Niagara Chapter - Native Women Inc.

06/02/2026

Would you like the chance to be published in ONWA’s Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Book, Volume 10?

ONWA invites Indigenous poets, storytellers, writers, and spoken word artists across Ontario to submit their work. This Poetry Book highlights the strength, resilience, and voices of Indigenous women while raising awareness about violence against Indigenous women and girls.

🧡 Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Poems selected will be featured in the Poetry Book released on November 25, 2026.

Submit your work here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/nVT1MrYwgm

06/02/2026

✨Save The Date!✨ FREE EVENT

🌈 FENFC FIRST ANNUAL PRIDE MONTH PRESENTS: Drag Brunch with Canada’s Drag Race, Season 5’s Miss Congeniality, Jaylene Tyme!🌈

(sponsored by NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training, Niagara College, Pride Niagara, Brock University, Niagara Positive Living)

Jaylene Tyme is a celebrated Two-Spirit, sober Indigenous trans woman, drag artist, and advocate known for her sophisticated glamour and impactful community work. With over three decades of experience, she seamlessly blends artistry and activism, inspiring audiences through her performances and dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. A Sixties Scoop survivor with Saulteaux, Cree, and Métis roots, Jaylene’s story of resilience and advocacy has earned her national acclaim, including appearances on CBC’s Canada’s a Drag and Canada’s Drag Race – Season 5.

Jaylene will be joining us June 6th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM for a performance and meet and greet hosted in the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre’s Gymnasium.

Doors open at 11:00 am!
Bring your laughter, your smiles and your energy to celebrate the q***r joy of the Niagara Region at FENFC’s First Annual Pride Month celebrations!

🌟 REGISTRATION🌟

This is a non-ticketed event however registration is still required.

Please use the QR code attached to poster or follow this link to register:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=iZ-4HU1PzE-3bbvZqal4kLjbd2JAmulAkGgqFkvKHT9UQVZQN1QySFJBNklaNVVROFU2RlczODdIOC4u

🧃Brunch provided by FENFC & Super Submarine 🥪

⚠️ Capacity is 250 people – please register using the QR code attached!

📅 June 6th, 2026
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie (GYMNASIUM)

📞 Contact Bella: 905-871-8931 ext. 225
📧 [email protected]

06/01/2026

Sky Woman✨🐢🌎

05/19/2026

05/13/2026

🍓 3 Sister’s Soup & Strawberry Juice Workshop 🍓

When: May 20th & May 27th ✨

Where: Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre’s Kitchen ⭐️

Time: 5-7 pm 💫

In partnership with our Wasanabin Program, Akwego, Wiisinidaa and Mental Health and Wellness Program: we are offering two workshops where community members will have the opportunity to learn about and make strawberry juice and three sisters' soup! There are 7 participant slots for each week. Please email Bella if you would like to register; you may only choose one workshop date so we are able to ensure everyone can have a chance to come out to this deliciously traditional programming!

❣️FOR REGISTRATION PLEASE CONTACT BELOW❣️

Bella Recinos Athanasas
Indigenous Mental Health &
Wellness Coordinator
[email protected]
796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie, ON
L2A-5H2

05/13/2026

🌱✨ Join Us at the Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden ✨🌱

Come gather in community this season at the Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden located at Mel Swart Conservation Park in Thorold. 🌿🧡
Beginning in May, we’ll be coming together for community gardening days, youth gatherings, cultural teachings, and special events that celebrate connection, learning, and growing together in a welcoming space for all.

We are especially honored to host our featured event, Braiding Our Stories, in celebration of Indigenous Month and in loving honor of our dear Elder Albert Choken ♥️🙏🏼♥️

Whether you’d like to learn, share knowledge, grow food, meet new people, or simply spend time outdoors in community, you are warmly welcomed. 🌎

📍 Thorold Indigenous Unity Garden
Mel Swart Conservation Park — Thorold, Ontario
📅 Starting in May 2026
🌱 Community Gatherings • Cultural Teachings • Gardening • Celebration
Bring your family, friends, and good spirit — we look forward to gathering, learning, and growing together. 💚

05/05/2026

Today is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), observed annually on May 5.

Across Canada, many Indigenous communities recognize this as Red Dress Day; a time to honour and remember those who are missing and those whose lives were taken.

Some key facts:

• Indigenous women are 6× more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women
• They represent ~5% of the female population, but ~24% of female homicide victims in recent years
• They are 3× more likely to experience violence
• 1 in 3 Indigenous women will experience violence in their lifetime
• 56% have experienced physical or sexual assault since age 15
• Indigenous women are overrepresented in missing persons cases across multiple provinces

(Source: Government of Canada)

If you need support, you’re not alone. You can reach out to the Hope for Wellness Help Line:
📞 1-855-242-3310
💬 Online chat available

05/05/2026

You’re invited! 💌🌻

The Welcoming Springtime Social- Biindigin Ziigwan is a time for community to gather, share food and learn about progress made towards Niagara Health's Journey to Reconciliation plan. No registration needed, everyone is welcome at this gathering.

🔹Enjoy a meal and connect with Indigenous community support services
🔹The Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team will share a deeper understanding on the Indigenous self-identification pilot at Niagara Health
🔹Big Drum Social to celebrate and welcome the new season
🔹Door prizes, spot dances and so much more!

📅May 14 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍The Exchange Cultural Hub and Market in Niagara Falls

Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
Niagara Regional Native Centre
Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle
NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment And Training
Niagara Chapter - Native Women Inc.

05/04/2026

The Mocc Walk is back—and registration is officially OPEN. 🌿

This free initiative invites Indigenous women and their families across Ontario to come together, move their bodies, and support diabetes awareness through everyday activity. Every step, every stretch, every moment matters.

Register now! https://www.onwa.ca/moccwalk

04/28/2026

It’s a very bittersweet farewell to our former Acting Executive Director: Sue Maracle.

NCNW has had the pleasure of having Sue on our team for many, many years; and we wish her the best in her retirement.

Looking forward to seeing you at our future events!