Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

10/30/2026

We've had an action-packed few days at this year's Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) Forward by Design Conference.

On Wednesday, we gathered with Indigenous-led housing providers to celebrate successes, share ideas, strategize together and build a collective advocacy agenda to advance Indigenous housing priorities across Ontario. It was great to hear about the important milestones being achieved across the sector, including the work of Can-Am Urban Native Homes, Tipi Moza Iron Homes' recent opening of much-needed Indigenous-led supportive housing in Kingston, and Wigwamen's successful fundraising efforts that will directly benefit Indigenous community members.

We also heard about work underway to establish Indigenous-led co-operative housing. We were glad to be joined by John Gordon, CEO of NICHI - National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc and his team, as well as Valesa Faria, Senior VP, Partnership and Development at Build Canada Homes and her team, who walked us through opportunities to get shovel-ready housing projects supported.

On Thursday, we started the day with a meeting with the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes. We brought forward the importance of coordination among provincial ministries to support the growth and expansion of Indigenous-led housing solutions across Ontario. Our conversations also focused on the need to grow community housing infrastructure sustainably, repair and maintain existing housing stock, and ensure housing remains accessible to the communities we serve.

Later that day, our CEO, Justin Lewis, joined Mwarigha M.S - Housing and Real Estate Assets Executive M.S., Vice President of Housing Growth, Development & Asset Sustainability at WoodGreen Community Services, and Brian Marks, CAO of Cochrane DSSAB, for a panel discussion titled 'Getting to the Table Earlier: Bringing Operational Expertise into Development'. Justin shared insights from our development experience and the importance of bringing operational perspectives into the conversation early.

On Friday, OAHS hosted a session focused on our approach to supportive housing. We shared our 'Building Hope' video and discussed the results and learnings from the supportive housing models we've developed alongside Indigenous partners and allies across the province.

We're heading home energized by three days of learning, meaningful conversations, and relationship-building with community housing allies, private sector partners, and decision-makers.

There is so much important work happening across Ontario, and we're grateful to be part of building housing solutions for urban Indigenous communities alongside partners.

10/28/2026

OAHS is HIRING!! Join our team and work towards an amazing vision by providing safe and affordable housing to Indigenous communities in Ontario!

We are looking to fill the following positions across the province:

Building Superintendent, Kenora

Controller, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, London, Hamilton, Peterborough, or Dryden.

We are currently seeking a Building Superintendent for our building located in Kenora.

As a Building Superintendent, reporting to the Internal Maintenance Supervisor, you will be an integral member of the Maintenance Team, responsible for, but not limited to, overseeing the general operations, and maintenance of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services apartment facilities in a responsive and professional manner. The Building Superintendent will be tasked with care and maintenance
of rental units, addressing tenant concerns and the general upkeep of the facilities. As the onsite representative of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, this individual will respond to tenant inquiries, emergencies, and conduct regular inspections to verify the safety and condition of all aspects of the interior and exterior of the building. Other duties will be assigned as necessary.

We are currently seeking a Controller. Our Finance Team is located in Sault Ste. Marie, ON; however, consideration will be
given to candidates who can attend offices under a hybrid work arrangement in Sault Ste. Marie, Dryden, London, Hamilton, Timmins or Peterborough.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is an integral operational leader responsible for unifying
financial controls, accounting compliance, and enterprise technology infrastructure. This role bridges day-to-day financial operations with IT systems strategy, ensuring fiscal soundness, robust risk management, and scalable technology alignment. The successful candidate will provide CPA-level governance for core financial reporting, directly manage the accounting and IT teams, and act as a key operational lead in modernizing our core systems. The successful candidate will hold an active CPA designation paired with strong systems acumen, bringing an organized, goal oriented, and enthusiastic approach to supporting safe, affordable housing as a stable foundation for Indigenous communities.

To learn more about these positions and how to apply, visit: https://careers.risepeople.com/ontario-aboriginal-housing-support-services-corporation/en

10/23/2026

OAHS is HIRING!! Join our team and work towards an amazing vision by providing safe and affordable housing to Indigenous communities in Ontario!

We are looking to fill the following positions across the province:

Client Services and Building Coordinator, Temporary, Full Time (up to 12 months - Algoma Region) and (Timmins/Cochrane)

Capital Projects & Energy Coordinator, 3-year Contract with potential for Permanent Full-time (Sarnia or Thunder Bay)

As the Client Services and Building Coordinator, you will be an integral member of the Property Management team responsible for, but not limited to, all aspects of property inspection, maintenance, and security of assets, while ensuring superior tenant service and asset optimization. The successful candidate will be a goal-oriented, organized, enthusiastic individual who understands and appreciates how safe, affordable housing contributes to quality of life and serves as a stable foundation.

As the Capital Projects & Energy Coordinator, your role will encompass a range of responsibilities that are essential to the success of major initiatives within our Energy & Asset Management teams. This role is responsible for project management, coordination, scheduling, ex*****on, and monitoring of activities within capital and energy initiatives.

To learn more about these positions and how to apply, visit: https://careers.risepeople.com/ontario-aboriginal-housing-support-services-corporation/en

10/16/2026

We’re proud to share that OAHS' CEO, Justin Lewis, has been invited to serve as Co-Chair for the Canadian Institute's 10th Annual Forum on First Nations Housing & Infrastructure East alongside Chief Margaret Sault, Chief of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The event is only one month away happening November 17 - 18, at the Novotel North York.

