ONWA at WD2026
- ONWA
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the 2026 Women Deliver Conference (WD2026) from April 27–30, 2026, in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia.
Highlights
Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):
Press Release
Ontario Native Women’s Association Amplifies Indigenous Women’s Leadership at 2026 Women Deliver Conference
Naarm (Melbourne), Australia – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is joining Indigenous women and others from around the world at the 2026 Women Deliver Conference (WD2026), a leading global gathering focused on advancing the health, rights and well-being of women and girls.
ONWA Side Event
Moving Indigenous Women’s Stories to Advocacy and Action
4:00-5:30 PM
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Room 218
Globally, Indigenous women are reclaiming their roles as leaders, knowledge holders and changemakers. This session centres our strengths, teachings and collective power – highlighting how we transform our stories into action.
Through connection and storytelling, participants will reflect on their leadership journey and explore how collective action creates lasting impact and systemic change. A hands-on, arts-based activity - a copper water pail necklace - will guide discussion and honour our responsibilities and sacred relationship with water.
Speakers:
Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Hunter Corbiere, Youth Council Member, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Alysha Wesley, Youth Council Member, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Dr. Hope Tupara, National President, Māori Women’s Welfare League
Terri Reid, Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice
What is the Women Deliver Conference?
The Women Deliver Conference is the leading global gathering focused on advancing the health, rights and well-being of women and girls. It is community led and focused on action, and is designed to strengthen collective action to hold governments accountable.
This year’s conference is held in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People, who are part of the Kulin Nation.
Why is ONWA at the 2026 Women Deliver Conference?
“In a world filled with uncertainty, we recognize that Indigenous women's leadership is needed now more than ever. We are not just participating in the Women Deliver Conference - we are using this forum to mobilize as Indigenous women and influence policies that impact our daily lives. We are here to push beyond presence and into action - where Indigenous women are driving systemic change, shaping priorities and advancing solutions on the ground in their communities.
This is an opportunity to strengthen our collective voices as we know that we are stronger together. Our work is about advancing meaningful change for Indigenous women, our families, our communities and our Nations.“ - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA, CEO
Indigenous women and youth are showing up, speaking out, and shaping global conversations at Women Deliver 2026. 🌍
From sharing community-driven solutions to amplifying the voices of the next generation, ONWA’s delegation is grounded in strength, knowledge, and collective action. We are representing and ensuring Indigenous realities guide meaningful change today and for future generations.
“The inherent leadership of Indigenous women is needed now more than ever. The shared experiences of our sisters around the world affirm that when Indigenous women gather globally, we are not only sharing stories—we are shaping solutions grounded in generations of traditional knowledge and resilience.” - Melinda Commanda, ONWA, President
“As Indigenous youth, we are often referred to as leaders of tomorrow – but we are leaders right now. Being here at the Women Deliver Conference allows me as a young Indigenous woman to observe and learn, and offer solutions for my community and Indigenous women at home.“ - Hunter Corbiere, ONWA, Youth Council Member
“As a member of ONWA’s Indigenous Youth Council, having the opportunity to participate in the Women Deliver Conference empowers our generation in carrying forward both the strength of our ancestors and the urgency of much-needed change. My voice is being validated and heard.” - Alysha Wesley, ONWA, Youth Council Member
“The Women Deliver Conference offers a critical opportunity for Indigenous women and our organizations to gather to share wise practices, learn from one another, and work collaboratively on the issues impacting our communities. This gathering is about our collective action and advocacy, and the meaningful change we can create when we empower and uplift one another - build each other up” - Vicky Woodbeck, ONWA, Director of Community Development
“I am honoured by the opportunity to ensure that Indigenous women’s realities shape global priorities and actions. It is through our shared challenges and collective solutions that our voices are strengthened, and commitment to systemic change and community action is affirmed.” - Mandy Tait-Martens, ONWA, Director of Community Services
“Being here on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation reminds me of the importance of community and my home community of Constance Lake First Nation in northern Ontario. We all share Mother Earth’s beauty, the skies, lands and waters - she provides the bounty that we are here to defend for the next 7 generations.” - Roberta Wesley, ONWA, Board of Directors
At the Conference - Day 1
Monday, April 27, 2026
Yesterday, ONWA’s CEO spoke as part of a panel at the Women Deliver Pre-Conference event, Decolonizing Futures: First Nations Indigenous Women Advancing Treaty and Global Solidarity
“No system or policies will stop us from being Indigenous women. Every time we sing our songs, practice our culture, walk in our Indigenous way of being, we are taking up our responsibilities and challenging the very system that continues to attack us. Let’s mobilize together, and raise our voices together - we are stronger together.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
Indigenous women’s leadership is shaping conversations and driving meaningful change on a global stage at the 2026 Women’s Deliver Conference in Australia. 🌎
ONWA is proud to stand alongside Indigenous women from around the world, sharing knowledge, strengthening connections, and advancing solutions rooted in generations of resilience and tradition.
At the Conference - Day 2
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Coming Soon!
At the Conference - Day 3
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Coming Soon!
At the Conference - Day 4
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Coming Soon!
