Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)

Published purpose

Through this 29-month project, the Ontario Native Women’s Association will build its capacity to advance gender equality. It will address Indigenous women’s voices in leadership and decision-making roles and will enhance their capacity to better engage with all levels of government on issues related to human rights. To do so, the project will: 1) identify the needs and develop key messages and priorities grounded in the voices of Indigenous women to continue to refine ONWA’s positions on Indigenous women’s human rights; 2) develop resources and build Indigenous women’s capacity for leadership and advocacy about Indigenous women’s human rights; and 3) build on and strengthen partnerships to advance Indigenous women’s human rights. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, ONWA will 1) Develop and integrate the tools, templates, and processes required to support the implementation of ONWA’s 2026–2027 Operational Plan, which outlines how each Portfolio will advance the four goals of the ONWA Strategic Plan 2021–2031; 2) Strengthen the capacity of ONWA staff to apply ONWA’s Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis (IGBA) framework across the organization when advocating for systems and policy change. Through this they will further advance Gender Equality.