Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative
Find and support First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation innovators who have housing ideas for rural, urban or remote Indigenous communities
Introduction
The Accelerator Period Begins
Of the 342 applicants, 26 were selected by the Initiative’s Indigenous Steering Committee to enter the Accelerator period of the Innovation Initiative. The innovators spent up to 30 months working with experts on refining their ideas. Innovators that successfully completed the Accelerator period and developed their ideas into fully implementable proposals moved to the second-stage screening.
The Accelerator period is supported by a number of partners. Progress over this phase will be posted on the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative Circle Portal (external).
Message from the Indigenous Steering Committee
English
We are honoured to lead this important initiative. We agreed to participate because we share a passion for community service. We recognize that while this initiative cannot address all housing needs, it can generate valuable new ideas about new ways to raise capital, and to design, build and maintain homes that meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities. This is about supporting great ideas from our communities.
The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative is based on a simple yet powerful idea: that the best solutions come from those who live the problem every day. Residents of Indigenous communities understand the housing-related challenges they face. The Initiative aims to tap into this understanding and inspire Indigenous peoples to propose and develop effective solutions. We believe that your ideas can and will make a difference.
To be eligible for funding, ideas must relate to housing in some way, and they must come from and serve an Indigenous community. There are no other requirements. We will fund ideas that come from all Indigenous communities— First Nation, Inuit, Métis Nation—of all sizes and in all regions of the country—urban, rural, remote, on and off reserve. Our goal is to find ways to make it easier for Indigenous peoples to live in safe, appropriate homes. We are all excited by the opportunity to make progress on an important issue and humbled to serve Indigenous communities across Canada. We look forward to receiving your ideas. Together, we can make a difference.
Cree
nih kistenihtenān ta nekanskamahk oma Kichi Kekwān. Nih kih itwanān iwe wecihiweyahk wena e-nohte wapahtamahk ta wecihiwaniwahk. Eko māka nih nistawinenān eka kahkinaw wāskahikanihkewin ohci kekwān ta kih tocikātek, māka ekota ta kih ohcpaniki katawa mamitoninitamiwina tan oma ta isi osihtaniwahk ta isi osihot soniyan, nesta ta osihtaniwahki wāskahikana oki nistamnaskewesiwak ci kih apacihtacik otihtawiniwahk. Ewako oma ta sihtoskamahk kwayask mamitonihnihtamiwin ihtawinihk ohci.
Oma Piskihc Ininiw Ikamikwak ewako peyak e-sohkahk mitoninihtamiwin: aniki ekota ka ihtasihkecik tāhto kesikaw mawaci ta kiskihnihtahkik tan ta totamihk. Ka ihtasihkecik oki nistamaskewesiw ihtawinihk kiskihnihtamwak wenawaw kekwān om aka nakaiskahkik tāhto kesikaw. Ewako om aka totamahk ekwawe apacihtayahk oma kiskihnihtamiwin nesta nistotamiwin nesta ta sihkiskawecik Nistamaskewesiwak ta osihtacik ekwatowihkan ta tocikāteki. Nih tapwihtenān ohi kih mamitoninihtamiwiniwawa ka kih wecihiwemākanwa.
Ta pakitiniht soniyan, ewakoni piko ohci wāskahikanekewin nāntaw isi , nesta mena ekota Nistamaskewesiwi ihtawinihk ta ohcipaniki. Mona kotak kekwān ta nitawihnihtakwan. Nih ka pakitinānan soniyan kahkinaw ihtāwina ka ohcipaniki Nisaskewesiw ihtāwina— Ininiwak Ayaskemewak, Omistikosihkanak—pokani e-=ispihcak nesta pokani tahnte ohci oma askiy—otenaw ohpime, pikwataskiy, wanawihtimihk nesta picayihk iskonikanihk. Nenānan oma e-nohte miskamahk tan oki Nistamaskewesiwak ci kih wekicik ita e-minwāsik weckiwahk
Kahkinaw nih minwihnihtenān e-tawinamahkaweyahk ta wecihiweyahk Nistamaskewi Ihtāwina misiwe oma askiy Kanata. Nih nohte pihtenān tan om aka itenihtamek. Mamwi kenānaw ka kih kaskihonānaw kekwān.
Dene(Suline)
Nuhnı t’ą ɂedırı ɂeła dıltth’ı́ k’ı́ nuhenı k’esı́ sı be’toreɂá ɂa. Nuhnı ɂełk’esı danı́dhęn sı horelyų ɂeła dene ts’eraıdı́ ha danıdhęn ɂá. Horelyų ɂełk’esı́ danıdhęn t’a yoh hołé ha k’aɂų kulı hotıé hodórıldzaı ha nuhebá, ku ɂedırı gharé yatı́ łą nezų holı̨ sı bet’a tsamba godhé hųlt’ı́ dąlı̨ ha yunadhé dé, t’at’u hołé hu, t’ok’e denedédłı̨ne haralɂá hobebá t’a bebá t’oreɂá. ɂeyı ɂa nuhnı́ t’axaraıt’ı̨ k’ı́ dene yatı nezų ts’eraıdı́ ha danı̨dhęn ɂá.
Ku ɂedırı dene xa yoh hołé k’enats’edé Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative hulyé sı tthot’ı̨ne yatı t’a ɂedırı yatı nedhęn k’é bek’e holı̨ sı: ku t’a ɂası hołé hadé t’ą ɂası k’enats’é sı beł holı̨ dé nezų ha yek’odorelyą ɂá t’a hołé hoɂą. Dene t’ą denededłı̨ne nęnę naradé sı t’a hodorelɂı̨h k’odorelyą ɂá. Ku ɂedırı t’a ɂası k’enats’edı́ k’ı́ hotıé t’ą dene ɂası henedarénı̨ bet’a ɂası nezų hołé ha beyatı hılchú dé. Nuhnı hadánıdhęn hu neyatı́e chu t’arı̨nı̨ gharé nuhé la nezų daıltsı́ hası̨.
