The 22nd First Nations Housing Conference took place on February 4-6, 2025, at the Valhalla Hotel in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The First Nations Housing Conference Community would like to commend funders and sponsors for their continued support and acknowledge the speakers and tradeshow exhibitors that attended and shared their knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, thank you to the delegates that came from across the country to participate in FNHC 2025. The delegates are the reason this Conference has been such a success for the past 22 years! Miigwetch.
Thank you for joining us at the 22nd First Nations Housing Conference dedicated to building First Nations with us! #FNHC2025
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, formerly known as Sand Point First Nation, is an Ojibway First Nation reserve in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, rebuilt homes and creating a future that honors its rich heritage while embracing sustainable growth.
An example of their dedication is the recent completion of two single-bedroom 4-plex units. These homes are not just structures but a testament to the community’s innovative approach to sustainability and affordable housing. Designed to reduce the community’s carbon footprint, the energy-efficient units offer eco-friendly living options for members to return to and live on their traditional land. Beyond providing shelter, these homes represent a foundation for a sustainable future, strengthening connections and creating opportunities for generations to come.
Chapleau Cree First Nation and Brunswick House First Nation, located in Ontario, have exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing housing challenges. In response to the shared needs of Chapleau Cree First, Missanabie Cree First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation, one bowl was founded as a transformative step in addressing housing needs. Key achievements include Chapleau Cree First Nation’s completion of four Thermolog housing units at Sideburn Lake and the training of 10 local individuals in Thermolog technology, as well as Brunswick House First Nation’s completion of a 1,200-square-foot Thermolog residential unit in Chapleau, which provided jobs and built local expertise.
Their efforts extended beyond construction, as the Tree to Home Summit hosted by One Bowl brought together over 60 participants, including Housing Managers and Economic Developers from other First Nations communities. This summit provided hands-on construction experience and promoted discussions about sustainable housing solutions. Additionally, the “Train the Trainer” program empowered local teams to gain skills and independence, ensuring the communities are equipped to lead future housing projects.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, located in Ontario, have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to addressing housing needs within their community. Their approach to community housing is a shining example of collaboration, sustainability, and forward-thinking solutions.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (CNUFN) has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce to address community housing needs through a Rent-to-Own model and critical repairs for community elders. Since 2016, this partnership has built 20 homes, housing 55 children under 18, with 6 more homes planned by 2025. Habitat for Humanity’s non-profit model, leveraging volunteer labor and donated materials, has reduced building costs, enabling more homes to be built within the same budget. This initiative includes sustainable construction practices, education on home maintenance, and mid-to-major renovations for elder-owned homes. This collaboration not only alleviates overcrowding and improves health outcomes but also strengthens community involvement, unity, and independence.
The Cree Nation of Waskaganish, located on James Bay, is a community of about 3,000 people with a rich history as one of the original Hudson’s Bay Company posts. Their comprehensive community plan for 2015-2025, and a new plan in development, ensures that housing integrates with other key community needs like institutional and commercial spaces.
In housing, Waskaganish has achieved significant milestones: annual renovations to existing homes, including external repairs and bathroom upgrades for 30-50 units per year, the addition of extra rooms to reduce overcrowding, and home adaptations to accommodate people with mobility challenges. They have implemented CNG subsidies for members who wish to build homes and developed plans and specifications for constructing an Elders’ home for respite and assisted living. Additionally, they have drafted policies to guide housing program staff, such as addressing family changes, and introduced newsletters to help members understand how rent monies contribute to the community.
The Daylu Dena Council, located in Lower Post in northern British Columbia, is a community committed to healing and growth. In 2021, they demolished the former Lower Post Residential School site to make room for Dene Kǫ^, their new cultural and administration building. This marks a significant step in their journey toward healing, replacing painful memories with hope for the future.
Housing has been central to this transformation, with the Sa-Koh Housing Complex—a 16-unit project providing Supportive, Women’s Safe, and Transitional Housing—serving as a vital resource for returning community members. This project, along with a new duplex development, aims to provide modern, durable homes that reflect the evolving needs of the community, offering more than shelter but stability and connection to the land.
The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ), in partnership with the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle (ALFDC), have created an innovative project that provides deeply affordable housing while offering skilled trades training. This program serves low-income individuals, including those on Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and equips them with the skills needed for long-term employment.
Over 40 community members have been trained in trades such as electrical, plumbing, and roofing, with some progressing to apprenticeship positions. Each home is built for $60,000 and sold for $75,000-$80,000, with the profit reinvested to support the project. This initiative addresses housing needs while providing job opportunities and creating a sustainable workforce.
The project has already placed two homes with homeless individuals and continues to train skilled workers for future construction. The program also carries cultural significance, reflecting the community’s values of support and care. With a 95% employment rate for participants, this initiative is a successful model for integrating housing, training, and community development.
The Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board was founded in November 1991 to address the employment and training needs in the geographical area. On April 1, 1999 SLAAMB became an Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement Holder (AHRDAH), which became responsible for the delivery of the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS).
The Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) serves 25 Indigenous Nations in Northwestern Ontario and is celebrated for its efforts to address housing and training gaps. In 2024, SLAAMB completed a two-story residential unit designed specifically to house female trainees traveling for programs in Sioux Lookout and Hudson. This project not only provides essential accommodations but also creates opportunities for skill development through hands-on construction experience.
Located in the Greater Vancouver area, Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) achieved a historic milestone in 2009 by ratifying the first urban First Nations Treaty in British Columbia, restoring their right to self-government. With this governance, TFN has addressed critical housing needs and revitalized their community, creating opportunities for their members to thrive.
In 2024, TFN celebrated the completion of its first turn-key home project, a 12-unit duplex development designed for young adults and families. Additionally, a 36-unit rental housing project has provided safe, affordable options for families, elders, and youth, reuniting 28 off-land families with their community. Renovations to over 50 homes and policies like the Home Renovation and Emergency Housing Assistance programs have further ensured accessibility and quality of life for all Members.
TFN’s achievements include 42 new rental units, 7 supportive housing units, and 12 turn-key homes, with 114 Members returning to the community. With plans for even more homes, TFN builds on a legacy of innovation and self-determination, fostering a strong, united community.
Each year, the Builders Challenge hosts fun and interactive teaching workshops alongside the full-day Tradeshow. The Challenge consists of demonstrations and competitions. Each competition begins with a demonstration by Jon Eakes of how to complete the Challenge. Then, it’s the participant’s turn to show off what they’ve learned, complete the challenge before time’s up and have their project evaluated by the judges for a chance to win prizes! Home improvement celebrity, Jon Eakes, hosts the event each year. He inspires and entertains delegates with his strong construction expertise and dynamic personality.
The 2025 Challenge taught participants about Housing Maintenance, featuring these demos:
