The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated’s (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing projects in Saskatchewan.
“The rapid allocation and disbursement of $281.5 million in funds to our 73 projects, including SaskNative Rentals, completed within an unprecedented 11 months, exemplifies our commitment to addressing urgent housing needs efficiently. As the only National Indigenous Housing Organization, NICHI ensures that funding reaches those who need it most quickly and effectively through community-based knowledge and our members’ thousands of years of combined Indigenous housing experience. SaskNative Rentals, which has been a pillar of support for Métis and First Nations communities since the 1970s, continues to set a high standard in providing safe and affordable housing that includes all Indigenous peoples. The resilience and dedication demonstrated by SaskNative Rentals over the decades inspire our mission at NICHI, and we are proud to support their ongoing efforts to create inclusive, culturally relevant housing solutions for Indigenous individuals and families.” explained John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated.
This announcement includes approximately $34 million in funding for 8 organizations in Saskatchewan, totaling 1107 units led by:
– All Nations Hope Network, Regina
– SaskNative Rental Inc., Saskatoon
– Wapi Kihew Attention to Creative Solutions Inc., Saskatoon
– Central Urban Metis Federation, Saskatoon
– Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Centre Corporation (PAIMFC), Prince Albert
– Montreal Lake Cree Nation Urban Services, Prince Albert
– Buffalo Narrows Friendship Centre, Buffalo Narrows
– Piwapan Women’s Centre, La Ronge
Through the project, $280.4 million is being distributed to 73 projects across the country. The goal is to build approximately 3781 units. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022. The funds were distributed by NICHI, applying its “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” approach. NICHI brings together Indigenous-led housing, homelessness, and housing-related service delivery organizations to provide lasting solutions that address diverse housing inadequacies, including homelessness, for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural, and northern areas.
Over 171,000 Indigenous Peoples in urban, rural and northern areas off reserve are in core housing need according to the 2021 Census. Indigenous Peoples continue to experience core housing needs at a significantly higher rate than non-Indigenous people, with the gap between them being exacerbated by the housing and homelessness crisis and by inadequacies in distinction-based funding. Through a “For Indigenous, By Indigenous approach” to Indigenous housing that recognizes Indigenous organizations are best placed to understand the needs of their communities, Indigenous Services Canada is striving to close this gap by 2030.
“In true partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we are getting more homes built, faster. I’ve seen with my own eyes and from speaking with people directly on the ground the challenges Indigenous communities face with regards to building more homes. Hence, these projects follow a By Indigenous, For Indigenous approach. We will always be there for communities as they take the lead to build.” said The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor.
Having access to safe and affordable housing is critical to improving health and social outcomes and ensuring a better future for Indigenous communities. This funding initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to address the social determinants of health and advance self-determination in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Articles 21 and 23.