News & Media

October 24, 2024 — Halifax Regional Municipality, Traditional Unceded Mi’kmaw Territory, Nova Scotia

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 Atlantic Canada.

Today’s announcement includes more than $33.5 million in funding for 6 projects in Atlantic Canada led by:

• Wenjikwom Housing Commission Soc
• Tawaak Housing Association (2 projects)
• Native Council of PEI
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Ksalsuti Wellness Resources

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 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 Peoples Articles 21 and 23.

Quotes

“Indigenous housing providers deserve Indigenous advocacy at the national level. By securing this investment and developing a For Indigenous, By Indigenous funding process, NICHI is putting Indigenous people back in charge of housing policy for our people and communities. The overwhelming expression of need we received in our application process—totalling $2 billion across 447 applications—demonstrates that the work is far from over—but today, we’re excited to announce funding that will make a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous peoples in Atlantic Canada.”

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

“The announcement of these critical housing projects in Atlantic Canada is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. By ensuring this funding is distributed through an Indigenous-led approach, we are empowering Indigenous-led organizations to create housing solutions that reflect the unique needs of their communities. This investment is a vital step toward addressing housing disparities and creating a brighter future for families across the region.”

Jenica Atwin
Member of Parliament for Fredericton

“NICHI’s remarkable achievement in swiftly delivering $277.8 million underscores its unwavering commitment to advancing Indigenous housing nationwide. As a new organization, NICHI’s expedient action demonstrates unparalleled dedication and catalytic impact in transforming community housing landscapes. We commend NICHI for its pivotal role in driving forward this transformative initiative.”

Lisa Ker
Acting Executive Director for the Community Housing Transformation Centre

“With thousands of years of collective experience, urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing providers have the capacity, know-how, and shovel-ready projects to address the challenge. NICHI has shown that it can deliver funding programs swiftly, fairly, and responsibly.”

Margaret Pfoh
President, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association

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 75 non-profit, Indigenous-led housing organizations by an objective, unbiased Project Selection Advisory Council, which prioritized urgent and unmet housing need in Indigenous communities across the country. Currently, $3.7 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.

Associated links

• National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI)
• Housing for Indigenous Peoples
• Funding for urgent, unmet Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas to be distributed through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Justin Prest
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc.(NICHI)
jprest@nichihousing.com
1-873-455-5557

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Jennifer.Kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
media@sac-isc.gc.ca
819-953-1160