Our Story

Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing Inc. was incorporated on December 30, 1987, with a vision to provide safe and affordable housing for single Indigenous women and their families. Originally, Sacajawea worked closely with the Native Women’s Centre of Hamilton, focusing on the unique needs of Indigenous women in the community. Over the years, the organization has grown and evolved to meet the broader needs of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Hamilton, expanding its services to include all Indigenous individuals and families in need of affordable and adequate housing.

We believe that housing is not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a space where Indigenous peoples can thrive, feel connected to their culture, and support one another as a community. Sacajawea is proud to continue building a future where safe, affordable, and culturally enriching housing is accessible to all Indigenous families in need.

Together, we are creating a foundation for the future generations of Indigenous children, youth, and families, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing environment to grow and succeed.

Why Sacajawea

At Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing Inc., we chose to name our organization after Sacajawea, the remarkable Indigenous woman who played an essential role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sacajawea was not only a guide and translator, but a symbol of strength, resilience, and cultural knowledge. Her ability to navigate difficult terrain, provide invaluable insight, and bridge the gap between different peoples mirrors the core mission of our organization.

Sacajawea’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her people make her an inspiring figure for us to honor. She demonstrated the power of Indigenous women to lead, protect, and ensure the survival of their communities. Her legacy of courage and selflessness in the face of adversity aligns closely with our mission to provide safe, affordable, and culturally enriching housing for Indigenous families.

In naming our organization after Sacajawea, we aim to highlight the critical role Indigenous women play in our communities, much like Sacajawea did for her people. She is a symbol of the strength and resilience that we hope to empower in every woman and family we serve. Just as Sacajawea guided the expedition through uncharted territories, our goal is to help guide Indigenous families toward stability, support, and a brighter future.

By carrying her name, we honor the legacy of Indigenous women as leaders, protectors, and keepers of culture. It reminds us of the importance of resilience, courage, and community, and serves as an ongoing inspiration for the work we do every day.