Ontario Native Women’s Association

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"The marginalized position of Aboriginal women in a society is not acceptable." - New Executive Director of ONWA.

PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release

Ontario Native Women’s Association Welcomes Betty Kennedy as new Executive Director

Thunder Bay, ON (May 5, 2010) – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) board members and staff announces the appointment of their new Executive Director.

Effective May 3, 2010 former Thunder Bay City Councillor Betty Kennedy was appointed to lead the provincial women’s organization.

Kennedy has a formal background in sociology and social work, and has worked with various Aboriginal and First Nation organizations throughout her career. Her community involvement is highly regarded through her ongoing leadership and participation on numerous local boards, such as the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and other federal and provincial organizations including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Ontario Non Profit Housing Association and the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centers to name a few.

ONWA President Dawn Harvard stated: “Betty is a highly skilled executive with extensive experience in politics, administration, policy and program development. We are pleased to have Betty join our team and we look forward to working together to improve the lives of Aboriginal women and their families. With Betty’s personal understanding and enthusiasm for the needs of Aboriginal women and their families, their voices will continue to be heard long into the future”.

Kennedy says she is very honoured and excited to assume her new role. “The marginalized position of Aboriginal women in a society is not acceptable. I look forward to the challenges ahead and will work relentlessly to ensure that their voice is heard. ONWA will engage with all who are committed to dealing with the issues and especially the issues of violence against Aboriginal women”.

The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Aboriginal women and their families in the province of Ontario.
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For further information:
Cindy Cade, Executive Assistant, Ontario Native Women’s Association
(807) 623-3442 ext. 8588
ccade@onwa-tbay.ca

Ontario Native Women’s Association
212 East Miles Street, Thunder Bay ON P7C 1J6
1-800-667-0816 or 807-623-3442; Fax: 807-623-1104
General Email: onwa@onwa-tbay.ca Website: www.onwa-tbay.ca

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PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release

ONWA supports walkers challenging sex discrimination in the Indian Act

Thunder Bay, ON (May 20, 2010) – Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) will be welcoming walkers from the Amun March, as they arrive in Ottawa in June 1, 2010.
The Amun ("Big gathering") March began in Wendake, Quebec on May 4, and after covering 500 km through the province of Quebec, the march will conclude in Ottawa. Once in Ottawa, walkers and supporters will meet at Parliament Hill for a final gathering.

The walkers are intending to increase awareness among Canadians about the discrimination that currently exists within Canadian legislation specific to Aboriginal women and their descendents. Within the Indian Act, First Nations women and their descendents have different rights to status and lands than do First Nations men.

“It is time that Canada recognizes Aboriginal women as equals. This discrimination has gone on too long and cannot be tolerated any more. Traditionally Aboriginal women were respected and honoured in their communities”, said Dawn Harvard, ONWA President. “Due to colonization and the inequalities that have been allowed to exist for over a century Aboriginal women face the highest levels of violence and poverty than any other population group in Canada. They remain the most marginalized group of our Canadian society. This is unacceptable and must change.”

As a result from the McIvor vs. Canada case the Federal government has until July 5th to make the necessary changes, extended from the original date of April 6th. This case challenged the sex discrimination within the Indian Act. The British of Columbia Court of Appeal ruled in favour of McIvor, ensuring the government acts to amend the discriminatory section of the Indian Act. This march along with other efforts throughout the country is intended to ensure the federal government acts to eliminate any form of discrimination against women, especially in how it affects Aboriginal women.

ONWA is encouraging any person who wishes to support this important change to legislature to join the Amun March walkers, ONWA and other participating Aboriginal organizations on Parliament Hill on June 1. The walkers are anticipating on arriving at the hill at 12:00 pm.

The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Aboriginal women and their families in the province of Ontario.
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For further information please contact:
Betty Kennedy, Executive Director
Ontario Native Women’s Association
(807) 623-3442
ed@onwa-tbay.ca

Ontario Native Women’s Association
212 East Miles Street, Thunder Bay ON P7C 1J6
1-800-667-0816 or 807-623-3442; Fax: 807-623-1104
General Email: onwa@onwa-tbay.ca Website: www.onwa-tbay.ca