Ku dene ɂedırı ɂası hołé ha tsamba horı̨lɂı̨d dé, t’a yatı nełtsı́ horı̨lɂı̨h sı yoh hobası chu t’ąt’u dene yet’orı̨łther walı́ sı bası. Ɂeyı hel t’ą dene t’ok’e naradé sı hotıé t’a ɂa narałtı sı k’odorelyą yoh ası ɂeją nané hoɂá— First Nation dendedłı̨ne hu, Hoténa dene Inuit hu, Begharek’ą dene Métis Nation hu—horelyų hobebá hats’edı́ sı—hayorı̨la huto nǫneshé nęnę huto tł’ulé k’eyaghé naraadé dekulı́ bats’edı́ sı. Nuhnı t’a ɂası k’enaıdé sı hotıé dene koę sughuá naradé ha danı́dhęn sı.
Hotıé nuhenı̨ k’esı sı t’a hok’enaıdé k’I dene xa sughuá hok’enaıdé danı̨dhęn ɂa ɂeją Canada nask’athé. T’anı̨dhęn sı neyatıé hodorılɂı̨h sı. Ɂeła ɂası nezų senúnı́t’á ha.
Inuktitut
ᐅᐱᒍᓱᑉᐳᒍᑦ ᐊᐅᓚᓗᑎᒍ ᑖᔅᓱᒪ ᐱᒻᒪᕆᐅᓂᖓᑕ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ. ᐊᖏᖅᓯᒪᔪᒍᑦ ᐃᓚᒋᓗᑕ ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᒌᓐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᓄᓇᓕᒥᐅᑕᐃᑦ ᐱᔨᑦᑎᕋᐅᑎᖏᓐᓄᑦ. ᐃᓕᑕᖅᓯᓯᒪᔪᒍᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ. ᐱᔪᓐᓇᙱᓗᒃᑖᖅᑕᖏᑦ ᐃᓪᓗᓕᕆᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐱᔭᐅᔪᒪᔪᓄᑦ, ᐊᐅᓚᕙᓪᓕᐊᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᑦ ᐱᒻᒪᕆᐅᔪᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐱᕚᓪᓕᕆᐊᒍᑕᐅᓗᑎᒃ ᐊᑭᑐᔫᑎᓄᑦ, ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐋᖅᑭᒃᓱᐃᒋᐊᕐᓗᒋᑦ ᑎᑎᖅᑐᒐᖅᑕᐅᓂᑎᒍᑦ, ᓴᓇᓂᖅ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᑲᔪᓯᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅ ᐊᖏᕐᕋᒋᔭᐅᔪᓄᑦ ᐊᑲᐅᓈᖅᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᐱᔨᑦᑎᕋᖅᑕᐅᓗᑎᒃ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᓄᑦ ᓄᓇᓕᓐᓄᑦ. ᑕᒪᓐᓇ ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᒌᓐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᑐᕌᖓᔪᖅ ᓄᓇᓕᑦᑎᓐᓂᑦ.
ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᐊᖏᕐᕋᖏᑦ ᓄᑖᓂᒃ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕐᓇᙱᑦᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ: ᐱᐅᓂᖅᐸᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᔅᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᖃᐅᑕᒫᑦ ᐊᑲᐅᙱᓕᐅᕈᑎᖃᖅᑐᓄᑦ. ᓄᓇᓖᑦ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᑐᑭᓯᐊᔪᑦ ᐃᓪᓗᖃᓗᐊᙱᓐᓂᖓᑕ-ᐃᓚᖃᑦᑐᑦ ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕐᓇᖅᑐᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᒪᔪᑦ. ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕐᓂᖅ ᑐᕌᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᑐᑭᓯᐊᕝᕚᓪᓕᕋᓱᐊᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐃᑉᐱᒋᑦᑎᐊᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᐃᓄᖏᑕ ᑐᒃᓯᕋᐅᑎᓗᒋᑦ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐱᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ ᐊᑲᐅᓈᖅᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᔅᓴᖅᓯᐅᕋᓱᐊᕐᓂᖅ ᐋᖅᑭᒃᓱᐃᓂᕐᒧᑦ. ᐅᑉᐱᕈᓱᒃᑐᒍᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᔅᓴᖅᓯᐅᕈᑕᐅᔪᑦ ᓱᓕᔪᓐᓇᕐᓂᖏᑦ.
ᐱᔪᓐᓇᐅᑎᖃᕐᓂᐊᕐᓗᓂ ᑮᓇᐅᔭᓄᑦ ᐃᑲᔫᓯᐊᓄᑦ, ᐃᓱᒪᔅᓴᖅᓯᐅᕈᑕᐅᔪᑦ ᐃᓚᖃᕆᐊᖃᖅᑐᑦ ᐃᒡᓗᓕᕆᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐃᓚᖃᖅᑐᓂᒃ, ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔭᕆᐊᖃᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐱᔨᑦᑎᕋᕐᓗᓂ ᓄᓇᓕᖓᓂ. ᐊᓯᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᐱᑕᖃᙱᓚᖅ ᐊᑐᐃᓐᓇᐅᔭᕆᐊᖃᖅᑐᓂᒃ. ᐃᓚᓕᐅᑎᒋᓂᐊᖅᑕᕗᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕈᑕᐅᔪᑦ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᓕᒫᑦ ᓄᓇᓕᖏᓐᓂᑦ – ᐃᖅᑭᓖᑦ, ᐃᓄᐃᑦ, ᐊᓪᓚᐃᑦ – ᐊᔾᔨᒌᙱᑦᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᒥᓲᑎᒋᔭᖏᑎᒍᑦ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᓄᓇᓕᒫᑦ ᑲᓇᑕᒥ-ᐅᖓᓯᑦᑐᓂᑦ, ᐅᖓᓯᑦᑐᑦ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐊᒥᓲᓗᐊᙱᑦᑐᓂᑦ, ᓄᓇᓖᑦ ᐅᖓᓯᑦᑐᑦ, ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐊᓪᓚᐃᑦ ᓄᓇᖏᓐᓂ. ᑐᕌᒋᔭᕗᑦ ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕐᓇᙱᓐᓂᖅᓴᐅᓗᓂ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᐃᓄᖏᑦ ᐊᑦᑕᕐᓇᙱᑦᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᖏᕐᕋᖃᕐᓗᑎᒃ.
