Advocacy and Policy

Five Good Ideas on amplifying community voices to achieve policy change

Cora McGuire-Cyrette

Published on October 12, 2026

November 17, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET

At this time of geopolitical upheaval, with economic concerns and national security dominating political agendas, advocacy from the non-profit sector on social issues and human rights is needed now more than ever. One underused tool for amplifying community voices and pressing governments to act is the international human rights system. While entering this space can seem daunting, it can provide powerful opportunities to advance change.

In this session, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, will share insights and lessons learned from her experience amplifying Indigenous women’s stories, empowering Indigenous youth, and holding governments accountable for their human rights obligations.

This session will be of interest to anyone looking to add another tool to their advocacy toolkit.

Cora McGuire-Cyrette

Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)

Cora McGuire-Cyrette has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the largest and oldest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, since 2015. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. A proud member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), she uses her voice to champion the rights of Indigenous women and girls, cultivate healing, create safe spaces, and support Indigenous women and youth as they reclaim their role as leaders. As a role model in Indigenous women’s leadership in Canada, Cora has been integral to the development of the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, Ontario’s Provincial Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

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