Homeward Trust Edmonton undertakes various initiatives, hosts, and supports numerous events towards our goal of preventing and ending homelessness. Some of our previous events are featured below.
Events
Indigenous Gathering 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Indigenous Gathering 2026.
If you work in an Indigenous or Indigenous-serving organization focused on Indigenous houselessness and supports we hope you will join us for this annual gathering. This year we are honoured to have emcee Lance Cardinal join us as we share in this collective work to end houselessness.
This is a crucial opportunity to facilitate knowledge exchange, relationship-building and enhanced collaboration with Indigenous, community, and systems partners to address urban Indigenous housing and houselessness in Edmonton.
When: April 14, 2026 from 9am-4pm
Program
This year’s theme will focus Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners working together. Presenters will include Red Road Healing Society, Homeward Trust’s Lived Experience Committee, Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, and Capital Métis Housing Corporation.
The full gathering program can be viewed here.
Keynotes
Dorothy (Dot) Anderson is a proud member of Gift Lake Metis Settlement, a Cree language keeper, and an advocate for Indigenous wellness and Indigenous-led reconciliation. With an educational background in business marketing and dispute resolution, Dot has spent most of her career in socio‑economic policy and program development, and has supported the re-thinking of how initiatives are designed and delivered for Indigenous people. She brings an ethical‑space approach into her work with non-Indigenous partners – recognizing that tangible reconciliation is built on healthy relationships. Dot currently works as the Edmonton Zone Senior Advisor on the Indigenous Wellness team within Primary Care Alberta.
Reagan Bartel is a proud Métis woman and Director of Health for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta and brings over 16 years of ICU nursing experience in amiskwacîwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ). Reagan now focuses on population health, advancing distinctions-based Métis health policy and programs. Her current work includes developing transitional housing models aligned with the Alberta Recovery Model as part of a broader Métis Continuum of Care that supports recovery, stability, and community wellness.
Janice Willier (Wapikihew Iskwew) is a Cree Woman from Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 territory and currently resides in Edmonton with her 2 adult sons who attend university. She recently started her own consulting business, helping First Nations achieve their goals in delivering Health programs and services in new and innovative ways. Current major projects include working with Lubicon Lake Band to build their new Health Centre, new Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve, and their new Continuing Care Facility. Previousexperience includes working for Indigenous Services Canada (First Nations & Inuit Health), leading Health Co-Management with Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and working as the Indigenous Cultural Coordinator at 3 hospitals. Janice also held the position of Health Director for her own First Nation for eight years. She is currently a onthe Board of Directors for the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation and as a Director at Large for the Alberta Friends of Medicare. She has always been a strong advocate for Indigenous people, particularly in the health field, and carries her lived experience, expertise, and knowledge into every space.
Tegan Martin-Drysdale is a seasoned civil engineer and project management professional with extensive experience guiding complex building projects from concept to completion. She brings a holistic perspective, having worked across the full project lifecycle—from design and architecture to construction, procurement, and client delivery. With a background in structural engineering and project management, Tegan has led mixed-use, commercial, and residential developments of varying scale and complexity. Since 2021, she has played a key project management role with the Lubicon Lake Band, helping oversee major infrastructure and housing initiatives, coordinating between leadership, community members, contractors, and government partners to deliver high-quality, culturally aligned outcomes. In 2010, Tegan was recognized as one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. She has also chaired past City of Edmonton initiatives such as Make Something Edmonton and NextGen, and founded the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) where she helped advance thoughtful, high-quality infill development across the city.
Master of Ceremonies
Lance Cardinal is a First Nations, 2-Spirit artist, designer, content creator and television personality from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory and CEO of Soulflame Creative.
Soulflame is a First Nations design and consultation company which brings authentic Indigenous content into high-profile spaces.
Elder
Originally from the Plains Cree nation of Saddle Lake, Elder Ekti (Margaret) Cardinal attended a residential school in St. Paul, now the Blue Quills University.
She is an artisan, teacher, knowledge keeper and owner of her own business, Kamahmahkos, providing cultural sessions and teachings.
Artisan Market
We are pleased to have artisans from the Indigenous Artist Market Collective (I.A.M Collective) join us. I.A.M is an Indigenous arts collective of more than 170+ First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists who promote authenticity over appropriation.
In recognition of Affordable Housing in Edmonton, Homeward Trust is hosting a Community Update & Reception. Join us on Friday, November 21 (3:30-6:30pm) at Double Dragon as we recognize National Housing Day, and our collective efforts to end homelessness in Edmonton. For more information and to RSVP, contact dharmacy@homewardtrust.ca.
On Saturday, August 16, we celebrated National Thrift Shop Day at Find Edmonton which is a social enterprise of Homeward Trust helping to provide furniture to those in our Housing and Support programs who are transitioning out of homelessness, Bissell Thrift Shop Edmonton, and The Mustard Seed Thrift Store Edmonton.
It was an opportunity for thrift lovers to:
Shop.
Donate.
Win prizes.
And Support your Community!
All in one day!
Why Participate?
Beyond winning prizes and enjoying a fun day, every dollar spent at Find Edmonton supported programs to fight poverty and end homelessness right here in Edmonton.
Where?
Three thrift stores. Three locations.
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Find Edmonton – 5120 122 Street | 9am–5pm
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Bissell Thrift Store Edmonton – 8818 118 Ave NW | 10am–5pm
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The Mustard Seed Thrift Store Edmonton – 10568 114 Street NW | 11am–6pm
What Happened?
Shoppers visited one or all three thrift stores on August 16 to donate, shop, and enjoy exclusive deals, fun in-store activities, and giveaways.
