$17 million earmarked to develop homes for First Nations

The federal government is putting $17 million into developing more affordable homes on Saskatchewan First Nations.

Announced by Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen on Thursday, construction is to begin immediately on 84 units in various First Nation communities across the province. Communities include: Beardy's and Okemasis, Big River, Kahkewistahaw, Kinistin Saulteaux, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Muskoday, Saulteaux, Waterhen Lake, and Witchekan Lake.

“Our investments will go a long way to effectively support those who need it most by quickly providing new affordable housing units to vulnerable individuals and families,” Hussen said in a news release.

In the release, Chief Gregory Scott, Kinistin Saulteaux Nation No. 91, applauded the move “towards eliminating some of the challenges we encounter due to lack of support and services for our most vulnerable citizens in our community.”

He added that the investment “will help us alleviate some of the despair that comes with lack of adequate housing, extremely pleased to have been selected for this significant shelter initiative.”

Chief Kenny Moccasin, of Saulteaux First Nation, also expressed support for the program. “It will provide us the ability to build 15 new homes in our community. These new homes will address overcrowding and allow us to bring Saulteaux members home to the community. Having family members close for First Nations has become ever more important during these pandemic times.”

The project, which will be delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is part of the government's National Housing Strategy, a 10-year, $70-billion plan.

Investments will be delivered through the Project Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). To date, RHI has successfully developed 4,700 units nationally, exceeding its original target of 3,000. Forty per cent of these units were created for First Nations communities.