Building Belonging: How Raven Ozhigaa Advances Reconciliation Through Housing and Community Empowerment

At Raven Ozhigaa Development, reconciliation manifests through its commitment to action and shared purpose. The organization’s mission to create safe and affordable housing reflects its passion to restore belonging and dignity in Indigenous communities.

“For us, reconciliation lives in action, not only in words,” says founder of Raven Ozhigaa, Donna Mathieson. Guided by Indigenous values, Raven Ozhigaa designs and builds homes that reflect cultural teachings while offering opportunities for people to learn new skills, gain leadership experience, and contribute directly to their communities. “We build homes for everyone,” Mathieson says, “because safe, affordable, and culturally grounded housing is a human right.”

From Labourer to Leader

Mathieson’s work is the product of her personal story, a Sixties Scoop survivor who spent years disconnected from family and community before finding her purpose in economic development. “For two decades, I worked my way from labourer to project manager, learning the trade from the ground up,” Mathieson recalls.

Along that journey, Mathieson witnessed both the barriers faced by Indigenous workers and the potential for transformation. “Raven Ozhigaa was born from that vision. My experience taught me that reconciliation is not theory –– it is lived when we return to our culture, build with our hands, and create space for future generations to thrive.”

The Path to Equitable Opportunity

Yet challenges remain for Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly when it comes to equitable access to financing and business opportunities. “Access to fair financing is still one of the hardest doors to open,” the founder notes.

“But Indigenous entrepreneurs are rising everywhere, carrying teachings from our ancestors and combining them with innovation.” Mathieson emphasizes that the broader business community has a vital role to play. “True collaboration means walking together—opening procurement opportunities, building partnerships, and recognizing that Indigenous-led businesses bring not just economic strength, but cultural and social healing.”

Building Together with Habitat for Humanity

A powerful example of this approach is Raven Ozhigaa’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. Together, they are building a pilot home that brings Indigenous design principles into the heart of construction. “This work is not about charity,” the founder stresses, “it is about standing beside each other as equal partners, combining knowledge systems to build something lasting.”

For Indigenous youth and entrepreneurs, the Mathieson’s journey tells a story of confidence and determination. Through its work, Raven Ozhigaa shows that reconciliation grows from action: one home, one partnership, and one restored connection at a time.