ᓂᕆᐅᒃᑐᒍᑦ ᐃᓱᐊᓈᕈᑎᔅᓴᓄᑦ ᐱᕙᓪᓕᐊᒍᑕᐅᔪᓂᒃ ᐱᒻᒪᕆᐅᔪᒧᑦ ᐊᑲᐅᙱᓕᐅᕈᑕᐅᔪᒧᑦ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐃᑉᐱᒍᓱᑦᑎᐊᖅᑐᒍᑦ ᐱᔨᑦᑎᕋᕐᓗᒋᑦ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᑳᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᐃᓄᖏᓐᓄᑦ ᑲᓇᑕᓕᒫᒥ. ᓂᕆᐅᒃᐳᒍᑦ ᓯᕗᓂᒥ ᑐᓴᕐᓗᑕ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᓴᖅᓯᐅᕈᑎᒋᔭᔅᓯᓐᓂᑦ. ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᒌᓐᓂᒃᑯᑦ, ᐊᓯᔾᔨᕈᓐᓇᖅᑐᒍᑦ.
Mechif
Niiyanaan aen l’oneur ka niikaaniishtamahk ooma aenportaan niikaaniishtamakewin. Nii pakitiihtaynan aen wiichihiwewiyahk ayish mitooni aen chimooshitaayahk poor mamawaayanihk aen service. Nii nishtawinuminan aykwaanima maykwaat ooma niikaaniishtamakewin namoo wiiya ki piikishkwatam kahkiiyow aen mayzoon noohtaypayiwin, kii ooshihtaw ooshkayi aenportaan aen nidii ooshchi neau ishi aen oohpina capital, miina itashinahikewin, waashkayikaywin miina chikanawayhtamihk enn mayzoon aykwaanihi nakishkam aen ispray noohtaypayiwin ooshchi Pramyayr Naasyoon mamawaayanihtawin. Ooma ooshchi aen wiichihiwewin ishi mitooni miiyaashin aen nidii ooshchi kii mamawaayanihtawin.
Aen Pramyayr Naasyoon Enn Mayzoon Mayshkoohtaashtawin Niikaaniishtamakewin aen maachihtawin ooshchi wayshchishin maaka maashkawatan aen nidii: aykwaanima nawut la ripoons ki ooshchipayin ooshchi aykwaaniki aykooshi ishi aen wiikiwak kahkiiyow la zhoornii aen la mizayr. Kaa wiikichik Pramyayr Naasyoon mamawaayanihtawin nishtoohtamwak enn mayzoon-ishi niishitoohchikatew moonayihikewin ka nakishkatahk. Ooma Niikaaniishtamakewin ka aen ishi paminamihk pakoshayimoo aen naakishka ooma nishtoohtamakewin miina shihkimiwewin ishi Pramyayr Naasyoon li moond aen kwaychihkaymoo miina ooshihtaw apaatun la ripoons. Nii taapwayhtaynan aykwaanima toon aen nidii kaa ki miina aen ki ooshihtaw mayshkoohtaashtawin.
Aen ka kakashkihooyin poor laarzhaan wiichihiwewin, aen nidii sa praan pikoo enn mayzoon ishi, pikoo miina aen ooshchi miina aen pamiihiwayhk ishi Pramyayr Naasyoon mamawaayanihk. Namoo wiiya kootak kaykway ayndawayishchikayhk. Aen laarzhaan na wiichihiwewinan aen nidii aen ooshchipayiki ooshchi kahkiiyow Pramyayr Naasyoon mamawaayanihtawin— Niikaan Naasyoon, Inuit, Michif Naasyoon—ooshchi kahkiiyow ayshpiishchikitowin miina aan daan kahkiiyow la riizhyoon oota ooma la tayr— daan la vil, daan la kaanpaayn, waahyow ooshchi, aan daan miina kwataashkamihk li rizaarv. Aen pakoshayimoomowinan ga miishkamahk ishi aen wayshchipayik poor Pramyayr Naasyoon li moond aen wiikit il li safe, kaatawahk enn mayzoon.
Kahkiiyow niiyanaan iksitii ooshchi enn shaans oohihtayahk atimyeupayiwinn disseu aenportaan li troob miina aen miyeuhtaynan paminumahk Pramyayr Naasyoon mamawaayanihtawin lootr bor Canada. Nii pakoshayimoonan aen ootihtikooyahk toon aen nidii. Mamawii, kaa ki kashkihtanaw aen ooshihtayahk mayshkoohtaashtawin.
