New magazine promises to empower Indigenous women

By Brian Wright-McLeod

TORONTO— In October, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) launched the inaugural edition of their biannual official publication, She is Wise.

The self-published magazine seeks to empower Indigenous women, actively support ONWA’s on-going work, and help end racism and violence. Equally important, featured content celebrates the accomplishments and successes of Indigenous women.

Cora McGuire-Cyrette of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly known as Sand Point First Nation), ONWA’s Executive Director, described the creation of She is Wise.

“The media always portrays our women as victims,” she said.

More than a response to mainstream stereotypes, the voice of the people can only be derived from the source.

“It was through our work around leadership and listening to the stories of women overcoming trauma of abuse, and of their resiliency was inspiring. That really showed us what our youth need to hear and learn in order to take up their roles of responsibility within our communities,” McGuire-Cyrette explained.

Additionally, an ONWA project called Letters of Legacy, a letter writing campaign designed to engage youth in various communities, impacted the participants that sparked the idea for a publication with a definite focus.

“We recognized something larger that had a lot of potential,” she said.

The result was also achieved through the contributions comprising the work of Indigenous women.

“All of the contributors are Indigenous women, including the cover photo taken by our youth board member, Mariah Abotossaway,” she said. “The cover features ONWA’s Honourary Grandmother Dorothy Wynne as an inspiration to a new generation of leadership.”

It’s clear that the magazine is opening doors to opportunities for Indigenous women and youth in publishing, writing, photography, and other talents. But the focus of the publication is definite.

“Our primary audience is Indigenous women…Their words of wisdom can be shared in remembering our ancestors and looking to support the youth,” McGuire-Cyrette said. “The pressing issues of sexual violence, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and human trafficking need to be addressed but many people are silent,” she said.

“Some of the inspiring and positive stories we cover include the cosmetic company, Cheekbone, owned and operated by Jenn Harper,” she added. “Jenn has given back directly to the community by donating a portion of her business profits to assist environmental and social issues.”

Among the fascinating content, additional stories include:

• A Major Win for Gender Equality with final passage of Bill S-3
• Reclaiming A Voice where Indigenous women speak out about their experience with sexual violence
• Creating Safe Spaces ONWA’s report on improving services to survivors of human trafficking
• A Place to Call Home, ensuring safe, permanent housing for Indigenous women

Amazingly, there is no cover price or subscription fee.

“We receive no funding, but through advertising sales, we can pay the staff, contributors and printing. This way, we can be independently creative with what we say and also to speak to the issues,” McGuire-Cyrette explained.

An online version will be available once the new website is up and running. And the best way to sign up for She is Wise would be to contact ONWA’s marketing and communications office at www.onwa.ca.