The Ontario Native Women's Association was established to promote the betterment and equality of Native Women. The Ontario Native Women's Association is a provincial organization founded in 1972 which represents Aboriginal women and their families on matters that affect the political, social, education, economic, and justice issues of our daily lives. The Association has 83 local volunteer organizations, both on and off reserve communities. These local organizations are divided into four regions within Ontario (North, South, East, and West). The locals are autonomous groups and may address any and all issues that affect them. It is based on the belief of unity of All Native Women. Affiliated with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), ONWA represents Native Women in the province of Ontario, regardless of status or locality. The provincial body encourages the involvement of Native women at the socio-economic, recreational, cultural and political level.
Aboriginal women representing each local affiliate congregate at ONWA's annual assembly each year. The voting delegates ratify resolutions, during the three day conference, and these resolutions give direction to the provincial Head Office for the upcoming year. Elections for the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are held every second year at the Assembly. During the elections each region will elect four members to represent their region on the Board of Directors, which constitutes ONWA's Board of 12 members. After the regional elections are completed, from the 12 newly elected members, the Executive Committee is elected; President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
The Association continues to address a wide range of issues including: Discriminatory Section of the Indian Act (Bill C-31), Family Violence, Native Housing, Employment Equity, Health, Education and Justice.
Increased participation by the membership, at the community level, is encouraged. The focus of the organization is to provide leadership, organizational and financial basis on which to strengthen and build ONWA. The current focus of the organization is on "Capacity Building" at the three main levels.
Resolution Actions from 37th ONWA AGA
Resolution Actions from 36th ONWA AGA
Hate Crimes Presentation