Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

06/23/2026

Did you know the latest edition of Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)'s ‘She is Wise’ magazine is dedicated entirely to housing? OAHS is thrilled to be featured throughout the issue.

Check out pages 24 and 25, where Cathy Connor, OAHS’ Senior Director of Development, and Chelsea Combot, OAHS’ Senior Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations, discuss how to improve Indigenous housing solutions and increase housing supports at all levels of government.

Then flip to pages 30 and 31, where Sally Ledger, OAHS senior advisor and former interim Chief Executive Officer, discusses the needs of Indigenous women in transitional housing and highlights a 58-youth transitional housing project in Thunder Bay.

Of course, we encourage you to read ‘She is Wise’ from front to back. As always, it's filled with examples of the incredible work Indigenous women are leading across the province.

ONWA is proud to honour National Indigenous People’s Day and the power of spirit on this Summer Solstice with the release of the latest edition of She Is Wise magazine.

This timely 14 edition centers the safety of Indigenous women and families against the backdrop of a housing crisis that has disproportionately affected Indigenous peoples since contact.

Read the Press Release: https://www.onwa.ca/post/she-is-wise-magazine-edition-14
Read the latest edition: https://www.onwa.ca/she-is-wise-magazine

06/23/2026

OAHS’ Proposal Review Committee (PRC) provides independent, arm’s length, fair, and culturally informed reviews and recommendations on funding proposals submitted to OAHS.

The successful candidate will be Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), have knowledge of urban/rural Indigenous housing priorities, demonstrate integrity and sound judgment, build consensus, read and understand financial statements, and commit to a three-year term.

If this role interests you, check out the following link for more information:https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-19-Open-Call-for-PRC-Member.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Benford, OAHS Programs Manager, at [email protected] or 1-866-391-1061 ext. 318.

Applications are accepted until the closing date of Wednesday, July 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

06/21/2026

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, all OAHS offices will be closed on Monday, June 22.

Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, June 23.

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.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to recognize and honour the diverse cultures, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
peoples.

Check with your local Indigenous Friendship Centre for community events, or explore resources to learn more. Let’s take this day to reflect, celebrate, and commit to continued learning and reconciliation.

06/21/2026

June 21 is Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all who play a paternal role.

On this day, we celebrate not just fathers, but all the men who guide our children with wisdom, strength, and love. In our communities, fatherhood is expansive

It lives in our grandfathers who share stories by the fire, our uncles who teach traditional skills, our mentors who show the way forward, and our Elders who pass down sacred knowledge.

We express our gratitude for the important role of all the father figures in our families, our communities, and our nations.

06/19/2026

A message from our CEO:

Aaniin friends,

As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice on June 21, I've been reflecting on the meaning of this time of year and what it offers all of us.

The summer solstice marks the longest day of light. It is a powerful reminder of renewal and of the ways the Creator, the land, the waters, and all our relatives across the natural world continue to guide and sustain us. Across Turtle Island, many Indigenous communities will gather in ceremony and celebration, expressing gratitude for these gifts and for the relationships that connect us to one another.

At Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, these teachings are reflected in the way we approach our work. Building Indigenous housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about strengthening relationships, supporting community, listening deeply, and creating spaces where Indigenous people and families can thrive. Like the changing seasons, meaningful progress requires us to move with intention, to remain grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, to learn from one another, and to adapt as we grow.

Over the past several months, I've had the opportunity to visit OAHS offices and communities across Ontario. I've met with our Relatives, Elders, our staff, and our partners. Those conversations have reinforced something I continue to see every day: the strength of our organization lives in our people and our relations. The care, expertise, and commitment demonstrated across every region remind me that lasting change is built through collaboration, humility, and a shared commitment to serving our communities in a good way.

As we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, I hope each of us finds time to celebrate, learn, and reflect—whether by attending a local event or ceremony, spending time with family and community, or simply expressing gratitude for the land, the season, and the relationships that sustain us.

