Awards Gala 2025:
NICHI hosted an evening reception before the Gala and had invited every sitting MP to attend the reception. A few MP's did attend to mingle and learn more from NICHI members. Thoughtful listening and informal sharing then shifted to the gala. Three national awards were presented to honour deserving recipients chosen by NICHI. Future selection and awards will be based upon a broader nomination and selection process by members in 2026 and beyond.
Excellence in Community-Led Housing
Purpose: To honour an Indigenous housing provider that has shown outstanding leadership in delivering housing solutions that are culturally informed, inclusive, and responsive.
Criteria: Housing delivery that reflects community values and Indigenous ways of knowing. Evidence of community engagement in design and implementation. Success in delivering units, wraparound supports, or tenant-led governance. Clear and measurable impact.
Awarded to:
YMTH provides transitional housing to mothers aged 18-25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who may or may not be involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Supports provided include but are not limited to housing search, resume building, employment search, connection with community resources, completing applications, parenting and life skills development, nutrition and healthy lifestyle, cultural connections and transition to independent housing with continuing support via our outreach program.
Transformational Impact in Indigenous Housing Award
Purpose: To recognize new and transformative ideas or practices in Indigenous housing.
Criteria: Innovation in design, materials, financing, service model, or governance. Demonstrated ability to address challenges in new ways. Culturally relevant and scalable. Clear community benefit and transferability.
Awarded to:
Seven Generations Housing Legacy Award
Purpose: To honour a lifetime of commitment to Indigenous housing.
Criteria: Minimum 20 years of service in Indigenous housing (any region or setting). Significant and sustained impact on Indigenous housing policy, delivery, innovation, or advocacy. Recognized as a mentor, Elder, or leader within the sector. Demonstrated cultural humility and Indigenous community accountability.
Awarded to:
Marcel has led Lu’ma for over 30 years, helping to build a current portfolio of 15 housing projects with nearly 300 units and a market value of more than $40 million.
During his tenure, Marcel has used innovation and creativity in working with many different public and private partners. He has been instrumental in forging partnerships which have pioneered sustainable ways to build and manage Indigenous housing projects.
