b'MTIS ADVOCACYI really encourage women to get involved by finding the things that are important to them, seeking out the places of decision-making and getting engaged in that decision-making processMelanie Omeniho, LFMORAISING VISIBILITY these things again, thats what makes meOmeniho is also honoured to be in a position Overall, Omeniho says it is her teamsproudest, she says. to effect positive change for incoming genera-mission to raise the profile of Mtis womentions and attributes her ability to do so to and increase their visibility and voice at theThose chapters have not gone unnoticed. Inthe support she receives from her family decision-making table. When it comes toaddition to earning the respect and supportand co-workers. Im only as strong as all Indigenous programming, Mtis womenof her community, Omeniho was awardedthe people that stand behind and beside me, have a history of not being seen as peoplethe Queens Jubilee Medal in recognition forand I have many, many Mtis sisters that who needed to be engaged or involved. Weher work in education, Aboriginal youth, anddo stand beside me and help my job be as would often have other women speaking onadvocacy on behalf of families involved witheffective and successful as it is, she notes.our behalf, which often missed the mark ofChildrens Services. Asked for advice to impart to future leaders, who we were, she explains. Omeniho says it is important for young To change this, Omeniho has spent yearsCONTINUING A LEGACY women to find issues that they are passionate building relationships with numerousLike her mother and grandmothers did forabout and to take action. I really encourage agencies and organizations (e.g., Indigenousher, Omeniho is committed to passing onwomen to get involved by finding the things Services Canada, Women and Genderher own lessons and experiences to her threethat are important to them, seeking out Equality Canada) to raise the profile ofdaughters and granddaughters. I walk in thethe places of decision-making and getting Mtis women and ensure their voices areshoes of my ancestors, she says. My history,engaged in that decision-making process, heard in matters that impact their familiesmy culture and my community mean a lotshe advises. That could be getting elected and communities. There is no end to theto a school board, becoming a leader in levels of work that were trying to do to helpto me, and I feel very fortunate that Ive hada community, or finding other ways of ensure that policies and issues that affectsuch a strong multicultural upbringing andgetting involved. The important thing is Mtis women are being addressed as we movethat I can carry that forward and ensure thatdemonstrating by the walk that you walk that forward, explains Omeniho.my children and my grandchildren have thewe can all do this, and that the only thing same cultural strengths and share the samestopping us from being able to achieve what Moving forward isnt always easy. To makepride in our community. we need is ourselves. progress on the MMIWG crisis, for example, Women of the Mtis Nation have spent years collecting data to help government partnersBlockers & Attackersunderstand the magnitude of this importantIndigenous Women in Sports Leadershipongoing concern. Nobody wants to talk about the issue of Missing and MurderedNIAGARA CHAPTER - NATIVE WOMEN INC.Indigenous Women and Girls. Its not ainvites you to our Second Annual Event. great big raging issue that has the attentionJoin us onof society, so thats the kind of challenge thatNovember 6th, 2021we continue to face, says Omeniho. WereGuest Speakernot going to give up no matter how manyNEW featured guests will accompany some of Mackenzietimes we have to get people in a room to haveour legacy presenters to discuss their sports Delearyjourney as Indigenous women. Join us for ana discussion. There are still women that areunforgettable experience!going missing or being murdered each andWin Door Prizes! Ask TICKETSevery day, and weve got to end that.Guest Speakeryour questions! $75 Amy Wilson-Challenging though it may be, Omeniho isGet your game face on! This sports-themed Handsinspired by her team and community to keepevent is dedicated to sustaining criticalpushing for change. Victories may not comeprograms and services for Indigenous womenenand families. Find out moreabout our charityrityovernight, but its the progress that keeps herat ncnw.net MCpassion alive. Every time that were able toWaneek Horn-Miller Guest Speakermake one more chapter in our book, andTo BUY tickets, donate or sponsor, visit: Jessica Ghosenevery time were able to help young womenhttp://ncnw.net/blockers-attackers/ Congrats to FoundingEagle Featherof the future so they wont have to go throughsponsor ONWA on their 50th anniversary!Ontario Native Womens Association23'