NICHI and federal government announce Saskatchewan recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

SASKATOON, TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND TRADITIONAL MÉTIS HOMELAND, SK, Aug. 2, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, 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 (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.

Today’s announcement includes almost $34 million in funding for 8 organizations in Saskatchewan totalling 1107 units led by:

SaskNative Rental Inc., Saskatoon
Wapi Kihew Attention to Creative Solutions Inc., Saskatoon
Central Urban Metis Federation, Saskatoon
All Nations Hope Network, Regina
Piwapan Women’s Centre, LaRonge
Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Centre Corporation (PAIMFC), Prince Albert
Montreal Lake Cree Nation Urban Services, Prince Albert
Buffalo Narrows Friendship Centre, Buffalo Narrows

Through the national process, $280.4 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 73 projects across the country aimed at building approximately 3781 units. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022 and was 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 distinctions-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.

Access to safe and affordable housing is critical to improving health and social outcomes, and to ensure 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.

Quotes

“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.”

John Gordon

Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated

“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.”

The Honourable Dan Vandal

Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

Quick facts

On June 8, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) would deliver $281.5 million in immediate funding over two years to address the urgent, unmet needs of Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas.
NICHI held its expression of need process from late November 2023 to January 12, 2024, and funding was allocated to 73 non-profit, Indigenous-led housing organizations by an objective, unbiased Project Selection Advisory Council who prioritized urgent and unmet housing need in Indigenous communities across the country. $1.1 million of the total funding amount remains to be allocated
The National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) is an Indigenous-led national housing organization working to ensure that all Indigenous people across Canada have access to supports and services that provide safe, affordable, secure and dignified housing.
Support for projects will include funding for acquisitions of new properties and buildings, construction of new facilities, repairs and renovations, housing-related training, growing organizational capacity and administration costs.