About KGHS

Who We Are

The K’asho Got’ı̨nę Housing Society (KGHS) is a community-led non-profit organization in Fort Good Hope, NT. It was founded in Fall 2016 by the Yamoga Land Corporation’s Board of Directors, following the Sahtú Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (SDMCLA).

The community’s earlier success inspired this initiative. In the 1970s, when the K’ásho Got’ı̨nę Band helped residents build their own homes using public funding, creating both housing and hands-on construction experience that built pride and confidence.

Community Needs and Action

In 2017, KGHS led a major housing assessment, The State of Housing in Fort Good Hope , based on community interviews and meetings.

Findings showed:

Up to 25 men, 3 women, and 3 families were homeless.

40% of residents were living in overcrowded, unsafe, or unaffordable housing.

45% of private homes needed significant repairs.

These findings confirmed what residents already knew: housing challenges in Fort Good Hope are tied to colonial history, systemic barriers, and economic inequities.

Mandate

To enable the residents of Rádeyı̨lı̨ Kǫ́ (Fort Good Hope) to live in and maintain safe, affordable homes through programs that address housing issues holistically, while helping individuals build skills to sustain their homes and families.

KGHS also advocates for improved housing policies and funding models, working with local and federal partners to ensure sustainable, community-led solutions.

Mission

The K’asho Got’ı̨nę Housing Society coordinates programs that help residents:

Access shelter and supportive housing with pathways to independence.

Repair and maintain existing homes.

Build or purchase new homes.

Address the root causes of homelessness through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

Guiding Principles

Reconnect Our People

Strengthen cultural identity, language, and relationships to address more than just physical housing.

Communicate Transparently

Share information openly while respecting confidentiality and equity.

Learn as We Go

Adapt programs through reflection, patience, and experience.

Support the Local Economy

Create jobs and use local labour and materials whenever possible.

Enable Responsibility

Encourage active participation, self-sufficiency, and pride in home care.

Engage Community

Build bridges across generations, inviting elders, youth, and volunteers to contribute.

Decolonize Housing

Restore local control over housing decisions and funding to reflect Indigenous self-governance and nationhood.

Governance

The Board of Directors of KGHS is composed of the Chief and Council of Fort Good Hope, providing leadership and accountability for the organization.

Partners and Supporters

KGHS works closely with a network of community, territorial, and national partners, including:

Yamoga Land Corporation – founding organization and key funder, providing ongoing support and governance guidance

N.I.C.H.I. (National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Initiative) – national partner supporting Indigenous-led housing solutions and advocacy

Ne’Rahten Development Ltd. (NDL) – local construction and maintenance support

Housing NWT – funding for the Kádúyí́le Transition Home and repair programs

Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) – Healthy Choices Fund, Anti-Poverty Fund, and training support

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – Reaching Home and STAR programs

Aurora College – trades training and adult education programs

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – seed funding and administrative support

Fort Good Hope Charter Community – coordination of local wraparound services