Mona Hardy

Mona Hardy

Mona Hardy

• Accomplishments related to: Patient care, Indigenous healthcare, LGBT+ advocacy
• Major affiliations: Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, Thunder Pride, ONWA, Northwest Community Health Centre

Born in Rocky Bay First Nation, Mona Hardy left home at a young age, travelling between different cities across Canada throughout her youth and into adulthood.1 She currently spends much of her time working for the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) as a knowledge keeper for the Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison Program, sitting on ONWA’s provincial advisory board, and running tea stations at Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Pow Wows. Mona is known in her volunteering work for her empathy, humour, and knowledge, and is a mentor to many.2

Hardy’s community contributions are not limited to just one association though. In addition to her work with ONWA, Hardy participates in the local hospital’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and their PRIDE Committee, the Northwest Community Health Centre, Thunder Pride, and many other community groups and programs.3 She leads a support group for 2-Spirit and Transgender people through NCHC, volunteers as a Patient Family Advisor with the hospital, and coaches Renal Dialysis patients on how to adjust and manage their lives.

Hardy’s inclusion into the Women’s History Month is only one acknowledgement of many for her community contributions. In 2021, she was presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers – the highest award for volunteers in Canada – and Collin Graham noted in an article with TBnewswatch, how she “was crowned the prom queen by the youth of The Other 10% at their Pride Prom,” to honour her contributions.4 Hardy continues to spend time bettering the lives of others to this day, and will be remembered for her work.