While the world around us changed, we brought the 19th annual First Nations Housing Conference home. The COVID-19 pandemic put an even larger focus on housing with people spending more time at home and health concerns constantly at the forefront. In 2021, more than ever, we needed to share the latest information and learn best practices in Building Healthy Homes. Attendees, funders, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and the FNHC team came together to continue the event on a virtual platform. The First Nations Housing Working Group would like to commend all those who participated despite the challenges of the pandemic.
MIIGWETCH!
The Builders Challenge is typically one of the most exciting aspects of FNHC. This year, the Working Group was faced with the monumental task of making this hands-on event just as engaging in a virtual format. Home improvement celebrity Jon Eakes once again hosted the event, but this time from his studio, while a participating community executed the build.
“Focus on Decks” was filmed on location in Lac Seul First Nation following the construction of an accessible deck. Community carpenters built the deck while demonstrating best practices paired with tips and instructions from Jon and Working Group member Andrew Culham. At the end of each of the four segments, Jon and Andrew were available for a live Q&A and an interactive challenge through a quiz platform. Although the challenge didn’t involve attendees picking up a saw or hammer, the event was as exciting as ever!
The 2021 Challenge Focus on Decks featured these demos:
