NiGiNan Housing Ventures is an Indigenous-led, registered non-profit charity formed to address particular housing needs of peoples living in Edmonton. We are dedicated to providing supportive, affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families who have been unsuccessfully served by other organizations in Edmonton.
NiGiNan's goals are:
to house and serve those with complex needs, while enabling them to create homes for themselves
to improve the quality of life of our residents
to build community and involve our residents in the development and management of their community
to provide residents with a sense of control over their own lives
How We Operate
Decolonized
We create spaces and infrastructure that give more power and control to the individual. We understand the impacts of intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous Peoples. We accept, acknowledge, affirm and accommodate residents of all Indigenous identities.
Indigenized
We focus on strength over weakness and wellness over illness. We are grounded in oral history and traditional practice taught by Elders. NiGiNan encourages reconnecting to the Land, family, community, self and spirituality. Our programs are designed, developed and led by Indigenous leaders.
Holistic
We understand the Indigenous experience is rooted in systemic racism, often experienced through unjust access to health and social services, limited or no funding for Indigenous support services, and houselessness and poverty.
OUR History
Watch former CEO Carola Cunningham’s explanation of NiGiNan’s Beginnings. Part 1 of 4.
Timeline
→ 2006 - Research begins on supportive/assisted living projects for its target market
→ 2014 - Ambrose Place opens
→ 2020 - Omamoo wango gamik opens
→ 2021 - Temporary bridge housing is offered at the Sands Inn
→ 2022 - Sands Inn is acquired for conversion to supportive housing, becomes Pimatisiwin
→ 2023 - McArthur Place is built and opens
→ 2024 - Emergency shelter built at Pimatsiwin
Our People
Board of Directors
Cindy L’Hirondelle-Steppke (President)
Colleen Enns
Lillian Sissons
Rob Campre
Sharon Starr
Thomas Goodson
Staff
Melissa Keith, Housing Lead
Geraldine Lafleur, Kitchen Manager
Alyssa Lamouche, Payroll and Resident Financial Coordinator
(TBA), ILESS/ TILESS Supervisor
Jessie Molody, Ambrose Place SH Supervisor
Jaime Morrison, Learning & Development Specialist
Steve Prudhomme, Acting Manager - PDD Program
Megan Stewart, Human Resources Coordinator
Suzie Bad Eagle, Acting PDD Program Supervisor
Noora Badr, Business Manager
Arsan Buffin, Housing Manager
Cassy Cann, McArthur Place SH Supervisor
Keri Cardinal, CEO
Christine Davies, PDD Manager
Reggie Gladue, Awena Maka Kiya Program Coordinator
Dyan Harke, Director of Health
Ross Hodgson, Director of Operations and Facilities