to one another and to future generations.
"I am here representing the land, because the land is us. The land is where we have always received unconditional love." - Renee Thomas-Hill
“I think about the braiding process we go through – every time I unbraid my hair, I’m letting go of the messages that don’t serve me. […] We are all in this process of unbraiding [..] Rebraid the beauty and the strength that you carry. It is within you." - Tina Armstrong
“Inunnguiniq – making capable human beings – we were reared to become who our parents saw in us. [...] I wanted to know what happened to us – that became our journey. […] When I hear stories, it’s like puzzle pieces coming together again.” - Reepa Evic-Carleton
"A group of ladies, lots of ladies. That is where the power comes from. When we get together to help one another. With all those women present we can solve any problem we had. That is my experience. [...] Whenever they told me don’t, that’s what I did. [...] The only way I could look after [my children] is to fight back using my voice. I became a speaker." - Maria Linklater
Advice from Knowledge Keepers:
“Breathe […] Bring life back.” - Renee Thomas-Hill
“Reach out. You are not alone.” - Tina Armstrong
“Learn to believe in yourself. I had to find that. We lose that when we are in a situation of trauma. It takes time, But it will happen.” - Reepa Evic-Carleton
“Go to the old people. The more we use our way of life, it’s going to be better.” - Maria Linklater
Healing starts within 🌿
This morning’s session, Connecting Self & Grandmothers, explores Indigenous approaches to wellness that integrate cultural identity, healing practices, and intergenerational teachings.
"We are returning to our traditionally held and vital roles as lifegivers, cultural knowledge keepers, spiritual leaders, and community organizers, enduing community resilience and continuity through wisdom, spiritual strength, and a deep connection to the land: this is our heartwork! [...] It’s time for us to return to the practices that keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open, and remember where we come from, who we are, and why we are here. Weave our communities together." - Jenny Sutherland
This afternoon we return together for Tree Teachings, reminding us of our responsibilities to the land, to each other, and to future generations. These teachings call us to think beyond ourselves and act with care, reciprocity, and intention.
We started this workshop with a video by Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute that reminds us: "We are the peace builders."
Some lessons to take from the trees:
Trees alone are not strong – we thrive as a community
Trees are always feeding each other, Mother trees feed everybody – we don’t need to hoard, we need to share
Trees are the lungs of Mother Earth – start with your own breath, then share your breath with the world
There is never one tree – we coexist and support each other, we grow with kindness
Breakout Sessions time: Planting in Wisdom Rich Soil 💬✨
So many powerful conversations happening across rooms—learning, sharing, and growing together. Sessions provide space for focused learning on Indigenous women’s leadership, wellness, data, relationships, and community accountability.
We close Day One with Indigenous Astronomy, led by Samantha Doxtator. Through stories of the sky, ceremony, and science, this session reminds us of the deep connections between knowledge systems, land, and the universe.
"Always remember you are that capable of doing amazing things in astronomical proportions because you have the Stardust of many generations flowing in your veins." - Samantha Doxtator
As we close Day One of She Is Wise, we carry forward the teachings of our Grandmothers—wisdom rooted in courage, care, and responsibility. Thank you to everyone who joined us today. We return tomorrow to continue this journey together.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Day 2 - Mothers & Aunties "Roots of Care – Nurturing Caregivers"
Good morning, Day Two ✨
Today we honour Mothers & Aunties — the leaders who show us strength through care, patience, and action. Ready for another powerful day at #SheIsWise 💜
We open Day Two with a powerful performance by Silla Inuit Throat Singers, whose voices reflect resilience, strength, and deep cultural connection. Their music reminds us that Indigenous women’s expression—rooted in tradition and evolving forward—is a form of leadership.
Mothering. Aunty-ing. Leading. ✨
Dr. Kathy Absolon’s keynote Mothering & Aunty-ing as Leadership reframes leadership through Indigenous perspectives, highlighting caregiving, relational accountability, and cultural knowledge as central to effective leadership.
