First Indigenous Housing Capacity Event

NICHI’s First Indigenous Housing Capacity Event will bring together leaders across the Indigenous Housing sector. The event is set to be two and a half days of learning, networking, and exchanging knowledge. For the first event of its kind, we have developed a unique program of workshops, plenaries and learning sessions on the topics of: funding, government relations, wrap around supports, tenant relations, HR and management, development and construction, and organizational growth. We have built the program with Executive Directors, CEOs and high-level management in mind.

Image of the Fairmont Royal York and downtown Toronto with superimposed text from the first NICHI capacity event.
https://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/

Book your travel and your hotel!

NICHI's First Indigenous Housing Capacity Event is being held at the Fairmont Royal York located at 100 Front St. W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3 on December 9th, 10th, and 11th.
NICHI will provide accommodations of up to 1 guest room at the host venue for one representative from each member organization. The same representative is eligible for travel coverage (subject to available funding) by completing the Travel Subsidy Form, which is on the second page of the registration form. Please note that travel assistance will be provided directly to the organization, not to individuals, and can be issued before booking travel.
Accommodations for additional attendees may be available at the Fairmont Royal York and nearby hotels, at the expense of the registrant's organization.

Agenda

*Note: All sessions and meals will be hosted in the Imperial Room

*NOTE: NICHI is in the planning and confirming stages, topics are subject to change but will be updated regularly.

Monday, December 9th

  • 8:00am-9:00am Registration & Breakfast
  • 8:45am-9:45am Opening
  • 9:45am-10:00am Break
  • 10:00am- 12:00pm “Government Relations” 
  • 12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
  • 1:00pm-3:00pm “Building Strong Foundations: Indigenous Housing Development and Construction in Practice”

This session will explore the unique challenges and opportunities involved in creating sustainable, culturally respectful housing solutions for Indigenous communities. Panelists will discuss critical lessons learned from their own development projects, offer practical advice for navigating regulatory, financial, and community-driven aspects of construction, and share key considerations for future Indigenous housing initiatives. 

  • 3:00pm-3:30pm Break
  • 3:30pm-5:00pm “Building Home: Models to Support Vulnerable Renters” 

This session will introduce the audience to the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights and its existing programs to prevent housing loss and stabilize tenancies through its unique blend of advocacy, research, direct service and public education. The session will then flow into an open dialogue among the audience and presenters on how CCHR can support Indigenous organizations and communities.   

Following the dialogue, attendees are invited to participate in a networking session, fostering connections to strengthen efforts in housing stability and support for Indigenous communities. 

Tuesday, December 10th

  • 8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
  • 8:45am-9:45am Opening
  • 9:45am-10:00am Break
  • 10:00am-12:00pm “Building Pathways: Navigating Government Funding and Financing Opportunities” 

Join representatives from key federal organizations for a critical discussion on available financing and funding options tailored to support Indigenous housing providers. This session will provide insight into various programs, grants, and loan opportunities designed to empower Indigenous communities to develop, construct, sustain, and expand housing initiatives that address their unique needs. 

  • 12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
  • 1:00pm-3:00pm “Building Community: Wrap Around Supports for Indigenous Housing Stability” 

Panelists will share insights into successful holistic support models that integrate housing with health and social services, cultural programming, economic opportunities, and community-driven solutions. They will also discuss the importance of collaboration between Indigenous leaders, housing providers, and local governments to create sustainable, self-determined housing programs. 

  • 3:00pm-3:15pm Break
  • 3:15pm-5:00pm “Building Success: Leveraging Funds and Co-Ops for Indigenous Housing Growth”

In the 2024 Federal Budget, the Government of Canada committed $1.5 billion for a Rental Protection Fund to help non-profits acquire existing rental housing, stabilize rents and protect tenancies. In Budget 2022, they committed $1.5 billion for a co-op housing development program. Join this interactive workshop to explore how to design and deliver these housing programs in ways that will benefit Indigenous housing providers. 

Wednesday, December 11th

  • 8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
  • 8:45am-9:15am Opening
  • 9:15am-10:15am “Building Resilience: Governance & Risk Management for Indigenous Housing Leaders"

This session will focus on risk management concepts that can be applied to support a practical approach to strengthening your organization’s readiness to obtain and effectively leverage funding for critical indigenous housing initiatives. 

  • 10:15am-10:30am Break
  • 10:30am-12:00pm “Building Stronger Futures: Strategic Planning and Growth in Indigenous Housing”  

In this session, panelists will explore strategies for effective organizational growth, sustainable development, and community-centered planning. From governance best practices and funding to partnerships and community engagement, this session will equip attendees with a deeper understanding of how to align their organizational growth with their mission to support Indigenous communities. 

  • 12:00pm-12:30pm  “All together – The Finale” 
  • 12:30pm-1:00pm Closing

Questions?

This page will be updated regularly, as details become available. Please check back soon for more information!

In the meantime, please also feel free to contact events@nichihousing.com with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions.

Registration Closed