Micmac
Mekite’tmek ikana’tuwek ula kepmite’tasik. Ninen kisita’sultiek ika’lsultinen mita kesatmek apoqnmek koqoey tla’sik wutank. Kejituwek ta’n tujiw mu kisi ika’tasinuk koqowey wen nuta’t wjit wikuwow, kisi ankuwa’sitew ap koqoey wjit me’ piley ika’tasik wjit wnaqa’sikn, aq wi’kmn, l’tmn aq luwatn wenji’ko’ml ta’n ika’tn koqowey nuta’q wjit l’nu’k. Ula na wjit weje’mn klusuwaqn ta’n telmenuwaqtasik wutank.
I’nu’k ta’n wikuwal pile’l teluwejik naqmasiaq katu espe’k ta’n kisite’tmi’tij: wejiaq mawi kelu’k klusuaqn ta’n ila’taq na ta’n nekmuk wejita’jik newtikisik. L’nu’k ta’n wikultijik wutan kejitu’tij ta’n tela’sik koqowey ta’n tujiw ika’q koqowey nuta’n wjit wenji’ko’m. Wetnu’kwalsutijik mimajuinu’k kisi nestmnew ta’n telia’sik aq kisa’lan l’nu’k wjit ankita’tmn aq ika’tn koqowey ta’n wela’sikn. Telte’tmek ki’l klusuwaqnm telte’tmn kisa’tew aq kisi piluwa’tew koqowey tela’sik.
Wjit apankitu’ksowuksin, amuj pa koqowey kisite’tmn wjit wenji’ko’m wetaqne’wasik wasku’tmn, aq ma’wt amuj pa wejiaq aq apoqnmatk l”nuwe’kati. Mu nuta’nuk ap piluwey tluwen. Ninen na apankitisnen wejiaq msit l’nuwe’kati’l- wutan, Lnuit, Metis wutan- msit ta’n telki’kl aq msit ta’n telki’kl wutanmwal- urban, rural, remote, eyk aq mu eymuk l’nuwe’katik. Menuwekeyek we’jitasikn koqowey ta’n naqmasiatew wjit l’nu’k wikultinew ta’n mu nesana’nuk, weltekl wikuwal.
Welta’sultiek msit wjit ula weskunmek wjit kisa’tasik wjit ketlamite’tmnew koqowey o’pltek aq nuji apoqnmwanew l’nuwe’kati’l msit Kanata. Menaqate’tmek mesnmnen teluwek wejiaq ki’l klusuaqnm. Msit, kinu kisa’tisnu’k wela’sik.
Ojibway
Niminwendaamin ji-izhichigeyaang maanda izhichigewin gechi-apiitendaagwak. Ningii-inaakonigemin ji-onji-izhichigeyaang aapiji zayaagitooyaang naadamaagewin. Ninisidotaamin gaawiin gakina gegoo waa-ayaaming waakaa’iganing ji-nanaa’itoosing maanda izhichigewin, maanda izhichigewin da-onji-ozhitoong oshki-inendamowinan ji-gichi-apiitendaagwak, miinawaa ji-izhitoong, ji-ozhigeng miinawaa ji-ganawendaming waakaa’iganan ji-onizhishingin ji-minwendaming Anishinaabe-oodenaang. Maanda izhichigewin wenji-ateg ji-inendaming minwendamowinan nindoodenanaaning waa-ondinaming.
Iw Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative izhi-gikenjigaade gechi-inendaagwak: maamawi-nakwetamowinan onjibaamagadoon imaa wenji-inaadizing endaso-giizhig. Endanakiijig imaa Anishinaabe-oodenaang oodenawan onisidotaanaawaa waakaa’iganing ezhiwebadinig. Maanda Izhichigewin wenji-atenig ji-nisidotaming nawaj miinawaa ji-maajii-naanaagadawendamowaad Anishinaabeg ji-dazhindamowaad miinawaa ji-ozhitoowaad maamawi-nakwetamowinan. Nindebweyendaamin ginaanaagadawendamowiniwaan waa-onizhishingin.
Giishpin waa-odaapinigaazong zhooniyaa waa-odaapinaming, naagadawendamowinan inagakeyaa daa-izhi-gikenjigaadewan wii-waakaa’iganikeng, miinawaa Metis Nation---gakina ezhijiiyaagin gakina ningoji omaa akiing---gichi-oodenaang, oodenaang, noopiming, ishkoniganing miinawaa agwajiyi’ii. Waa-izhichigeyaang waa-ani-giizhitooyaang ji-mikamaang awashime wii-wenipanadinig ji-bimaadiziwaad weweni Anishinaabeg, ji-onizhishininig owaakaa’iganiwaang.
Gakina niinawind ningichi-ombendaamin wii-izhichigeyaang wii-ani-maajiishkaayaang gechi-apiitendaagwak miinawaa nindabasenimomin ji-naadamaageyaang Anishinaabe-oodenaang oodenawan miziwe Canada.
Initiative Summary
We know that there are many innovative housing ideas in Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative aims to find and support First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation innovators who have housing ideas for rural, urban or remote Indigenous communities. Selected innovators will receive funding for both the development of their ideas and the implementation of their projects.
The Initiative will support innovative housing ideas that:
- Fall under one of six focus areas :
Traditional First Nation, Inuit or Métis Nation building styles and techniques
Using the home for empowerment, capacity building and support for local businesses
Support for vulnerable populations
Culturally-inspired urban spaces for First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation people
Safety, security, and accessibility
Energy independence and efficiency
- Introduce new ideas, designs and building techniques for effective, sustainable or culturally inspired living spaces for Indigenous peoples.
- Are led by First Nations, Inuit or Métis Nation applicants:
- on or off reserve
- in a rural, urban or remote area
- in any region of the country
Through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative, we hope to:
- deliver social and economic benefits for Indigenous communities (e.g. transitional housing for youth at risk)
- take a collaborative approach by establishing new partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations, including private and not-for-profit sectors
- implement various sizes and types of projects in a range of communities—large and small, on and off reserve, remote and urban—across the country, and
- share lessons learned from implemented projects.
Accelerator Period
Up to 26 applicants will receive up to $350,000 worth of funding and support services.
Project Implementation Period
15 to 26 projects will receive up to $2.5 million per project for construction.
Process
The following timeline may change:
Launch and call for ideas open
April 11, 2019
Call for applications closes
August 1, 2019
First-stage screening
Fall 2019
26 applicants selected for the Accelerator
December 2019
Accelerator begins
January 2020 for up to 30 months depending on project needs
Second-stage screening
Beginning spring 2020
Project implementation period
2020-2024
Lessons learned and knowledge sharing
Throughout the Initiative
Concluded:
March 2026
The Initiative has 4 stages:
1. First-stage Screening and Evaluation
Indigenous Services Canada will screen all applications for basic eligibility and forward those that are eligible to the Indigenous Steering Committee. The Committee will review, evaluate and recommend up to 26 Indigenous innovators to the Minister of Indigenous Services for Accelerator participation.
2. Accelerator Period
During the Accelerator period, up to 26 Indigenous innovators will spend up to 30 months working with experts on refining their ideas. The Indigenous Steering Committee will determine the exact level of support based on the size, complexity and level of development of the innovators’ ideas.
Innovators that successfully complete the Accelerator period and develop their ideas into fully implementable proposals will move to the second-stage screening.
3. Second-stage Screening and Project Implementation Period
The Indigenous Steering Committee will review and evaluate fully developed proposals that successfully complete the Accelerator. The Committee will select between 15 and 26 projects for implementation. The Committee will determine the exact number of projects and the exact amount of funding based on the size, complexity and the potential to achieve the goals of the Initiative.
4. Lessons Learned and Knowledge Sharing
The Initiative is an opportunity to gather and analyze new approaches and share lessons learned with Indigenous communities across Canada.
Throughout the Initiative, the Indigenous Steering Committee and Indigenous Services Canada will seek to identify information that can foster the success of future projects related to Indigenous homes.
Once funded projects are implemented, the innovators will receive additional funding to review their projects and share lessons learned with Indigenous communities and others across Canada.
Steering Committee
An Indigenous Steering Committee leads the Initiative with the support of the Government of Canada. The Committee will review and evaluate all ideas. The Committee is composed of prominent Indigenous individuals from across Canada:
Current Members
Will Goodon
Minister for Housing and Property Management, Manitoba Metis Federation
Full Bio
Will Goodon has built a career with a combination of community service and entrepreneurship. Tutored by his parents to look for opportunities in business, Will also seized the calling of working for the Métis Nation in the Métis Government in various capacities.
As well, partnering with his father, Will is an ownership partner in motel projects in southwestern Manitoba, with properties in Deloraine, Boissevain and Killarney.
He worked for several years at Goodon Industries, as both the marketing manager and purchaser. Goodon’s was built by Irvin Goodon in 1963 and sold 3 buildings. By the early 2000s, it was the largest agricultural construction company in western Canada. At the same time, Will ran a combination convenience store, gas bar, laundromat and motel at a property in Brandon, Manitoba.
Will also continues to work for Metis Governments as a facilitator, consultant and assembly chair. He has chaired local, regional, provincial and national assemblies and conferences, with attendance of up to 3,000 participants. He has also attended United Nations and OAS events internationally representing the Metis Nation.
In June 2014, Will was elected to the Metis Government in Manitoba - the Manitoba Metis Federation - as a provincial board representative for the Southwest Region. President Chartrand appointed him as Minister of Housing & Property Management. He was subsequently re-elected to the Metis Government in 2018 and re-appointed to the same portfolio.
He also represented the Metis Nation as a Core member of the Indigenous Circle of Experts for Parks Canada in 2017 and 2018 which oversaw an Indigenous perspective on parks and protected areas in Canada. He continues to assist with this file as a representative on the National Steering Committee of the Pathway to Canada Target 1.
Will was also instrumental in the recognition of Métis harvesting rights in Manitoba. In 2004, he shot a ring-neck duck in southwestern Manitoba and was charged by provincial conservation officers. The ensuing court case lasted 4 1/2 years and in the end, Will was found not guilty because his harvesting rights were protected by s.35 of the Constitution Act.
Will's family lives on acreage south of Brandon, Manitoba. In his spare time, he spends his days with his dad at the log cabin the two of them built in the Turtle Mountains, hunting and cutting firewood.
Interview with Will Goodon
Will describes the importance of the Initiative and what practice from his home community he would like to apply in his work on the Initiative. Watch the video on YouTube.
Dawn Madahbee Leach
General Manager, Waubetek Business Development Corporation
Full Bio
Dawn Madahbee Leach is a proud member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario where she has served as a member of her community’s Council. Since 1988, she has been General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, an Aboriginal Financial Institution that provides financing and economic services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and First Nation communities throughout North-East Ontario and Southern Ontario. Waubetek also delivers aquaculture services to Indigenous people throughout central Canada. Under her leadership, Waubetek has proudly invested more than $80 million in 3,600 Aboriginal businesses who experience a business success rate of 94%. A graduate of the University of Waterloo Economic Development Program, Ms. Madahbee Leach also studied at York University and earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Law from Laurentian University.
Dawn is the first Aboriginal woman in Canada to head up a commercial lending institution. In 2004, Dawn was recognized as a “Mover and Shaker” for economic development in the Northern Ontario Business newspaper. She was also celebrated as one of Laurentian University’s 25 Distinguished Alumni during the university’s twenty-fifth anniversary. She also contributed chapters to two published book compilations: 1) “Changing Lives: Women of Northern Ontario”; and 2) “Governance in Northern Ontario – Economic Development and Policy-Making” by Segsworth and Conteh with her chapter “First Nations Inclusion: A Key Requirement to Building the Northern Ontario Economy”. She is a recipient of the Anishnawbek Nation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; the MNP-AFOA Canada Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award in 2017 and was celebrated as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network in 2018. She has been a speaker at international forums in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UN on Indigenous economic development.