We’re looking forward to two days of practical learning, collaboration, and meaningful discussions focused on advancing Indigenous-led housing and infrastructure. Through interactive roundtables, case studies, legal updates, funding briefings, and real-world examples, participants will share knowledge and explore practical solutions to strengthen housing delivery, improve infrastructure planning, manage project risks, and build community capacity for long-term success.

To learn more, visit: https://www.canadianinstitute.com/first-nations-housing-infrastructure-forum-east/about-the-conference/

If you’d like to attend, use this 10% discount code: P10-383-OAHS27

10/14/2026

OAHS is proud to share the recipients of this year’s Don McBain Memorial Award, a recognition given to Indigenous students entering their first year of post-secondary education.

These outstanding students reflect the spirit of Don McBain as future change-makers and advocates for their community. Recipients received a $5,000 award to support their education.

This year, we proudly recognize Joseph Olver, Summer Stewart, and Alexa Lacosse! It was so great to gather with them and celebrate them during a virtual online ceremony.

OAHS is deeply grateful to all who applied, our award sponsors, and the McBain Family and Committee Members for their dedicated efforts!

Read more on our website: https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/news/ontario-aboriginal-housing-services-celebrates-the-2026-don-mcbain-memorial-award-winners

10/14/2026

Join us today at the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition's 2026 OAC Career Fair from 11am until 4pm at the Ottawa Convention and Events Centre – 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa - Ballroom 106.

Our Senior Director, People and Culture, Deanne Dillon, will be in attendance, so be sure to come visit us!

TODAY IS THE DAY! OUR CAREER FAIR IS HERE!

The wait is over! We’re so excited to welcome everyone TODAY for an incredible day filled with career opportunities, learning, networking, and community connections!

Starting at 11:00AM until 4:00PM!

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

-Meet 70+ employers and explore exciting career opportunities!
Attend multiple FREE workshops and discover new skills and opportunities.
-Enter to win amazing door prizes, including iPads! Simply attend the Career Fair and enter your name for a chance to win throughout the day.
-Visit the Ontario Tech Trades Truck outside and explore opportunities in the skilled trades.
-Meet the OAC Elders and connect with culture and community.
-Listen and learn about acting with award-winning actor Joshua Odjick.
-Join a cultural teaching on Moose Hunting with Tony Curickshank.
-Get your COMPLIMENTARY professional headshots, sent to you right away! Use them for your professional portfolio, LinkedIn profile, resume, and more.

Whether you’re looking for your next career opportunity, building your professional network, exploring new skills, or connecting with culture and community, there’s something for everyone!

There’s so much to see, learn, and experience, and we don’t want you to miss out! Bring your resume, come ready to connect, and take advantage of everything the Career Fair has to offer.

We can’t wait to see everyone TODAY!

10/14/2026

📣 SAVE THE DATE! Thunder Bay’s First-Ever Indigenous Forum for Mayoral Candidates 🌿

You are invited to join us for an important opportunity to meet the candidates running to lead the Thunder Bay, hear what they have to say on issues of importance to the Indigenous community, and ask the questions that matter to you.

📅 October 22, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:30pm (Doors open & light meal at 5pm)
📍 Thunder Bay - Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Center (555 Arthur St W), Embassy Room
🗳️ All mayoral candidates have been invited.

This forum is about bringing mayoral candidates, Indigenous organizations, and Indigenous community members together for an open and meaningful conversation about how we can work together to create positive change for Indigenous people who live in, work in, and visit Thunder Bay.

Your voice matters. Your questions matter. Your participation matters.

We hope to see you there! 🧡

10/09/2026

Enjoy your Thanksgiving long weekend!

All of our offices will be closed on Monday, October 12, with regular office hours resuming on Tuesday, October 13th.

Our Emergency Maintenance Phone line will always be open. If you experience any emergency maintenance issues, please call 1-866-391-1061 and wait for the Maintenance prompt, which will bring you to our After-Hours line.

10/09/2026

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, along with several other local Sault Ste. Marie organizations came together today at the Downtown Plaza in Sault Ste. Marie, to recognize World Homelessness Day.

The event began with a lovely Sunrise Ceremony, including a Sacred Fire, and both a hot breakfast and lunch were offered along with many informational booths from numerous community service providers and Indigenous social services organizations.

World Homelessness Day goes far beyond raising awareness about a lack of physical, brick-and-mortar housing.

Housing is more than shelter - a home is the foundation for wellbeing, cultural connection, community belonging, and opportunity.

Today, we honoured those experiencing homelessness, heard from those with lived experience, and highlighted paths to move forward.

10/07/2026

OAHS along with several local Sault Ste. Marie organizations, including the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre, Niigaaniin, Lotus House Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy, Algoma Community Legal Clinic, Social Services SSM, and The City of Sault Ste. Marie, will join communities worldwide in marking World Homelessness Day with a sunrise ceremony, sacred fire, and provided lunch — raising awareness, celebrating progress, and advocating for policies that prevent and end homelessness.

The event will take place on Friday, October 9th, from 8 am - 3 pm at the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Plaza.

It will bring together local organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, tenants, partners, and community members to honour those experiencing homelessness, hear from those with lived experience, and highlight paths forward.

Everyone is welcome to attend!