Profile
The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that was established in 1972 to empower and support Aboriginal women and their families throughout the province of Ontario. ONWA's guiding principle is that all Aboriginal ancestry will be treated with dignity, respect and equality and benefits and services will be extended to all no matter where one lives and regardless of Tribal heritage.
ONWA is affiliated with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC). Like NWAC, ONWA is committed to being the voice of Aboriginal women in Ontario and to building relationships with all levels of government and other organizations to ensure all Aboriginal women and their families will live free from social and economic distress; to promote their sacred roles as valued and respected members in the community; and to preserve their culture, language and heritage.
ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Aboriginal women and their families regardless of their status or locality. ONWA's head office is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Programs and services are available throughout the province via satellite offices located in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Geraldton/Greenstone, Ottawa, Napanee and Hamilton.
ONWA as an organization is a provincial network of Aboriginal women consisting of 39 employees, 20 Board Members including 4 Youth Representatives, 4 Grandmothers, 70 Locals, and numerous partner organizations and agencies - all working together to achieve equality and justice for Aboriginal women, their families and communities.
Our VISION moving forward is to become an Aboriginal Centre of Excellence for programs and service delivery and to enhance our role in the development of government policy. In order to do this, ONWA recognizes the importance of building new and meaningful relationships with government and other partners who support our aspirations.
