b"COVER STORYMessage fromTHE PRESIDENTTHE MEDICINAL ROLE OF STORIESMelinda Commanda Welcome to the 12th issue of She is Wise magazine. Culturally, storytelling has played a crucial role for Indigenous women, their families and their communities. Through story, and how we tell stories, we learn about the ways of our world and the roles we play for the sake of generations to come. In every stage of our lives, we as Indigenous women President, ONWA learn, connect and honour our histories through story; it is inherent to our very being and knowing. onwa.ca Traditional storytelling practices most often occur during the winter months, while during warmer months we learn by doing: gathering food, medicines and supplies to @ONWA7 build our bundles so that we are prepared for whats to come. Together, we honour the summer solstice and the time of the Strawberry Moon by recognizing the heart in @_ONWA_ our work, understanding the medicinal role of storytelling in our healing journeys and @onwa_official acknowledging the importance of growing and maintaining strong relations. This is the first issue released during my presidency, and it is an honour to witness the many ways that Indigenous women continue to uphold traditional storytelling through innovative methods as we adapt to a changing world. As we recognize ongoing heart work that builds bridges of healing across our nations, we must also remember those who have carved pathways of connection in years past. Colonial oppression has deeply impacted our traditions and communication methods, but as Indigenous peoples, we remain steadfast in our determination to bear witness and speak out about our experiences. For Indigenous women, it is especially critical that we continue to own our stories that reflect our truth, identity and voice. ONWA is honoured to share the stories found in this issue, which highlight the many ways that Indigenous women of past, present and future continue to uplift the voices of their communities and nations. Storytelling is good medicine, and it is through witnessing and listening to our stories that we can forge stronger connections for a brighter future across Turtle Island.Published by: CONTRIBUTING EDITORDESIGN SPECIALISTAll rights reserved.Ingrid Green Bethany Giesbrecht The contentsof this is published for Ontario NativePRESIDENTpublication may not beWomen's AssociationASSISTANT CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kevin Brown reproduced by any means, in www.mediaedgepublishing.com Sarah McPherson whole or in part, without the SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTprior written consent of the 33 South Station StreetSENIOR EDITORRobert Thompson association.Toronto, ONM9N 2B2Justyne EsseryToll Free: 1-866-480-4717SALES / BRANCH She is Wise is printed robertt@mediaedge.ca MANAGERon 10% post-consumer Return undeliverables to: NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVESNancie Priv FSC certified paper using P.O. Box 15-684 City Road,NATIONAL DIRECTOR April Hawkes, Ashley Huston, Published soya based inks. When Fort William First NationOF PUBLISHINGPat Johnston, Veronica Johnston June 2025 necessary to mail an issue ONP7J 1K3Maurice P. LaBorde in an enclosure, we use an 807-577-1492MANAGING EDITORSENIOR DESIGN SPECIALISTPublication Mail environmentally-friendly, 100% www.onwa.ca Andr MorriseauMarisa Giesbrecht Agreement #40787580 oxo-degradable poly-wrap. 6 Spring/Summer 2025"