"Mothers and aunties hands down are leaders. Leadership is recognized in action not words. Leading with thoughtful words, kind words, honest words. Words backed up with kind, honest action. Action steeped in truth – not just your truth, a humble truth." - Dr. Kathy Absolon
We continue the morning with Anishinaabekwe Minwaajimo (Good Stories). Dr. Patricia McGuire’s session centers Indigenous women’s narratives as a foundation for leadership, equity, and self-determination.
"When we were around the fire together, it really felt like we were being welcomed back to the land. [...] Women are the ones that had the stories, that taught the language." - Dr. Patricia McGuire
This afternoon’s breakout sessions invite participants into hands-on learning, creative practice, and deep discussion. From cultural safety and healing arts to Inuit leadership and traditional teachings, these sessions reflect the diverse strengths Indigenous women bring to leadership.
Ending Day Two on a high note 🎶✨
We close the day with a live performance by Rebecca Strong, Canada's Got Talent Champion, whose music uplifts, inspires, and celebrates Indigenous excellence. Her voice carries the strength and hope that defines today’s teachings.
As Day Two comes to a close, we carry forward the teachings of Mothers and Aunties—leadership rooted in care, accountability, and community. We are grateful for the teachings, the creativity, and the care shared today. See you tomorrow for our final day together. 💜
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Day 3 - Daughters "Strong Roots to Support a Thriving Forest"
✨ Final day! Opening with teachings and song 🪶🥁
We begin the final day of ONWA’s 7th Annual She Is Wise Conference together, grounded in gratitude and anticipation. Today we honour our Daughters—the next generation of Indigenous women leaders whose voices, vision, and courage are already shaping the future.
We open our final day with Traditional Teachings, our stories continue to inspire generations. Joined by song from the ONWA Passwewe Ikwewug Drum Group, this opening grounds us in culture, courage, and continuity as we look toward the future.
Youth making change ✨🔥
This morning we are honoured to hear from four incredible Indigenous youth leaders during the Youth Making Change Panel. Their stories, advocacy, creativity, and leadership remind us that Indigenous women have always been leaders—and that our youth are already carrying this responsibility forward with vision and courage.
"I still feel very young, so seeing myself as a leader, scares me a little but also excites me and makes me feel honoured." - Daanis Pelletier
"Love [give me hope] – love for one another, for connection and relationships with the land and community." - Shelby Gagnon
“It’s so important to recognize youth as leaders; not of tomorrow but leaders of today. [...] I have a responsibility to walk gently on the earth and leave it better for my children. [...] The biggest honour in my life is to see something wrong in the world and try to do something about it." - Zoe Craig-Sparrow
"Our languages are not second languages, they are our first identities [...] When we speak our language confidently, children listen and then they carry it home. [...] Every time a young person learns to speak their language, that is resistance, that’s healing.” - Tia Adams
Our final day continues with breakout sessions led by Indigenous facilitators and youth leaders. These sessions invite participants into hands-on learning, creative expression, and action-focused discussions that reflect the leadership of the next generation.
This afternoon we gather to Honour the Land and the Water, guided by teachings, storytelling, and dance that remind us of our responsibilities as water protectors. We are honoured by the Grassy Narrow Women’s Group, Wabanoonkwe, and Waawaate Fobister for these teachings connecting past, present, and future—calling us to action rooted in respect and reciprocity.
“The Creator has given me a gift that not a lot of people can say they have, I was born Anishinaabe, this is my power and my blessing.” - Wabanoonkwe
"Seven generations ahead, seven generations behind. If you live that daily, it changes how you operate on a daily basis." - Waawaate Fobister
We are honoured to experience Water Stories, a live fashion show by Wabanoonkwe. This powerful fashion show weaves together art, land, water, and storytelling—bringing our conference theme to life.
A special thank you to Grassy Narrow Women’s Group for the live accompanying drumming, and to all our beautiful community models. 💜
As we leave this space, we carry forward the teachings of Grandmothers, Mothers and Aunties, and Daughters—turning hope into action in our homes, communities, and Nations.
Three days of teachings, connection, and strength. Carry it forward. #SheIsWise