KEY ISSUES/CHALLENGES

The phrase “First Nations housing and infrastructure is in crisis” contained in the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) First Nations Housing Action Plan dated May 31, 2005 is clearly applicable to Manitoba First Nations. The Budget 2005 announced $295 million in funding for on reserve housing with approximately 25% of this budget coming to Manitoba.

The funding requires First Nations to meet certain criteria to qualify for funding. The main requirement is the qualification for Ministerial Loan Guarantee (MLG), which is granted by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). In order to obtain a MLG, the First Nation must complete a Community Housing Plan that outlines policy and procedures for their Housing program. It should include a policy on Homeownership, On-Reserve Matrimonial Real Property and Rental Regimes that will provide information to the membership as well as financial institutions.

The completion of the Housing Plan will outline any remedial action that is required to correct any deficiencies in their current program, enabling more First Nations to qualify for the new funding. In addition, a more complete assessment by the First Nations of their housing requirements will enable the leadership to advocate and negotiate a housing initiative that is more reflective of the housing needs of the communities.

LINKAGE TO FIRST NATION COMMUNTIES

AMC continues to have representation on various housing committees including the First Nations Housing Management Committee, the INAC Capital Review Committee, the Province of Manitoba’s Technical Advisory Committee, Manitoba Urban Native Housing Association and the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative.

AMC is in the process of establishing a website for First Nation housing that will provide a compendium of information as well as links to resources that are available on the Internet for use by the First Nations. There is a wealth of information that can act as a tremendous resource to the communities as they try to deal with a wide range of issues as it relates to housing and infrastructure.

STATUS ON ACTIVITIES

First Nations Housing Management Committee

The AMC along with MKIO, SCO, CMHC, and INAC meet on regular basis to deal with housing issues. The task of implementing programs designed by the federal government to meet the needs of Manitoba First Nations is a challenge. The feedback and information provided by Manitoba First Nations is invaluable in providing input and recommendations on any future programs. First Nations Housing Database

AMC purchased a housing database program from the Swampy Cree Tribal Council and this was distributed to the other six Tribal Councils and independent First Nations. A cursory review of this database has identified some problem areas that will need to be addressed in order to get this program operational. The housing data collected will then provide the leadership with a better picture of the housing situation of their communities as well as on a regional basis and will allow for future program design.

First Minister’s Meeting Working Group on Housing

Chief David Harper, the AMC Housing Portfolio Chief, attends the Assembly of First Nations First Ministers Meeting (FMM) working group on Housing. The recommendations from this working group will be put forth by AFN and it is our expectation that this will lead to a new mandate by the Federal Government as it relates to First Nation housing. The work to date has focused on addressing the immediate housing needs while working on a long-term sustainability of on-reserve housing and infrastructure.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• A special AMC Chiefs Assembly on Health and Housing was held in Long Plain First Nation in January 2005 to discuss housing and infrastructure issues.

• The funding allocation determined for Manitoba First Nations housing will be approximately 1,600 units over the next two years.