NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA NATIVE WOMEN’S GROUP
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The Orillia Native Women’s Group (ONWG) announced the appointment of Crystal Sutherland as the new Office/Project Manager this week.
This position is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada to help empower the growth of Indigenous women and advance equality with respect to gender orientation, gender identity and expression.
Sutherland is a proud band member from Beausoliel First Nation. Sutherland has been dedicated and passionate about issues that affect Indigenous People. She has worked collaboratively to not only help remove barriers but also meaningfully support the urban Indigenous community. She is an avid volunteer and dedicated community builder.
In recent years, the Orillia Native Women’s Group has expanded its programs to include an Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison and the Breaking Free from Family Violence worker to support Indigenous women escaping family violence. In 2024, the ONWG moved into a new location at 169 Front Street in The Common Roof building in order to increase accessibility and better accommodate the needs of Indigenous women and families being served.
“The ONWG staff team is making an impact in the community and of course the work is always ongoing. We are delighted to have Crystal join our team and bring her leadership at this time of growth we have experienced in the last 3 years,” said Dale Tamara Plett, President, Orillia Native Women’s Group.
“Crystal has been a long-standing advocate in Simcoe County and has been an important voice for the urban Indigenous community. She has done important work with the vicariously housed and mentally stressed throughout the area. She has a real gift and a strong understanding of governance, grass roots programming, human resources and holds fast to our traditional ways.”
Along with onboarding a new manager, the Orillia Native Women’s Group recently elected it’s 2025 Board of Directors welcoming an exciting combination of new and returning board members:
Dale Tamara Plett – President
Wanda Renton - Calvert – Vice President
Allysha Wassegijig – Treasurer
Courtney Thomas – Secretary
Patti Benson – Director
Petranella Brisco – Director
Amber Scott – Director
The Orillia Native Women’s Group is a not-for-profit organization serving over 100 Indigenous families within Orillia and Simcoe County through a variety of services under 5 different programs. The ONWG’s mission is to strengthen and support the wellbeing of Indigenous women and their families by creating a safe space for community to engage, connect, heal, and preserve Indigenous knowledge, culture and traditions.
For more information about the Orillia Native Women’s Group and how to get involved or support please visit our website at www.onwg.net or contact: [email protected]
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