Donna's Message
With the guidance of our ancestors and the strength of our community, let us walk this path together, honouring the land and each other as we build homes for all those who seek shelter and kinship. Our intention is to create a place where community, culture, and connection can flourish. Where those in need of safe shelter can find not only a home but a sense of belonging In this endeavour, we recognize the importance of listening to all voices within our community. We invite collaboration, shared knowledge, and the strength that comes from working together.
Our Operating Model
Meet the Team
Donna Mathieson
Founder & Managing Director
Donna has spent 20 years in the residential construction industry, beginning as a tradesperson. Over time, she worked her way up from being a labourer to becoming a project manager. During her career in private residential development, she has helped deliver more than $500M in projects. Donna is a proud First Nations woman. She is a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly Pine Creek First Nation). Donna found herself moved by both the work and recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission to form a FEDERALLY INCORPORATED not-for-profit residential construction business, focused specifically on the plight and the poor housing conditions of Indigenous people living both on- and off-reserve. Donna has been featured in a national campaign with Canadian Construction Association and is the Manitoba Representative for Startup Canada Women campaign.
Michael Shaen
Corporate Development Strategist
Michael is a lawyer by background, the founder of The Acumen Group, a consulting business focused on public-private partnerships in infrastructure, a former partner in the Corporate Finance department with Deloitte, and someone with extensive experience working in and for non-profit organizations. Michael has led various high-profile projects in the public and the non-profit sectors in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. His work in Manitoba includes advising the Manitoba Water Services Board on identifying and securing a private sector partner to design, build and finance the water treatment and distribution facility serving Headingley to Portage. He also led the consulting consortium that advised the City of Winnipeg on the creation of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Michael was the lead advisor to the province of Ontario on the downloading of affordable housing responsibilities to municipal housing agencies, and was the lead in helping the Toronto Housing Corporation assess the value and viability of private versus public sector property management services. Michael also authored “Going Home: Multi-Party Solutions to Developing Alternative Housing” on behalf of Affordable Housing Halton.
