Friday’s groundbreaking for the expansion of Ojistoh House was a celebration of hope, partnership, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for Indigenous families in our community.
In Cayuga, Ojistoh means “bright star.” As Executive Director Alma Arguello shared during the ceremony, “Today I can see proof of life that we have many bright stars here today.” Looking around at the Elders, partners, supporters, and community members who joined us, we were reminded that meaningful change happens when people come together with a common purpose.
For more than 20 years, Ojistoh House has provided supportive housing for Indigenous women and women with children, offering a safe place to heal, grow, and move forward. This expansion will increase Ojistoh House from four units to 12, allowing them to support even more Indigenous women, children, youth, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit community members experiencing or at risk of homelessness, violence, and housing insecurity.
One speaker at Friday’s ceremony beautifully captured the impact of safe, affordable, and dignified housing: “Because of Brantford Native Housing I didn’t have to choose between opportunity and belonging. I had both.”
We’re incredibly grateful to the many partners who made this expansion possible. As Ana Bailão shared, “The need is great, and it’s effective when we partner with agencies like Brantford Native Housing.” Together, we’re proving what’s possible when governments, Indigenous organizations, and community partners work alongside one another.
As construction begins this August, Ojistoh House looks forward to welcoming families to a space designed with dignity, safety, healing, and culture at its core.
To everyone who celebrated on Friday and to everyone who has supported this journey, Ojistoh House says “Nya:węh. The brightest stars shine even stronger when we shine together.”
