Ontario Native Women’s Association   5
CONTENTS
A culturally 
grounded space means 
women do not have to 
explain who they are 
before receiving support. 
They can walk into a place 
where their identity is 
already honoured.
- Mikki Adams
FEATURES
14	I CULTURE IS THE CORE 
How the OAC’s upcoming Inuit VAW shelter is built to be home for Inuit women 
By Sarah McPherson
16	I THE ICE ROAD HOME 
Geographic housing inequities and the impact of climate  
crises on northern infrastructure 
By Bryan Hansen
18	I INDIGENOUS-LED HOUSING SOLUTIONS 
Indigenous voices building pathways to safe housing 
By Ashley Albert
20	I INVISIBLE KNOWLEDGE 
Relations in Aotearoa speak to gaps in data visibility, reflected across nations 
By Bryan Hansen
24	I JURISDICTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY 
Indigenous housing officials in Ontario seeking increased  
supports from all government levels 
By Sam Laskaris
26	I RISING COSTS TO HOUSING OUR CHILDREN 
Dawn Maracle speaks about advocating for housing rights 
By Andrew St. Germain
30	I BUILDING WITH SPIRIT 
Sally Ledger highlights the needs of Indigenous women in transitional housing 
By Bryan Hansen
32	I THE RIGHT TO HOME FOR FUTURE GENERATION 
Housing realities of Indigenous youth 
By Andrew St. Germain
35	I WALKING TOGETHER TO SAFETY 
Culturally based support services stressed at Indigenous  
shelters in Ottawa and Thunder Bay 
By Sam Laskaris
IN EVERY ISSUE
8	 I Message from the President
10	I Message from the Chief Executive Officer
38	I Professional Services Directory
SPRING/SUMMER 2026
Cover photo courtesy of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition.

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