Building strong communities starts with more than housing — it starts with connection, culture and belonging. As Inn from the Cold expands its support for families through a new housing partnership in Whitehorn, the work is also creating space for Indigenous-led programming, cultural connection and healing. As we recognize Aboriginal Awareness Week from June 15 to 21 and prepare for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we are proud to highlight this important initiative and the people helping lead it, including our 2026 Employee of the Year, Tiffany Pompana, Manager of Indigenous Engagement.
A New Beginning in Whitehorn
Inn from the Cold, in partnership with Miskanawah and HomeSpace Society, has launched a new community-based transitional housing project in the Whitehorn community.
The development officially opened its doors and will provide safe, stable and affordable homes for 52 families experiencing housing instability. Designed to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing, the project will offer supportive programming to help families build stability, strengthen life skills and transition successfully into long-term housing.
The development includes 52 townhouse units and a central Resident Amenity Building that will serve as a hub for connection, support and programming. Families will have access to workshops, cultural activities, recreation spaces and community-building opportunities.
Located near the Whitehorn C-Train station, the project will provide access to schools, transit, recreation and essential services, helping families stay connected to the wider community.
While this partnership includes Indigenous-led programming and services through Miskanawah, the project will support both Indigenous families and newcomers to Canada, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment grounded in belonging and community.
At the heart of the project is a belief that families thrive when they are supported not only with housing, but also with connection, culture and opportunities to grow.
Meet Tiffany Pompana
Helping guide this work is Tiffany Pompana, The INN’s Manager of Indigenous Engagement and our 2026 Employee of the Year.
Raised by parents who worked in supportive roles, Tiffany says her passion for helping others began early in life.
“I was raised by parents who worked in the helping field, which had a strong influence on my path,” she said. “My father is a residential school survivor, and a significant part of his healing journey involved supporting others in theirs.”
Her experience working at a shelter for women experiencing housing instability became a defining moment in her career.
“It was during that time that I realized my passion for supporting my community, particularly in the area of housing,” she said.
Today, Tiffany helps lead Indigenous-focused programming at The INN, including Moccasin Pathways, Learning to Walk in a Sacred Manner — a supportive housing program for Indigenous families that focuses on cultural connection, healing and wellness.
For Tiffany, meaningful Indigenous engagement begins with community and connection.
“Within our housing programs we create opportunities for families to come together through activities such as drum making, belt making, and ribbon skirt making,” she said. “Through these shared experiences, we’ve seen a strong sense of community grow within the program.”
Tiffany says she is especially excited about the opportunities the Whitehorn project will create for families.
“As an Indigenous woman, my own healing has come through reconnecting with who I am as a Dakota woman,” she said. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous people to reclaim, strengthen and celebrate their identities.”
Recognizing Aboriginal Awareness Week
Aboriginal Awareness Week is an important opportunity to honour First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples while celebrating the cultures, knowledge and contributions that continue to shape communities across Canada.
This year’s theme, “Water is Life – Stewards of the Water,” highlights the importance of Indigenous teachings around respect, balance and connection to the land and water.
At The INN, recognizing Aboriginal Awareness Week is especially important as more than half of the families who reach out for support identify as Indigenous. Our programs are grounded in reciprocity, respect and relationship-building, with a commitment to offering services through an Indigenous lens that supports healing, cultural connection and belonging.
These conversations and celebrations help create understanding while reinforcing the importance of reconciliation and culturally responsive support systems.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is another meaningful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures and voices of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
The day recognizes the strength, resilience and vibrancy of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities while encouraging all Canadians to learn, reflect and participate in reconciliation.
At The INN, this work extends beyond awareness days and celebrations. It is reflected in partnerships, programming and relationships that support families every day.
As Tiffany shared, “This project reflects our vision of a thriving community where every child and family has a safe and stable place to call home.”
Together, through housing, connection and culturally grounded support, we continue working toward a future where all families have the opportunity to thrive.
