With the increasing Inuit population in Ontario, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is making efforts to enhance the representation and leadership of Inuit women within the organization.
Statistics Canada reports a rise in the Inuit population in Ontario by approximately 450 individuals from 2016 to 2021, marking an 11.7% increase from 3,860 to 4,310.
CEO of ONWA, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, expressed the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering all Indigenous women, highlighting the establishment of an Inuit Women’s Council as a recent initiative.
In discussing the importance of inclusivity, McGuire-Cyrette emphasized the significance of creating spaces for Inuit women to actively engage in shaping programs and policies that impact their lives.
Collaborating with Inuit leaders and organizations, ONWA is integrating cultural teachings into its programs to support Indigenous women in maintaining a sense of belonging, particularly in communities where isolation can be a challenge.
Stephanie Mikki Adams, an Inuk leader and ONWA’s newest board member and secretary from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, stressed the need for genuine inclusion to ensure that the diverse identities of Inuit, First Nations, and Métis women are accurately represented within ONWA.
Focusing on the importance of giving Inuit women the space, resources, and decision-making authority to influence programs and policies affecting their lives, Adams emphasized that inclusion should extend beyond mere representation to address the specific realities and obstacles faced by Inuit women.