All three stores offered:
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An on-site raffle to win a swag prize pack.
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The Thrift Passport Challenge with chances to win great prizes from local businesses.
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A social media contest with chances to win $25 gift cards for each partner location.
At Find Edmonton
As a social enterprise of Homeward Trust helping to provide furniture to those in our Housing and Support programs who are transitioning out of homelessness, Find hosted even more activities:
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Passport Thrift Challenge: shoppers picked up their passport to play.
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Community BBQ by donation (11am–2pm).
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Spin to Win all day for up to 50% off.
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Donation Drive: Shoppers helped fill the truck at Find and received a coupon for 10–20% off in-store.
Thank you, Edmonton, for joining us to Shop, Donate, Support your Community, and Win prizes on National Thrift Shop Day 2025!
Indigenous Gathering 2025
When: April 14, 2025 from 9am-4pm
Where: Chateau Louis Hotel
Indigenous Gathering 2025 Program: Here
This year we were honoured to have keynote speaker Alberta Justice Ivan Ladouceur with speakers and presentations on housing, justice, and health while showcasing housing best practices. It was a crucial opportunity to facilitate knowledge exchange, relationship-building and enhanced collaboration with Indigenous, community, and systems partners to address urban Indigenous housing and houselessness in Edmonton.
Thank you to everyone who attended and the elected officials who joined us for the Indigenous Gathering 2025.
Thank you to Our Keynote Speaker – Alberta Justice Ivan Ladouceur
Justice Ivan Ladouceur was born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and raised in a traditional lifestyle. He continues to spend significant time with his family on their traditional lands and trapline. Fluent in Cree, he attended a residential school in the Northwest Territories before becoming a Journeyman Red Seal Industrial Mechanic/Millwright.
Justice Ladouceur later pursued further education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he completed the Adult Teacher Education Program. He spent four years teaching in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan, before returning to the University of Saskatchewan to earn his law degree.
With 24 years of experience as a criminal trial lawyer, he has handled a broad range of cases, from breaches of court orders to homicide. In 2016, he was appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice in the St. Paul Judicial District. In 2024, he launched the Healing to Wellness Court, an initiative aimed at integrating culturally appropriate, community-based approaches to justice.
Deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, Justice Ladouceur remains actively involved in cultural practices and ceremonies, continuing to serve as a strong advocate for Indigenous communities within the justice system.
We are honoured to have Justice Ladoucer join us to share his knowledge.
Thank you to artisans from the Indigenous Artist Market Collective (I.A.M).
Learn more about the I.A.M. here
March 20, 2025 from 4:30-8:30pm
Location: Ottewell School (9435-73 St Nw), Gymnasium #1063
Homeward Trust Edmonton, Boyle Street Community Services, and Edmonton Police Service hosted a drop-in community conversation where attendees learned more about Supportive Housing, asked questions, and participated in discussions.
Learn more: Morningstar Home
November Housing Month 2025
November Housing Month is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about the need for safe, quality, and affordable housing in our communities.
Check out the calendar to register for webinars, Supportive Housing visits, and other events. Plus join FIND for the Housing Month Donation Drive and the Find the Truck campaign.
June 12-14, 2024
Location: Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel at 10155-105 Street, Edmonton, AB
Homeward Trust Edmonton, in partnership with 7 Cities on Housing and Homelessness, hosted a gathering of stakeholders and practitioners dedicated to ending homelessness in our province. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this event.
Register here: Housing Supports Forum Tickets | Eventbrite
For details on the additional program and speaker, please visit Housing Supports Forum 2024.
For questions or comments, please contact: rsvp@homewardtrust.ca
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Lunch & Learn with Iain De Jong, OrgCode Consulting
June 4, 2024 from 11:30-1:30pm
Location: Santa Maria Goretti Centre
Eventbrite Link: Lunch and Learn with Iain De Jong | Eventbrite
Homeward Trust Edmonton hosted this lunch and learn session with Iain De Jong of Org Code Consulting. From a national perspective, this event examined strategies, approaches, and interventions aimed at ending homelessness. The discussion encompassed the changing landscape, challenges, successes, and pressures faced by all communities while also addressing how each participant could contribute to the goal of ending homelessness.
Indigenous Gathering, April 26, 2024
Location: Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre Hotel
Indigenous Gathering 2024 Program: Here
For the Indigenous Gathering, we gathered to share, build relationships and collaborate on urban Indigenous housing and houselessness in Edmonton. The event also aims to gather valuable feedback and perspectives while recognizing the impactful work currently being carried out in our community. This includes successes, challenges, and opportunities for improving the services provided to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
Thank you to everyone who attended and the elected officials who joined us for the Indigenous Gathering 2024.
Thank you to artisans from the Indigenous Artist Market Collective (I.A.M).
Thank you to Our Event Emcee – Director and CEO, Lance Cardinal ᐊᐧᒐᐢᐠ
Lance Cardinal is a First Nations, 2-Spirit artist, designer, content creator and television personality from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. He has quickly become one of Alberta’s leading First Nation artists and entrepreneurs. Lance is the CEO of Soulflame Creative Services, a First Nations design and consultation company which has led the industry in bringing Indigenous content and authentic representation into high-profile spaces and has helped pave the way for a new era of reconciliation. Soulflame works as the Indigenous consultant and designer for the Edmonton Oilers, writing the pre-game land acknowledgement video and designing the popular Turtle Island Indigenous team logo.
Lance keeps his career diverse and inspired, allowing the Creator to guide his path and inform his work. He leads with his heart, and his work delivers a message: “It is the love we have for others and the love we find in ourselves that will heal our Nations and bring our world together.”-Lance Cardinal.
