Ontario Native Women’s Association
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Ontario Native Women’s Associa

Ontario Native Women's Association Provides Aboriginal Women Hope


by Scott A.Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
  The Ontario Native Women's Association is a provincial, territorialnot for profit organization that represents aboriginal women across the province.  Operating with annual budget of $ 3.7 million, their mandate is to improve the quality of life of aboriginal women including the
areas of health, social, justice, education and from an environmental perspective. They deliver many programs and services with support from the provincial government as well as federal government. The ONWA advocate and inform their membership across the province, sit on
government committees and partner with a number of other organizations to improve the quality of life of aboriginal women whether it be housing, health, wellness, employment and training.

image    We were incorporated in 1971 and have affiliated local groups or chapters in 71 communities across the province of Ontario. Each group  is different. Some are groups of women sitting around the kitchen table and others are incorporated larger organizations. We have a board of directors of 12 aboriginal women from across the province who are
elected every two years  from 4 regions across Ontario  as well as our Grandmothers division. smiles Sally Ledger, Executive Director of ONWA. There are thousands of women and their families we serve.  I have been in the role of Executive Director for almost 1 year now 
after working on projects from 1991. This is a full time plus job. Josephine Mandamin was the last executive director.
    I am enjoying seeing the progress we are making but we have a lack of resources  to meet  all the needs of the communities. It is constant busy and the need is so great.We help in every aspect of life so your day is busy say with Childrens Aid, housing issues or meeting with a 
provincial Minister. You have to multi task on a constant basis and try to mantain your focus.We have 41 employees in total across Ontario and 23 here in Thunder Bay. There are also interns and full time volunteers, states Ledger. My previous role was in the business leaders of tomorrow. Presently we have a resource library but no specific business programs to offer. Our services are based on funding but recently the resources aren't available. Many of our women will go to the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund service provider. If they are
lucky they may get some of my time or they are referred to others.
   Diane Lacourciere, of the Mountjoy Variety of Timmins was the NAN Aboriginal Women of the Year in 2006 and a great example of how the ONWA can help. Diane was living in Cochrane and wanted to have a business which would sustain her family. We helped with support
mentoring and the first business plan for a video conveniance store with living quarters upstairs. When the final stages happened in Cochrane the building she was to purchase burnt to the ground.  It was discouraging but  Diane took a step back and found another good
business in Timmins. She was successful but had to be very determined as living off reserve it was harder to get funds. After a rigorous battle she was able to get the funding to purchase the building and since then  has expanded it introducing new products in a perfect location and hiring additional staff, smiles Diane.   She was mentored through the process and now is very successful. I am passionate about my job. If you are not passionate step aside.



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