This report provides valuable insights into the state of housing programs in First Nations communities, particularly in relation to the responsibilities of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The report highlights several critical findings, including the inadequacy of support provided by ISC and CMHC, persistent challenges in improving housing conditions, and the lack of progress towards closing the housing gap by 2030. Additionally, it underscores the importance of addressing capacity needs, streamlining funding programs, ensuring building code compliance, and finalizing policy frameworks for transferring housing responsibilities to Indigenous organizations like FNHIC.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) partnered with industry experts and over 400 First Nations to develop a report with Indigenous Services Canada titled “Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030.” It outlines the necessary investments needed to close the infrastructure gap for First Nations by 2030. It is a critical step towards achieving economic reconciliation, addressing the ongoing inequality in access to essential services like housing, education, healthcare, and connectivity in First Nations communities. This gap highlights the stark contrast between the infrastructure available to many Canadians and that in First Nations communities.

The BC Indigenous Homelessness Strategy was released in November 2022 by the Indigenous Homelessness Strategy Steering Committee. Please take the time to read the strategy below. It is important that we take the necessary steps to ensure that we take care of our street family and do the necessary work to end homelessness. 

In 2020-21 the First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council of BC (FNHIC-BC) managed the most comprehensive research project ever conducted into what First Nations people are saying about housing and infrastructure in BC First Nations. In "From Concept to Design” FNHIC-BC reports on how BC First Nations people envision transferring authority from the federal government and building their own housing and infrastructure delivery system. As part of the movement towards self-government, First Nations are working towards taking control of their own public service. In the housing and infrastructure field that means First Nations working together and making Indigenous knowledge-based decisions that will result in transformative legal and social change. Building a new system that provides a central advocacy voice and empowers First Nations to deliver housing and infrastructure in a way the meets the needs of their people is reconciliation in action.