Housing is a key social determinant of health, yet many First Nations communities continue to struggle with overcrowded homes and inadequate housing conditions. The Assembly of First Nations reports that thousands of new homes are needed on reserves to address the ongoing housing shortage (Assembly of First Nations, (2021). Addressing housing conditions is necessary to improve health, safety, and overall wellbeing of Indigenous communities. 

Many Indigenous communities in Canada continue to struggle with severe housing shortages and unsafe living conditions. Overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and homes requiring major repairs remain common concerns for Indigenous people. These concerns are due to long-term underfunding and colonial policies that restrict Indigenous control over housing. According to Statistics Canada, First Nations people living on reserves are significantly more likely to live in overcrowded homes compared to non-Indigenous Canadians (Statistics Canada, 2022). This petition calls on the Government of Canada to improve safe, affordable housing in First Nations communities. Improving housing conditions is essential for supporting Indigenous wellness, safety, and community stability. 

“Melanie Lindholm (2019) wrote: Traditional foodways contribute to people’s responsibility in the community, strengthen social networks, and support connections to land essential for well-being . . . ​Changes regarding involvement in production, including knowledge about how and where food originates are of major concern. (p. 159)” (Presley, R. 2021, pg. 142)

“I want to recognize that, particularly in Native communities, there was a need for research that exposed the uninhabitable, inhumane conditions in which people lived and continue to live.” (Tuck, E. 2009, pg. 415)

These quotes both reinforce the idea of the importance of continuing to expose  the living conditions that many indigenous communities face, which suggest how our meaningful social action will involve confronting systemic injustices and to support to the best of our abilities the indigenous-led initiatives that are working to revitalise traditional knowledge and strengthen community networks. 

If we work together in creating awareness to this social issue, our petition and public advocacy will create many opportunities in influencing policymakers, increase in funding, allyship, and support for indigenous self-determination in housing. Some recommendations should include more government accountability regarding indigenous housing in order to keep the relationship between the government and first nation governments to be built on respect and transparency. Indigenous communities should also have greater control over housing decisions, which include planning and construction in order to align with environmental conditions and cultural values.

Improving housing conditions in First Nation communities is essential in promoting community long term wellbeing. The fact that this housing crisis is still ongoing, it just reflects the history of colonial policies, systemic issues, and underfunding. By raising awareness, we can place meaningful pressure on policymakers to provide first nation communities with adequate housing.

To the Government of Canada, addressing this housing crisis is a very important step to take toward justice, respect, and improved living conditions for First Nations Communities. 

Ashlyn Brier

John Scott

 

Statistics Canada. (2022). Housing conditions among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit in Canada from the 2021 Census. Government of Canada.

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021007/98-200-X2021007-eng.cfm

Assembly of First Nations. (2021). Closing the infrastructure gap: First Nations housing.

https://afn.ca/economy-infrastructure/infrastructure/closing-the-infrastructure-gap/housing/

 

Presley, R. (2021). Kincentricity and Indigenous wellbeing: Food (ways) and/as holistic health in the Native Medicine Wheel. Rhetoric of Health & Medicine, 4(2), 126–157.

Tuck, E. (2009). Suspending damage: A letter to communities. Harvard Educational Review, 79(3), 409-427.