THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Celebrated every year on August 9th, the day was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1994 in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. The UN has identified this year’s theme as ‘Indigenous media and it’s role in helping to preserve Indigenous people’s cultures, challenge stereotypes and influence the social and political agenda.’
“Media is a powerful tool that can strengthen our Aboriginal communities through public education and positive messaging surrounding our contributions, culture, history and traditions,” says Betty Kennedy, ONWA Executive Director. “ONWA is proud to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and believes that the media, we can help correct the systemic injustice, discrimination and racism that continues to plague the approximate 370 million Indigenous peoples around the world.”
ONWA hopes that people around the world will use this day to reflect on the meaningful contributions that Indigenous peoples have brought to our communities and serve as a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and equality.
“ONWA believes that by working together with the media and other Indigenous groups, we can continue to erradicate the negative stereotypes that still unfortunately exist, and instead shine a much needed light on the worth of our First Nations communities, with women and their families being at the forefront,” says Kennedy.
For more information about ONWA and the services provided to Aboriginal women and their families, please visit www.onwa-tbay.ca.