First Nations Communities in Canada: A Legacy of Neglect

Having had the chance to visit a few First Nations communities over the last couple of months and to meet with community leaders and members has been a great eye opener and reminder for me as to the conditions that people are living in. As it has been several years since I visited a first nation (2015 to be exact) I am glad to have engaged on these recent trips, it was great for the soul...it truly was.

The housing crisis in First Nations communities is a complex issue that has been neglected for far too long by elected officials at all levels of government. Despite the fact that all people are entitled to safe, secure, and affordable housing under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, many First Nations communities are facing a dire shortage of adequate housing that is severely affecting their quality of life.

Overcrowding is common, with families often forced to live in homes that are in disrepair and inadequate for their needs. This overcrowding is not only a physical burden, but it also creates social and health problems that are difficult to overcome. For example, in some communities, up to 20 people may be living in a single-family home, leading to a lack of privacy, a lack of space for children to play, and the associated health risks.

The root cause of this housing crisis can be traced back to a long history of systemic neglect and discrimination. For decades, First Nations communities have been underfunded and underserved by the Canadian government, with many communities receiving less than half the funding that other Canadian communities receive for housing and infrastructure. This lack of funding has resulted in a lack of new housing construction, which has left many families in need of adequate housing.

In addition to the lack of funding, First Nations communities also face numerous other barriers when it comes to addressing their housing needs. For example, many communities are located in remote areas, making it difficult and expensive to transport building materials and workers to the site. The high cost of living in these remote areas also makes it difficult for First Nations families to afford the cost of adequate housing, let alone groceries (often its one or the other)

Furthermore, the lack of political will among elected officials at all levels of government is another major factor contributing to the ongoing housing crisis in First Nations communities. Despite the fact that this issue has been raised repeatedly by First Nations leaders and community members, it has received little attention from government leaders. In many cases, elected officials have been more concerned with meeting the needs of their political base than with addressing the needs of Indigenous peoples.

This neglect is unacceptable and must change. The housing crisis in First Nations communities is a human rights issue that requires immediate action. First Nations families deserve to have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing, and it is the responsibility of elected officials at all levels of government to ensure that this happens. In one nation I visited no less then 6 homes and a school that were shutdown due to mold.

One of the ways that government officials can take action is by investing in new housing construction in First Nations communities. The Rapid Housing Initiative Grant is a step in the right direction but it needs to go further to include rehabilitation of existing homes (and other infrastructure) that are in need of repair. In addition, government officials can work with First Nations communities to develop programs that will help families afford the cost of housing, such as rent subsidies and home ownership programs.

Another way that government officials can take action is by addressing the underlying causes of the housing crisis in First Nations communities. For example, working to address the ongoing discrimination and underfunding that has led to the current situation. We must work with First Nations leaders to address the root causes of the problem.

Finally, elected officials at all levels of government must be more proactive in engaging with First Nations communities on this issue. This could include attending community meetings, engaging in dialogue with First Nations leaders and community members, and working with First Nations communities to develop and implement housing strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of each community. It is important that government officials listen to the concerns of First Nations communities and work with them to find solutions that are effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate.

This is a complex and pressing issue that requires immediate attention from elected officials at all levels of government and Canadian citizens as a whole must speak up!. The lack of adequate housing is affecting the health, well-being, and quality of life of First Nations families, and it is time for government leaders to take action to address this issue. This could include investing in new housing construction, addressing the underlying causes of the crisis, and engaging in proactive dialogue with First Nations communities. By taking these steps, we can work towards a future where all First Nations families have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

In conclusion I will share one story with you that was shared with me on a recent trip. A client told me that they went out to get a quote for a roof reshingle of a hose that was no more then 1400 sq feet.....Yes the site is remote and challenging to get to, but it was a simple roof (I looked at it myself) the quote received was $120,000 dollars....Outrageous and unacceptable......we must do better.....

Interested to know your thoughts, and interested in working with First Nation communities through our great vendors to supply a solution. Please share this article. If you are interested in a better way, lets talk about solutions! [email protected]

#housingcrisis, #Firstnationshousing #infrastructure #dobetter