CHAWATHIL FIRST NATION,
HOPE, BC, April 29,
2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is dedicated to working with Indigenous
communities to ensure their members have access to safe and
sustainable housing.
Chawathil First Nation recently completed essential housing
repairs to 22 homes within their community. These renovations mark
a significant step forward in addressing housing needs and
enhancing the quality of life for community members. However, the
community recognizes that there is still much work ahead.
After years of grappling with inadequate housing conditions,
community leadership undertook a comprehensive review and
revitalization of their housing stock. By prioritizing necessary
improvements and embarking on a long-term project, the community is
poised to make a substantial and enduring impact on the lives of
Chawathil First Nation members.
The Government of Canada
remains committed to partnering with the Chawathil First Nation to
support its vision for improving existing homes and laying the
groundwork for future housing plans. Since 2018, Indigenous
Services Canada has invested $3.1 million and Canada Mortgage Housing
Corporation has provided $150,000
through the National Housing Strategy's Affordable Housing Fund for
housing renovations.
Quotes
"Housing continues to be a pressing need in communities across
this country, and Indigenous Peoples are feeling the effects at a
disproportionate rate. Here at Indigenous Services Canada, we're
working together with Chawathil First Nation leadership to restore
the tools needed to advance self-determination and create equal and
fair opportunities to rebuild and grow their community. Through
this collaboration, combined with the strong advocacy, hard work
and dedication of their leadership, more families will have a safe
and comfortable place to call home. Projects like these are an
important part of our government-wide strategy to address housing
needs and build healthier, prosperous, and sustainable communities
for all."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
"We are grateful for our partnership with the Government of
Canada. This investment helped
Chawathil First Nation improve the livability of homes in our
community while having a positive impact on our housing needs. I
commend our staff for their hard work to achieve this milestone.
With every housing repair, we are building a healthier future for
our community."
Norman Florence
Chief, Chawathil First Nation
"In September 2022, upon joining
the council, our housing department was navigating a myriad of
challenges. It's with immense gratitude that I acknowledge the
unwavering support from Indigenous Services Canada and its
exemplary staff. Their partnership has been instrumental in the
repair of 22 homes in our community over a span of 18 months. The
funding provided by Indigenous Services Canada to bridge housing
gaps has proven to be remarkably accessible, reliable, and
straightforward to apply for. Their commitment to easing the
application process has significantly empowered our community to
address our housing needs effectively. Our long-term vision is to
ensure all homes meet health and safety requirements so that our
members can not only live but thrive."
Aaron Pete
Councillor, Chawathil First Nation
"By investing in the maintenance of existing homes we are
ensuring the long-term sustainability of housing for members of the
Chawathil First Nation. The funding our government has provided
will support the long-term upkeep of these units so members will
continue to have access to quality and affordable homes in their
community. This is another example of how our government's National
Housing Strategy is ensuring all Canadians have a roof over their
heads in the communities where they want to live."
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts:
- Chawathil First Nation are Stó:lō people, located in
Hope, British Columbia.
- Chawathil First Nation has a total population of 666, with 301
members living on reserve.
- Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed over $10 billion in funding to address long-standing
housing gaps in Indigenous communities through Indigenous Services
Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and
the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
- Since the creation of Canada's
National Housing Strategy, the government has committed nearly
$43 billion to support the creation
of over 151,803 new homes and the repair of over 241,133 homes.
These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including
seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of
homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
Associated links
- Chawathil First Nation
- Canada's National Housing
Strategy
- CMHC - Renovation, Repair and Renewal Funding for Indigenous
Housing
- Interactive map: Investing in Indigenous Community
Infrastructure
- First Nations Housing
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada