Who We Are
Rooted in Land.
Built on Trust.
Our Mission
"Guided by Indigenous knowledge. Empowering Communities. Honouring Traditions. Building Futures."
Assini Development was founded on the belief that housing is not a commodity — it is the foundation of family, culture, and community wellbeing. We support Nations and communities in creating sustainable, culturally grounded housing developments that reflect Indigenous values, strengthen economies, and preserve lands for generations to come.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Community First
Every decision we make is guided by the needs, voices, and visions of the communities we serve.
Dignified Housing
We believe every family deserves a safe, warm, and dignified home. Non-market housing is not charity — it is a right and a foundation for thriving communities.
Self-Determination
Indigenous communities are the architects of their own futures. We provide capacity, resources, and partnership — with guidance, not control.
Land Stewardship
Our developments are designed with deep respect for the land. We incorporate sustainable building practices and honour the territories on which we build.
Our Services
Through an Indigenous Lens
Project Feasibility
Every project begins with a thorough feasibility assessment — evaluating site conditions, community need, funding availability, and regulatory requirements to determine whether a project can be successfully delivered.
Site Selection and Acquisition
Identifying and evaluating suitable land for development — working with communities, municipalities, and land authorities to secure sites that meet housing needs, respect traditional territories, and support long-term community growth.
Zoning and Permitting Guidance
Navigating municipal zoning requirements, development permits, and regulatory approvals — ensuring every project meets local bylaws while advocating for the unique needs of Indigenous housing developments.
Financial Modeling and Budgeting
Developing detailed financial models and budgets for each project — analyzing construction costs, funding sources, operating expenses, and long-term affordability to ensure every development is financially sound from day one.
Development Consultation
Providing expert guidance to communities at every stage of the development process — helping navigate decisions around land use, project scope, timelines, and partnerships to move housing projects from concept to construction.
Stakeholder Engagement
Building meaningful relationships with community members, elders, band councils, and government partners to ensure every voice is heard and every decision reflects the community's long-term vision.
Design Coordination
Coordinating with architects, engineers, and community stakeholders to develop building designs that are functional, culturally appropriate, and built to last — ensuring every detail reflects the community's vision.
Construction Oversight
Managing all phases of construction to ensure quality workmanship, site safety, local Indigenous employment, and on-budget delivery — from groundbreaking through to final inspection.
Capital Fund Identification
Identifying and securing the right mix of capital funding — through different government programs and community sources — to make each non-market housing project financially viable from the ground up.
Community Handover
Ensuring a smooth and supported transition to community ownership — providing training, documentation, and ongoing guidance so families and housing managers can sustain and steward their homes for generations to come.
The People
Our Team
Joel Laycock
Chief Executive Officer
Joel Laycock is Anishinaabe from the Ebb and Flow First Nation in Manitoba. His personal connection to Indigenous communities, combined with more than three decades of experience in the Indigenous non-profit social services sector, has shaped his commitment to advancing community well-being through culturally grounded and holistic approaches.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Calgary, Joel has dedicated his career to supporting Indigenous communities through strategic planning, social services, and community development. Over the past eight years, he has played a key role in supporting and delivering Indigenous non-market housing developments across Western Canada, helping to create housing solutions that reflect the needs, values, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples.
Joel believes that housing is more than shelter — it is a foundation for health, cultural connection, and long-term community prosperity. His work is guided by a holistic, wraparound approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of housing, social supports, economic opportunity, and cultural well-being. Through collaboration, relationship-building, and a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, Joel continues to advocate for sustainable and inclusive development that strengthens Indigenous communities for future generations.
Driven by a vision of thriving Indigenous communities, Joel remains committed to creating pathways that honour Indigenous perspectives while fostering opportunities for growth, self-determination, and lasting positive change.
Natalie Westman
Executive Coordinator
Natalie is a First Nation member of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation. Her shared and lived experiences within the urban Indigenous community have profoundly shaped her perspective and approach. Natalie has worked within the Indigenous community for 4+ years, fostering a sense of cultural identity and a commitment to empowering Indigenous voices. She has carved a path in her work, blending traditional wisdom with modern entrepreneurial acumen.
Upon completion of her BCom in marketing, retailing, and services, Natalie has had the opportunity to take on diverse roles across marketing, business strategy, and project management. With a strong analytical mindset, critical thinking skills, and a proactive approach, Natalie has consistently excelled in roles that demanded innovation and strategic thinking — spanning from creating marketing strategies and project coordination to overseeing client experiences both physically and digitally.
Natalie is committed to continuing her journey as a catalyst for positive change within the urban Indigenous community and the business world at large. Her vision is one of inclusivity, where Indigenous wisdom is honoured, and opportunities for growth and prosperity are accessible to all. With a blend of cultural reverence and entrepreneurial spirit, Natalie aspires to pave the way for a future where Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and integrated into every facet of society.
Want to Work With Us?
Whether you're a First Nation, an Indigenous community, a funding partner, or a housing advocate, we'd love to hear from you.