Wishing everyone a meaningful National Indigenous Peoples Day and a peaceful summer solstice.

Miigwetch,
Justin

06/16/2026

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) invites you to an Open House in Thunder Bay.

Dates:
Thursday, June 18, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: 1040 Huron Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Renting: 1-bedroom units

OAHS staff will be on-site to assist with rental applications and to answer any questions.

You can also complete your rental application online at https://wloahsapp.arcori.com/

Or call 1-866-391-1061 for more information.

06/15/2026

We are excited to share that Deanne Dillon will be joining Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services as Senior Director, Human Resources, beginning June 22, 2026.

Known for her collaborative, people-centred approach, Deanne brings more than two decades of experience leading talent, organizational effectiveness, and workplace engagement strategies across diverse, multi-site organizations.

Throughout her career, she has helped strengthen the alignment between HR and organizational priorities while leading leadership development and succession planning initiatives. She has also championed efforts to foster inclusive workplaces and enhance employee well-being.

Deanne holds certifications in Human Resources (CHRL) and Coaching (CEC, PCC). She has a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland, along with postgraduate certificates in Human Resources Management, Executive Coaching, and Leadership & Inclusion.

At OAHS, our people are our greatest asset, and we are excited to welcome Deanne to our team. Her experience and leadership will help ensure our HR practices continue to reflect our mission and values, fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

Originally from Newfoundland and now living in Toronto, Deanne is an avid runner who enjoys spending time outdoors and engaging in the arts.

Deanne will be based in Toronto.

Join us in welcoming Deanne to the team!

06/02/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

For generations, Indigenous communities have honoured Two-Spirit peoples as gifted and vital members of our communities. We celebrate the presence, strength, and contributions of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members across our communities.

Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Housing was identified as a key area for action during community engagements which informed Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services’ ‘OUR FRAMEWORK’ Policy Report: https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/OAHS_OUR-Framework.pdf

During this month, we acknowledge the ongoing and harrowing legacy of colonialism, discrimination, and violence experienced by Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members and commit to striving for a future where safe, affordable, culture-based housing supports are available and accessible to 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members across Ontario.

All Our Relations. 🌈

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06/01/2026

Today marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month!

During the entire month of June, we honour the rich diversity of Indigenous people and cultures across Turtle Island.

As an Indigenous-led organization, OAHS is grounded in the knowledge and vision of the urban Indigenous communities we serve. We are proud to advance Indigenous housing solutions that are rooted in culture and guided by the principle of "For Indigenous, By Indigenous," because when Indigenous communities lead, stronger futures are built.

This month, we reflect on the progress that has been made, celebrate our collective achievements across the sector, and carry forward the vision of stronger communities for the next seven generations.

06/01/2026

OAHS is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Xiao as our new Chief Financial Officer.

Chris brings a people-centred approach to leadership, pairing deep financial expertise with a genuine commitment to supporting colleagues and partners. With experience spanning capital markets, healthcare, education, and the nonprofit sector, he combines strategic insight with a collaborative and generous leadership style that strongly reflects the values we strive to uphold as an Indigenous organization.

Chris has experience guiding organizations through mergers, advancing significant capital initiatives, and leading complex change efforts. He holds a Master of Science from Saint Mary’s University (thesis focused on Managerial Options in Mergers & Acquisitions) and a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Information Systems and Accounting. Chris is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA), a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.

What stands out most about Chris is the way he approaches people, with kindness, honesty, and a genuine willingness to share his knowledge and support others. He brings a strong sense of respect and relationship-building to his work, values that resonate deeply with who we are as an organization. Just as importantly, Chris places a strong importance on family and staying grounded outside of work, and we know those values will continue to shape the thoughtful and caring leadership he brings to OAHS.

Chris will be working out of our Hamilton office, effective June 22, 2026. We are very happy to welcome Chris to our team!