Forging Connections this National Addictions Awareness Week
Press Release
Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is recognizing National Addictions Awareness Week (November 24-30, 2024) by highlighting the theme of “Forging Connections” as an essential part of healing.
ONWA is dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and their families to seek support and access the resources they need. ONWA calls on all community members to strengthen connections with family, friends, and local services to enhance well-being and bring about much-needed healing. Belonging and empowerment, rooted in identity and heritage, strengthen our capacity to support ourselves, our families, and our communities.
“Addictions touch so many families in deep ways. Indigenous women and families carry added burdens from the legacy of colonialism, facing racism, poverty, and inequitable access to healthcare—factors that have fueled addiction in our communities. On the path to healing, let’s share responsibility and hope for a future grounded in the Grandfather Teaching of Zaagi’idiwin (Love).” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA.
ONWA has created a variety of resources available on our website (https://www.onwa.ca). Throughout the week, ONWA will be sharing some of those teachings and resources on our social media.
Learn more:
- Follow ONWA on social media: https://www.onwa.ca/social
- If you need mental health support grounded in Indigenous culture, wisdom and tradition, Talk4Healing’s toll-free lines are open 24/7: call 1-855-554-4325 or visit http://talk4healing.com
- If you are in crisis and looking for support, explore Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) mental health supports: https://cmha.ca/find-help/if-you-are-in-crisis
- Learn more and explore resources about the addictions at Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: https://www.ccsa.ca
For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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