Content Warning: This release discusses the death of a First Nation woman and references systemic racism in healthcare. (March 25, 2026 – Toronto, Ont.) As the coroner’s inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein approaches, Chiefs of Ontario stands in solidarity with her family and Six Nations of the Grand River. Heather Winterstein was a
Please find attached the Winter 2026 edition of the COO Women’s Initiatives Newsletter for your information and reading. In this edition, you will find updates on the First Nations Women's Council, the COO Calls for Justice Report Card, the First Nations Intimate Partner Violence Toolkit: Safety Assessment and Risk Management, contributions to the Pathways to
The Chiefs of Ontario Women’s Initiatives sector is seeking proposals for the design and development of two online training (e-learning) modules. The modules will provide a supplementary learning aid to facilitate access to a First Nations toolkit on safety and risk in intimate partner relationships. The successful proponent will work collaboratively with the Chiefs of
WARNING: Sensitive subject matter. (Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2025) On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve as a powerful reminder of the violence that has and continues to disproportionately impact First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. “Today we pause to honour and remember the First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people
Please find attached the Spring 2025 Edition of the COO Women’s Initiatives Newsletter for your information and reading. In this edition, you will find updates on the Women's Initiatives Sector Director, the Community Safety Forum, the Women Chiefs Network, the 2S+ Council Resolution, Intimate Partner Violence Toolkit, MMIWG2S+ Federal/Provincial Roundtable and more. Download the Newsletter
(Toronto, Ont. – March 8, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) and newly elected Chief, Tesha Rourke, have released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day: “With 'Accelerate Action' as the 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, we are reminded of the need to advance gender equity in Leadership
Warning: This statement discusses human trafficking, exploitation, and related issues, which may be distressing to some readers. Mental health counselling and crisis support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat. (Toronto, Ont. – February 22, 2025) The Ontario First Nations
(Toronto, Ont. – December 10, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council has released the following statement acknowledging the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on December 10th and addressing the premature halt of Bill 173: This annual campaign, which runs from November 25th to December 10th, shines a
Download Full RFP Here: Request for Proposals: Facilitator, First Nations Virtual Forum on Community Safety You are invited to submit a proposal to facilitate a First Nations Virtual Forum on Community Safety. The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council and Women’s Initiatives Sector are hosting a one-day online First Nations Community Safety Forum with
Please find attached the Summer 2024 Edition of the COO Women's Initiatives Newsletter for your information and reading. In this edition, you will find updates on MMIWG2S+, supporting victim services, human trafficking awareness, two spirit and gender diversity awareness, women's leadership support, First Nations Women's REACH Conference, and more. Download the Newsletter here: Women's Initiatives
