History of NAN Housing Strategy

In 2014, NAN Chiefs-in-Assembly declared a NAN-wide Housing State of Emergency. This declaration came in response to decades of inadequate interventions that had led to severe housing conditions, including health issues, short-lived structures, overcrowding, and extreme mold in NAN communities.

 

In 2017, the NAN Infrastructure Summit and resulting report called for the creation of a housing strategy to address the crisis.

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In 2018, ongoing housing insecurity in NAN communities led the Chiefs-in-Assembly to reaffirm the state of emergency. They added that the existing standard housing solutions were failing to meet immediate needs, had not addressed future needs, and were not promoting or creating wellness in the communities.

 

The Chiefs-in-Assembly passed Resolution 18/18, calling for a modern NAN Housing Strategy. The resolution recognized the failures of the existing housing system and its detrimental impact on the well-being of NAN members throughout the territory. It emphasized the need for a system change, one that moves beyond colonial, top-down approaches and is deeply rooted in community-led solutions.

 

Starting in 2019, NAN hosted workshops, events, and engagements to gather insights directly from community members and housing professionals. By focusing on personal experiences and perspectives on home, the Housing Strategy has been shaped by the diverse visions of all members, ensuring it addresses the specific housing needs across the territory.

 

Based on the community engagement findings, NAN Chiefs directed the creation of a Housing Strategy to address the unique needs of their First Nations. This strategy will provide a clear path toward developing better, more suitable, and adequate housing both on and off reserve.