HOME OWNERSHIP ON RESERVE IS NOT SO CUT AND DRIED
On-reserve housing can become a complicated issue for a number of reasons. Each First Nation is different because some have well-established housing policies and committees that handle disputes if issues arise. Some smaller First Nations, however, do not
Q Does anyone own a home on reserve?
A Delorme said home ownership is much more complicated, because housing is tied to the land and no one owns the land. He said there are members of Cowessess who have resided in homes built through a partnership between Cowessess and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. For the duration of the 25-year mortgage period, they are given the option of buying the unit for $1. However, the land still remains with Cowessess and the houses cannot be used as collateral or sold. Agecoutay said on Muscowpetung, there is one unit that was built by a family without funding from the First Nation. Because the house is not owned by the First Nation, it does not fall under the reserve’s insurance policy but is recognized as part of the reserve’s housing stock, so on-reserve services are provided to that unit. He said it does not matter how long a family has resided on a particular parcel of land, it never becomes that family’s personal property.
Q What is the current housing supply on reserve?
A Delorme said demand exceeds supply. Each year, Cowessess members must submit an application to the housing committee, which oversees the allocation of units, whether they are from the current stock or new builds. Cowessess has two subdivisions to accommodate the membership, but there is still a waiting list for houses. Agecoutay said there are currently 60 to 70 families who would like to move home, but there are no homes. He estimates homes for those families would cost about $45 million, with an additional $20 million for renovations, which is money the band does not have, but is working on.
Q What role does the federal government play in on-reserve housing?
A Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) provides funds to the First Nations, but does not get involved further with housing issues, should they arise. Agecoutay said INAC provides money to the First Nation’s band-based capital budget, but in reality it is not enough money to build even one unit. He said most agreements can be made with CMHC for units, but the First Nation must be in good standing to secure the loans necessary to build the units. Delorme said deadlines and criteria also play a factor when trying to access programs for housing projects.
Q Where do residents go when there is a dispute over a home?
A Delorme said Cowessess has a housing committee that deals with housing issues. He believes it was a system established long before he was elected, but supports the idea because politics should remain arm’slength. Agecoutay said Muscowpetung has no housing policy, but is working toward creating one because chief and council should not have to make decisions when there are disputes. He said policy should always take precedence, because that is the fair thing to do.