Deshkan Zii Bi Indigenous Women's Association

07/28/2026

Shekoli swakweku!

The Oneida Language and Cultural Centre invites our Ukwehuwe people to attend a short learning session to prepare for Bean Ceremony. Come join us Thursday July 30th, 5pm-6pm to learn about the ceremony protocols, why we give thanks, and to learn a short thanksgiving speech.

We request that non-Indigenous individuals respect the sacredness of our ceremonies and refrain from attending.

We also ask that everyone respect and support the importance of this learning in a safe and peaceful environment, bring your good mind, and help strengthen our ways!

07/28/2026

2026 marks the 36th anniversary of the coining of the term "Two Spirit" at the third Annual Intertribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Le***an American Conference in Winnipeg on July 27, 1990.

The term Two Spirit is an English umbrella term used to reflect and restore Indigenous traditions that were forcefully suppressed by colonization, honouring the fluid and diverse nature of gender and attraction, and their connection to community and spirituality. It is used by some Indigenous People rather than, or in addition to, identifying as LGBTQI.

Learn more about the term Two Spirit and Two Spirit identity at egale.ca/twospirit

07/26/2026

Today, July 26, is National Aunties Day. Today we thank, honor the love, guidance, and fun that aunties, and other women bring who support us.

Take a minute and thank your Auntie and other women who are there for you, support you, and love you!

07/22/2026

Anishinaabemowin Phrase of the Week #109


Anishinaabemowin Appreciative Statement of the Week

Mix-and-Match to make a Statement of Appreciation in Anishinaabemowin at your next gathering or opening ceremony

1. Add an intensifier (optional)
Aapiji go • Very, much, really
Wiinge • Very, greatly, mightily
Geget igo • Really, truly

2. State your appreciation:
nimiigwechiwendam • I am thankful
onizhishin • it is good - sounds like "nishin"
niminwendam • I am happy / glad

3. Say what you appreciate:
omaa gaa-biizhaayeg • that you all came here
omaa waabamigooyeg • to see you all here (literally - that we see you all here)
omaa ayaayaan • to be here (literally - that I am here)

Try making your own!
Ex: Aapiji go nimiigwechiwendam omaa ayaayaan. (I am really thankful to be here.)

Bits and pieces used this week
Ni- • I / me
omaa • here
go • (added emphasis)
-yaan • ... that I ...
-yeg • ... that you all ...
-igooyeg • ... that we --> you all ...

07/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LGAGXVk7w/

Plz share...and see you there!
🫶🫶🫶🫶

07/14/2026

Here it is. 13 moons and Fanshawe College are now partnered in offering a full college credit in Environmental Stewardship! The first of many educational opportunities we will have available for the broader community!!!

07/11/2026

The Ontario Native Women’s Association invites you to join us in honouring and remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

📅 MMIWG Pow-Wow
📍 Mountain Bingo, 400 Anemki Dr, Fort William First Nation
🗓 Saturday, October 3, 2026

Please mark your calendars. More details, including event times, will be shared in the coming weeks.

Together, we gather in strength, remembrance, and healing.

06/24/2026