YELLOWKNIFE, TREATY 8 TERRITORY, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES-Northern, remote and Indigenous communities in Canada face unique housing and infrastructure needs. The Government of Canada recently announced a new pilot project that will advance community-led housing solutions.

The Government of Canada is providing $200,000 a year over three years to the Dene Nation to create a Housing and Infrastructure Secretariat that will support and coordinate housing-related initiatives benefiting Dene peoples. This pilot project will allow Dene communities to propose solutions that reflect their unique needs, secure federal housing funding, and support the Dene Nation Strategic Housing Plan.

"Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, no matter where they live," says The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. "Northern and Indigenous partners have the local knowledge and expertise to implement housing plans that work for them. This federal government will not impose a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, because we know that does not work. We are proud to partner with the Dene Nation for this pilot program. Through continued collaboration, communities are creating and implementing new housing solutions that meet their needs."

In addition, Canada provided $135,000 through Indigenous Services Canada's Community Infrastructure and Housing program for the purchase of a modular unit at Kátł'odeeche First Nation as part of the Dene Nation's Strategic Housing Plan. These measures will support ongoing housing efforts in the Northwest Territories, while providing the Dene Nation with a foundation for future collaboration to address housing challenges.

Pixabay/Paul Brennan

The Canadian Government and Dene Nation are working together to alleviate housing issues.

"Our home, on the land, has always been the foundation that enriches the quality of our way of life," says Chief Gerald Antoine, Dene Nation. "The Dene Nation acknowledges that there are many areas in housing that require our immediate attention. Through the support of the Housing Secretariat project, we look forward to seeking meaningful engagements with the many levels of government involved in the housing crisis in Denendeh. This must be done in alignment with the needs and values of our leadership and our Dene families."