ONWA Executive Director Awarded Diamond Jubilee Award

Released November 30, 2012
Ontario Native Women’s Association

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to announce that Executive Director, Betty Kennedy, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award.

Bruce Hyer, MP for Thunder Bay- Superior North, presented the medals to all local recipients at a ceremony held this afternoon. “I am pleased to award the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of those outstanding individuals from all ages and walks of life who have selflessly dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of those around them, and making Canada stronger,” said Hyer. “Those of you receiving medals this afternoon know you can’t fix all the problems we face, and can’t repair the entire world. But you give us hope that another, better world is possible.”

The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created in honour of the 601 anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll’s accession to the Throne. The medal recognizes Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to Canada or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada. Betty Kennedy is one of those Canadians.As ONWA’s Executive Director, Kennedy fosters a deep sense of responsibility to her community and is selfless  in her work. Throughout the years, she has played a vital role in bringing issues of social justice to the forefront. She is known for her ongoing advocacy surrounding poverty, Aboriginal health, Aboriginal child welfare and Aboriginal women. Her passion about making a change at a community and provincial level has been evident in her dedication and leadership in improving the lives of Aboriginal women.

“Traditional Indigenous leadership encompasses giving and humility and ONWA is fortunate to have an Executive Director who embodies what true leadership is about,” explains Dr. Dawn Harvard, President, ONWA Board of Directors. “ONWA- as a unified voice for equity, equality and justice for Aborginal women through cultural restoration within and across Nations- has made tremendous strides under Betty’s direction. We are proud of her accomplishments and know that under her continued leadership ONWA’s voice will be strengthened and we will continue to make positive changes for Aboriginal women and their families across Ontario.”

For more information, please contact:

Maryanne Matthews
Media and Communications Officer
Ontario Native Women’s Association
Phone: 807-625-8568
Email:  communications@onwa-tbay.ca

ONWA contact information:

380 Ray Blvd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4E6
Phone: (807) 623-3442
Toll Free: 1-800-667-0816
Fax: (807) 623-1104
Website: www.onwa-tbay.ca