The 21st Annual First Nations Housing Conference took place on October 24- 26, 2022, at the Valhalla Inn 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 2023. The delegates are the reason this Conference has been such a success for the past 21 years! Miigwetch.
Tzeachten First Nation is looking to build capacity in their traditional lands and create safe and affordable housing. Members of Tzeachten First Nation planned, coordinated, built and maintained 23 new housing units within their home territory. They have also built a maintenance shed to store supplies and work on other projects for the 23-unit development to ensure it is maintained as best as possible. This is the first major development undertaken by the Tzeachten First Nation in 10 years.
Fort Albany First Nation is working toward providing a safe community for its members. After a “life changing” call from CHMC in Spring 2022, Fort Albany First Nation is nearing completion on its seven new family housing units that will provide as an opportunity to allow victims of violence to live for 12-18 months. Members of Fort Albany First Nation had a vision of the next seven generations being free from violence and having better outcomes and now they are steps closer to making that dream a reality.
A unique partnership between three First Nation communities, Mohawks of Bay of Quinte, Garden River First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, designed to provide affordable housing for the Indigenous population in the Belleville area. The Belleville Affordable Housing LP will support community members living off-reserve, as well as urban Indigenous peoples in need of affordable and culturally-relevant housing, to find a sense of belonging and nurture their involvement in the community. The Belleville Affordable Housing LP will house independent Indigenous individuals, seniors, single women, as well as people with disabilities.
Another giant step forward for Hammarskjold High School's land-based program, LZ Lodge, connecting to poverty reduction issues, and addressing the housing crisis in remote First Nations communities. A new group of 19 Indigenous youth collaborated to build a second tiny home. This project is helping to tackle both the need for more innovative housing solutions, as well as helping students develop hands-on skills and certifications and to get exposure to potential future work opportunities in the skilled trades.
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 your project evaluated by our 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 2023 Challenge taught participants about Housing Maintenance, featuring these demos:
