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SURREY, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF COAST SALISH PEOPLES, BC, Nov. 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, 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 British Columbia.
Today's announcement includes close to $26.8 million in funding for 16 projects in British Columbia led by:
Through the national process, $277.8 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 75 projects across the country aimed at building more than 3800 units. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022 and 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 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 Peoples Articles 21 and 23.
Quotes
"These 16 projects in British Columbia reflect the leadership of Indigenous housing service providers in developing solutions rooted in the needs of their communities. They demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing the urgent housing needs of Indigenous Peoples in urban, rural, and northern areas. While these projects are a step in the right direction, much more remains to be done to truly meet the scale of the housing crisis that Indigenous Peoples face in urban, rural, and northern areas of Canada. NICHI is proud to stand with these providers, advocating for the resources and support needed to build a future where everyone has access to safe, culturally grounded housing."
John Gordon
Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated
"In true partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we are getting more homes built, faster. Communities know best what they need, which is why these projects follow a By Indigenous, For Indigenous approach. We will always be there for communities as they take the lead to build homes; it's a matter of fairness."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
"Kekinow's Board of Directors is very grateful for and sincerely appreciates this timely funding provided by the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) for major renovations of Kekinow Native Housing Society's Aleleng Indigenous housing project in Surrey, BC, which was opened in the 1990s. This generous funding will allow our society to preserve much-needed existing family units and also significantly improve the healthy living environment of our tenants."
Robin Henry
President , Kekinow Native Housing Society
"Indigenous Peoples are 13 times more likely than non-Indigenous people to experience homelessness. That's simply not OK. Housing is the foundation of well-being both individually and societally. This federal funding, as provided through NICHI, will help AHMA members continue the important work of offering trauma-informed and culturally supportive housing and services for Indigenous Peoples living in urban environments. An equitable approach to housing recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by the housing, and AHMA members are grateful for this much-needed support."
Margaret Pfoh
Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA)
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada