Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

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!

05/21/2026

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) has issued a Request for Proposal for Governance Policy Review and Development.

This RFP covers the following essential areas:
• Assessment of OAHS’s current board governance and financial policies related to governance
• Identification of gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Development of a comprehensive set of updated and new governance policies
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practices
• Providing guidance to support effective policy implementation

For complete details on the Request for Proposal, please visit:https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-OAHS-RFP-Governance-Policies-.pdf

All proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected]
The submission deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Please direct all questions and inquiries to the above email.

05/15/2026

We were proud to stand alongside partners in North Bay to announce this new housing development.

This project demonstrates what is possible when all levels of government come together to support Indigenous-led housing solutions grounded in the vision and priorities of the local community.

The Governments of Ontario and Canada are investing $4.5 million to build 60 affordable housing units for Indigenous individuals and families in North Bay.

https://news.ontario.ca/en/bulletin/1007456/new-affordable-and-supportive-housing-coming-to-north-bay?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fministry-of-municipal-affairs-and-housing-mmah-en%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F673469057

The City of North Bay
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

05/15/2026

As the long weekend approaches, please note that all OAHS offices will be closed on Monday, May 18th, for the Victoria Day long weekend.

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

For emergency maintenance, please call 1-866-391-1061 and follow the prompts to reach our after-hours line.

We wish everyone a safe and restful long weekend.

05/14/2026

OAHS is hiring a Human Resources Manager - Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Dryden, Peterborough, or Hamilton locations

Come join our team and work towards an amazing vision by providing safe and affordable housing to Indigenous communities in Ontario!

Reporting to the Senior Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Manager supports the effective delivery of all HR functions across OAHS, ensuring culturally safe, legally compliant, and community-informed practices. This role provides operational leadership in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training, payroll support, and health and safety, while helping to strengthen a respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded workplace.

Apply here: https://careers.risepeople.com/ontario-aboriginal-housing-support-services-corporation/en

05/14/2026

May 14th marks Moose Hide Campaign Day!

A grassroots Indigenous-led movement dedicated to raising awareness and ending violence against Indigenous women and children.

Wearing the moose hide square is a powerful act of solidarity and a personal commitment to fostering safety, respect, and accountability in our communities.

This campaign reminds us of the importance of creating safe spaces where our families can thrive.

Let’s continue to stand together, speak out, and support Indigenous-led solutions that help create a future free of gender-based violence 💜

Learn more: https://moosehidecampaign.ca

05/10/2026

May 10th is Bear Witness Day and honours Jordan River Anderson and his family for the gift of Jordan’s Principle, a child-first principle that ensures First Nations children not only receive the equitable access to health, social, and educational services they deserve, but get the services they need when they need them.

On this Bear Witness Day, we support the right of every Indigenous child to access essential services, including safe housing.

We stand in solidarity with families facing barriers and advocate for a future where every child grows up in a secure and loving home.

Let us bear witness to the needs of our communities and work together to ensure that no child is left behind.