b'KNOWING: ONWA ADVOCACYONWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERSShe is Wise chats with Alana Robert and Madison Wigwas,Nations in the future of what water rights look like, and in ONWAs Youth Ambassadors to the UN 2023 Water Conference. making sure no one is left behind.What sorts of things were you a part of at theMadison: That organizations like ONWA need to keep conference? fighting for space and continue doing the work that Alana: My role was to accompany the ONWA leadership andtheyre doing, because its very important. Personally, to attend a group of sessions with them where we got to hearit motivated me to continue my education and to claim from various special UN rapporteurs, state leaders, Indigenousspace in these institutions where I may not be seen as leaders from different regions of the country, leaders of NGOsbeing as valued as certain other people, and to maintain working on the ground and even corporate leaders, to learnmy role in the field of law. from them what they are doing, what they see as the key issuesWhat role does ONWA play in the and primaries, and what the future needs to look like in orderdevelopment of future Indigenous leaders?to ensure that everyone has access to the basic human right of water. Alana: Indigenous women are our future, and we need to Madison: I was able to attend a lot of side events, where I gotlisten to them, invest in them and follow their leadership. to hear about local and grassroots efforts. It made me realizeONWA beautifully centres that in their work, carrying that how other Indigenous communities face the same problemsrole every single day. [They] make sure were recognizing regarding water. But it also made me realize how otherIndigenous women and their rightful place in our society. Indigenous communities view water, and the significant spiritualIts not just about vision; everything they do is translated and cultural connection to water. into action with their Mother Earth strategy. [Its] the first strategy of its kind, setting a benchmark and pathway What did you pick up that might be useful forfor the future to take care of our environment and you going forward? Mother Earth. Alana: Its a huge honour to accompany these strong, fierce,Madison: An organization like ONWA really promotes really fearless Indigenous women who lead ONWA, and to sitinclusiveness. Just being with Indigenous women who there attending the conference and benefit from their always- continue to voice their opinions, claim space and fight for thoughtful insights and groundbreaking thinking about what thebasic rights is what motivates me. [The organization] also future needs to look like. I also really enjoyed the discussionsacts as a role model and demonstrates to me that we can that centred on the role of Indigenous people, communities andbe in these roles, and that we are leaders.While ONWA is amplifying their own voice, they are also listeningand what they are hearing is an echoing call from Indigenous people around the world for Indigenous peoples rights, Indigenous womens rights and the rights Connect of Mother Earth. These are universal issues, and there is growing awareness that Indigenous groups everywhere need to unite in their efforts to effect positive systemic changeand ONWAs all in.This year, ONWA made it a priority to Connect to Anishnaabe culture through Ojibwe language revitalization withattend the 67th Session of the United a 2-year diploma in Anishnaabemowin and Program Development, or aNations Commission on the Status of 1-year certi\x1fcate in Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language).Women, which McGuire-Cyrette attended Learn on campus or online: With dual synchronous delivery, study in person withas part of the official Canadian delegation, faculty and peers, or learn remotely from your community. The choice is yours! the UN Water Conference and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. FOR MORE INFORMATIONGeorgianCollege.ca/ANPD While the UN events were not ONWAs 249.388.2467 or alicia.thompson@georgiancollege.ca GeorgianCollege.ca/MAAJ first foray into international work, they marked a shift in the intensity and focus of the Associations global activity. 34Spring/Summer 2023'