We want to hear your strong warrior women stories!
March is Women's History month and ONWA is celebrating the achievements of women.
Who are the women that have made a difference in your community or nation? Is she your number one supporter? Is she your mother, sister, grandmother…your most deadly auntie? What makes her so strong? Is she a great cook, artisan, crafter, knowledge carrier? Is she a community helper or leader? What makes her the bravest, strongest, most resilient woman you know? Tell us why you wanted to be like her when you grew up? What makes your SHERO-kwe special to you?
Tell us about your SHERO-kwe and submit a photo/video to be entered into a draw to win a prize for both yourself and your SHERO-kwe!
Let’s celebrate the women that hold our worlds together…and honour the space they have made way for us and the future leaders of tomorrow!
Submissions close at 11:59 PM EST on Friday March 31th, 2023. Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Monday April 3rd, 2023
What is a "SHERO-kwe"?
“A shero is defined as a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities; a heroine. Originally, a shero could be any woman who was defined by another as a hero and the term first came to fruition in 1836 during the suffrage movement. Today we believe a shero can be everyday people who support diversity, and have strong character and sense of self. They support, encourage and push every woman to be better and are champions for gender equality. Anyone at any age and from any culture or background can be a shero.” (definition source)
“-kwe” means woman in Ojibwe; if you identify as a women you are a “-kwe”. How do you say women in your language?
Here are some of ONWA's SHERO-kwe
Tshaukuesh (Elizabeth) Penashue is an activist and educator. Since 1966 she has led annual trips deep into the land to protect and highlight Innu culture.
Gain insight into Elizabeth’s 3 week long walk here: https://vimeo.com/57346500
“Even when it’s hard, I go. Nothing stops me because “nutshimit” (the bush/country) is very important for our culture. Before I’m gone, I want to see some change, I want to help my people and teach the children”
What is the “Who is your SHERO-kwe” promotion?
A social media and website promotion in celebration of United Nations International Women's Day (March 8), where participants can submit a photo and/or video of an Indigenous women in their life. All participants will be entered into a random draw for the chance to win prizes. On Monday April 3rd, 2023, ONWA will announce the winners, and highlight the some women honoured on social media.
How do I participate?
Submit your photo/video or photo with written explanation using the Submission Form. You can enter multiple SHERO-kwe, however they must be entered as separate submissions.
How many entries can I submit?
You can submit as many entries as you wish to share. Each entry requires a separate submission via the Submission Form.
For every SHERO-kwe you submit for, you will receive one entry into the virtual ballot drum. By entering multiple entries you increase your chance to win.
If you are entering multiple times, please be sure to enter for different SHERO-kwe. Multiple entries from the same nominator for the same nominee will only count for one (1) ballot entry.
How do I win prizes?
Complete the Submission Form. Every SHERO-kwe submitted receives one entry into the virtual ballot drum for our random draw on Monday April 3rd, 2023.
There will be ten (10) winners. Winners will be divided between two kinds of participants:
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Community Members (5)
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Membership, ONWA Chapters and Councils (5)
Winners will receive a prize for themselves and for their SHERO-kwe. Winners will be notified through ONWA’s social media channels, and by email or telephone.
What are the prizes?
Prizes are:
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1 Kevin Bellmore Coloring kit
Winners will receive a prize for themselves and for their SHERO-kwe. Winners will be notified through ONWA’s social media channels, and by email or telephone.
How long is this promotion?
31 days – beginning on Wednesday March 1st, 2023, and deadline for submissions closing on Friday March 31st, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST. Draw will take place and winner's will be announced on Monday April 3rd, 2023.
Who can participate?
Residence of Ontario. If you are under the age 18, please ensure that you have parental consent to participate.
What are the Rules and Regulations of this promotion?
Click here to read the full Rules and Regulations for this promotion. Please be aware that by participating in this promotion you agree to follow the Rules and Regulations outlined for this promotion.
Here are some of your SHERO-kwe
Carol Ann Budd’s SHERO-kwe is:
Maureen Buchanan (Asinikwe) is one of the founding members and the heart of the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest (KILN). Her efforts have brought together community members to learn our Indigenous languages (Anishinaabemowin, Kaniaen’keha & Cree) and celebrate culture. Maureen has been the backbone of the group and is so very welcoming to new members. She works tirelessly to seek grants and partnerships to fund our community activities. Examples are a partnership with “Loving Spoonful” who provide traditional foods for our language nest gatherings and we incorporate the names of the food we are eating during our gathering. It’s not easy to build an Indigenous community in a colonial urban setting like Kingston and it’s been Maureen’s passion and vision that has been the driving force for the success and continuity of the grass roots group.