Dawn serves on various Boards and committees including the National Indigenous Economic Development Board where she serves as Vice-Chair. She also serves on the Boards of the Peace Hills Trust Company; the Northern Policy Institute (a northern Ontario think tank) and NioBay Minerals Inc. She is serving on two national Ministerial panels on commercial fisheries and on Indigenous housing. Dawn is the owner of Indigenous Business International, a company that provides assistance to Indigenous peoples on sector strategies and corporate partnerships.
Sharing her knowledge on the Aboriginal economy, she was instrumental in the development of the National Aboriginal Economic Benchmark Report (2012) and the follow-up National Aboriginal Economic Progress Reports 2015 and the 2019 report. She also co-chaired the development of the “Anishnawbek Nation Economic Blueprint” which is used today by several First Nations in Ontario. She also guided the establishment of the internationally renowned “Great Spirit Circle Trail” Aboriginal tourism organization based on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario.
She believes strongly that economic development, and following the Anishinabek traditional values, are the keys to addressing the challenges that her people face. She is a northern style traditional dancer on the powwow circuit. Dawn is happily married to the National Hockey League legend Reggie Leach and is the proud mother of Crystal Madahbee. Dawn is also deeply honoured to be a Nokomis to 1 granddaughter and 3 grandsons.
Interview with Dawn Madahbee Leach
Dawn describes the importance of the Initiative and what changes at a community level could result from Initiative funding. Watch the video on YouTube.
Marcel Lawson-Swain, LL.B
CEO, Lu’ma Native Housing Society
Full Bio
Marcel Lawson-Swain is currently the Chief Executive Officer (a position he has held for the past 32 years) of the Lu’ma group of companies, which includes Lu’ma Native Housing Society, Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society, First Funds Society, Lu’ma Medical Centre Society, the Aboriginal Land Trust, and the Lu’ma Development Management LTD. Marcel is Ojibwe, Cree and Métis. He also holds a Law Degree and Business Degree and was called to the Bar of the Law Society of British Columbia where he has practiced law in the city of Vancouver.
Marcel is also a past federal government employee where he worked at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Privy Council Office. He is a national award winning housing and homelessness advocate for his work on Indigenous Peoples and housing throughout Canada. Mr. Lawson-Swain has dedicated the last 38 years working in the field of housing and homelessness. Marcel is a board member of Terra Housing Consultants and SPARC BC. He is a founding member of the National Aboriginal Housing Association and the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council. He is also a past director of the Median Credit Union, one of Canada’s first Indigenous financial institutions.
Past Members
Pamela Glode-Desrochers
Executive Director, Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Full Bio
Stemming from changes in her personal life, Pamela stepped down from the Steering Committee on April 28, 2023.
Pamela Glode-Desrochers has been employed with Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for twenty-two years.
Pamela is a Mi’kmaw woman who has a deep understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and is passionate about helping urban Aboriginal people access support and guidance in areas such as social, health, justice and education that will meaningfully contribute to a safer, healthier and more vibrant urban Aboriginal community.
Pamela’s mandate as the Executive director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is to provide quality structured social based programming to urban Indigenous people with a focus on reducing poverty and crime, health, housing, homelessness, justice and the promotion of personal and community health and well-being. She has a strong focus on the development of a new Friendship Centre that will provide opportunities for the urban Indigenous community to become self-sustainable.
Pamela has been attributed with increasing the number of programs and services offered at the Friendship Centre in the last 3 years from 9 and to 28 programs which includes an employment and training program, housing program, several literacy programs and a youth program to name a few.
Pamela believes effective communication is the cornerstone to any successful initiative and is committed to building partnerships with all stakeholders (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) on behalf of the Friendship Centre to ensure the quality of life for urban indigenous people is improved.
Pamela is also an Executive Member of Atlantic Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) and a member of the Aboriginal Circle that guides the UAKN.
Currently she sits on the Board of Directors of the National Association of friendship Centers.
In June 2017, Pamela received the Governor General’s award: Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in Ottawa for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership.
Sean Willy
President and CEO, Des Nedhe Development
Full Bio
After a 20-year career in the resource industry and an extensive history in executive leadership, community development and human resources, Sean Willy was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Des Nedhe Development in August 2017.
Sean joined Des Nedhe as Vice President in July 2016 and led numerous business development initiatives for Des Nedhe. His experience with Indigenous communities and corporations enabled him to establish strong ties between Des Nedhe and its numerous Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners.
With roots in the Denesuline and Métis communities, Sean brings an understanding of the expectations and needs of Indigenous people. Growing up in a mining household, he experienced life in communities across the Canadian Shield – from the Northwest Territories to Nunavut to Alberta to Saskatchewan.
In his role as Director, Corporate Responsibility at Cameco, Sean developed the strategies and led all negotiations which saw Cameco build upon its successful track record with Indigenous peoples. This led to Sean building partnerships in Australia, the United States, and throughout Canada.
Sean’s proudest career achievement was signing five community-based agreements in Australia and northern Saskatchewan and completing the unique legacy trust fund in Canada, the Six River Trust.
Sean has served as past co-chair of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, past chair of the very successful Northern Career Quest and devotes much of his current additional time in working with global Indigenous communities on economic development strategies.
Sean has two children and lives with his wife Melissa in Saskatoon.
Interview with Sean Willy
Sean speaks on the need to change the status quo regarding Indigenous housing and how this can be done using Indigenous innovation.
Terry Audla, President and CEO, Nunavut Housing Corporation
President and CEO of the Nunavut Housing Corporation
Full Bio
Stemming from changes in his professional life, Terry stepped down from the Steering Committee on March 30, 2022.
Terry Audla was appointed as President and CEO of the Nunavut Housing Corporation in January 2016. As President and CEO, Terry is responsible for more than 5,500 homes/public housing stock in the Nunavut Territory and works towards filling the gaps in affordable housing and the housing continuum across the Territory.
Previous to that he had been appointed as the President and National Inuit Leader of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national organization representing 55,000 Inuit in Canada, from 2012 to 2015. He was born in Frobisher Bay (now Iqaluit), and raised in Resolute Bay, the son of High Arctic Exiles that relocated from Inukjuak, Quebec, in the early 1950s.
Mr. Audla has dedicated his career to the implementation of Inuit land claim agreements and the growth of economic opportunities for Inuit and Nunavut residents. He began with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in 1993 as its land manager and subsequently executive director, seconded to the Office of the Interim Commissioner of Nunavut, Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs as the Claims Implementation Coordinator in 1999, and later in 2011 with the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as its Chief Executive Officer. He is married to Terri Lynn Potter and is a father of four.
Selected Innovators
Implementation Projects
Projects that completed the Accelerator Phase requirements, received IHII Steering Committee approval, moved into Implementation Phase to complete their builds.
Witset First Nation- Tsë Lhts'ënc'il Nec'igekh Be Yikh (Split Rock Healing House)
Completed October, 2025
Witset First Nation (Moricetown, British Columbia) received funding to build a six-bed restorative healing lodge called Tsë Lhts'ënc'il Nec'igekh Be Yikh (Split Rock Healing House) and residence for Indigenous youth aged 12 to 29. The lodge incorporated an Indigenous approach to supporting Indigenous youth such as talking circles, Elder supports, and cultural outdoor activities. Focus area: Support for vulnerable populations
Whitefish Lake First Nation
Completed September, 2024
Whitefish Lake First Nation received funding to build three, three-bedroom rent-to-own homes. Revenue earned will be used to establish a band-owned housing development trust fund that enables the Nation to finance the design and construction of homes on its territory. This idea supports community vision for self-reliance and economic sustainability and help retain younger generations in the community by providing them with housing options. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing.
Abegweit First Nation-Passive Solar Housing Complex
Prince Edward Island | Completed July, 2024
Abegweit First Nation - Scotchfort Reserve, Stewart (Prince Edward Island) will receive support for the design and development of a multi-unit, passive solar housing complex to accommodate young, single adults and three or four families. The build aims to support energy independence and incorporate energy efficiencies to minimize energy costs. The idea aims to get the complex certified to meet Canadian passive house standards. Focus area: Energy independence and efficiency
Pikangikum First Nation
Ontario | Completed October 20, 2021
Pikangikum First Nation built an eight residential unit ‘Community Safe Village’ that provides safe, transitional, emergency housing with professional and culturally sensitive support for community members escaping violence. The facility also includes six hotel units that are accessible from a separate entrance for those visiting the community and will generate revenue to support the operation and maintenance of the Community Safe Village.
Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.
Saskatchewan | Completed December 3, 2021
Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) built the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge, a 3-storey complex with 26 one-bedroom units. The facility offers wrap-around health and cultural supports enabling Métis seniors to live independently in an environment that provides services to address age-related challenges.
Muskowekwan First Nation
Saskatchewan | Completed February 28, 2023
Muskowekwan First Nation has built a Family Healing and Wellness Centre that allows First Nations families to stay together, promoting a culturally responsive approach to healing intergenerational trauma. The Centre has three family log homes with two to four bedrooms, as well as a fourth home for healing program delivery. The First Nation is operating the centre with support from Elders, multidisciplinary counsellors and professional staff. The Centre provides a welcoming, home-like environment where families in crisis referred to the Centre can get the support they need to help heal together.
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre - Sunswin Village
Ontario | Completed July 7, 2023
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (North Bay, Ontario) has built a 3-floor, 30 single-unit transitional housing facility called Suswin Village. It provides safe, accessible and dignified housing for Indigenous community members who are ready to leave the emergency shelter system. Suswin, which means 'nest' in Ojibway, provides stable housing and individualized wrap-around support services that are necessary to find permanent housing, employment and overall long-term success and stability in the community. The lower level is being used for programming, counselling, life skills teaching, gathering, administration and intake.
The Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB) Learning Facility
Completed October, 2024
This project was part of a joint application submitted by Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise. The Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB) Learning Facility will serve as a central hub for education and cultural programming. Designed as a comprehensive learning center, it will support children with early education programs rooted in Indigenous culture and values, while also providing spaces for adult education and family activities. This center aims to foster connections across generations and empower the community to thrive. Although the initial goal was to achieve net-zero energy efficiency, the project successfully implemented advanced energy-saving measures to make the facility as sustainable as possible. Focus area: Energy Independence and efficiency
Opaskwayak Cree Nation-Universal Utility Core
Manitoba | Completed July, 2024
Standard Build Prototype House – On Crawlspace
High Performance Prototype House – On Screw Piles
Interior View of Standard Build (Picture courtesy of Opasquia Times)
High Performance House (Picture courtesy of Opasquia Times)
Grand Opening – May 24, 2024
Back view of High Performance House – Showing Universal Utility Core – attached to back of house
Back View of Standard Build House – Showing Utility Core – attached to back of house
Interior view of Utility Core
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (Treaty 5 Territory, Manitoba) received support to develop the design of a 'universal utility core' and a facility to produce it for local homes. The innovative idea of a 'universal utility core' would house all heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical components of homes. Focus area: Energy independence and efficiency
The Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA) Eco House
Completed October, 2025
The Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA) Eco House project was part of a joint application submitted by Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise. The project was complete with 6 buildings, one home of six funded by IHII. The project has an in-floor heating system- this system is critical to a broader sustainable local economic development opportunity that will see the community build a biomass district heating system that will create job and develop a more circular economy within the community. The project has connections in place for future biomass heating. Focus area: Energy Independence and efficiency
Nuxalk Nation Elders’ Village
Nuxalk Nation (Bella Coola, British Columbia) received support to implement Phase 1 of an Elders’ Village, a family-centered housing community that supports intergenerational living, flexible community spaces and traditional art, culture and natural landscape in the design. Phase 1 will include 10 Elder units and 10 units for caregivers in five separate complexes with a common gathering space. The idea moves away from western nuclear housing and brings forward the community practices used by Nuxalkmc ancestral ways of living. Focus area: Traditional First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit building styles, designs and techniques
Lu’ma Native Housing Society - Downtown Eastside Housing Complex
Lu'ma Native Housing Society (Vancouver, British Columbia) received support to develop an affordable Indigenous-led and owned mixed-use housing complex for the Indigenous community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The complex includes a healing centre, food centre, health and wellbeing centre, supported adult housing units, and affordable rental units for low-income families. The complex incorporates cultural elements such as the longhouse form with a Coast Salish Blanket pattern by local Indigenous artists. Focus area: Creating welcoming urban spaces for First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit individuals
Changing Horses NFP Society Supportive Housing Complex
Changing Horses NPF Society (Blood Tribe, Kainai, Treaty 7 Territory, Southern Alberta) received support to build 4 residential duplexes and a facilities hub with a community kitchen, gathering space, offices and meeting rooms. This project is based on a Blackfoot “village” model reflecting socio-cultural values which facilitate compassionate care and a continuum of community supports.. Focus area: Support for vulnerable populations
MMF-Mazoun Infinitii Pakoshayimoohk project (The Infinity House of Hope)
Completed March, 2025
Manitoba Metis Federation (Winnipeg, Manitoba) received support to develop a culturally safe urban transition facility to serve Métis youth aging out of Child and Family Services support. The project includes two adjacent complexes, each offering six private rooms and an emergency shelter room, shared laundry facilities, a communal kitchen, dining hall and living space. Wrap-around support services will be made available to help youth heal from trauma, reconnect with their culture and transition to life on their own. Focus area: Support for vulnerable populations
MMF-Michif Manor
Completed March, 2025
Manitoba Metis Federation (Winnipeg, Manitoba) received support to build a housing complex to temporarily accommodate Métis citizens travelling to Winnipeg to access healthcare. The complex has the capacity to house several families simultaneously in private living quarters complemented by shared kitchen and living spaces. A culturally focused home away from home for our families traveling to Winnipeg for medical care Focus area: Support for vulnerable populations
TWHL Society - Thunder Women Healing Lodge
Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society (Toronto, Ontario) received funding to build a six-storey complex with 24 affordable housing units for Indigenous women transitioning from a corrections facility to the community. In addition, the Thunder Woman Healing Lodge offers counselling, support and supports to help residents access long-term housing options.
Concluded Projects
Naskapi Homes Mixed-Use Building
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (Quebec) proposed to build a mixed-use complex that combines six two-bedroom residential units for young people and single parents above six retail spaces on the ground level reserved for local businesses. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing
Centre for Indigenous sustainability / Elders aging in place project
Centre for Indigenous Sustainability (ʔaq̓am Nation, British Columbia) proposed to build housing for an aging population, so they do not have to leave the community as they age. The project was to be a 20-unit community supportive housing complex with a central gathering space. This innovative idea also aimed to build capacity and empower community members through the development of the training program with academic and technical partners. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing
Fishing Lake Metis Settlement - Net Zero Triplex
Alberta
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement proposed to build a net-zero triplex that includes two four-bedroom units that bookend a two-bedroom Elders Suite. This project is part of Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise’s Bringing It Home Initiative, which focuses on transforming housing in Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, Red Rock Indian Band, and Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek to be healthy, energy efficient, culturally appropriate, and durable. The idea focused on three key outcomes: high-efficiency building standards and training for construction, trades, and home occupants. Focus area: Energy independence and efficiency.
Prefabrication and Modular Building Manufacturing Plant
Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation (Carcross, Yukon) aimed to work with 14 First Nation communities to develop an innovative Prefabricated Building Manufacturing Plant. The plant was to address housing needs by supporting training, innovation, manufacturing and production. The project aimed to develop in close collaboration with Yukon College to maximize apprenticeship learning opportunities in housing and research and development for northern housing. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing.
K'asho Got'ı̨nę Repair and Maintenance Program
K’asho Gotine Housing Society (Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories) proposed to design and develop a home repair and maintenance education program and an innovative model to procure housing materials. This innovative idea provides hands-on experience for local skilled tradespeople and address barriers to accessing housing materials. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing
Qaggic Project
The project proposed to develop a construction apprentice program for young adults to support the Qaggiq Project in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, an idea to build tiny homes around a communal gathering space to address overcrowding and homelessness. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing
Seven Generation Home
Samson Cree Nation (Maskwacis, Alberta) proposed to develop a prototype of a multi-generational home which includes independent living space for elders and communal space to support ceremonial and spiritual practices. The design aimed to maximize energy efficiency by incorporating solar energy and extend the life of the home by selecting durable materials, such as hempcrete walls. Focus area: Traditional First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit building styles, designs and techniques
SIIT Indigenous Student Housing
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (Saskatchewan) proposed to design and develop a multi-unit student housing complex in Saskatoon or Regina to provide a home away from home and safe and culturally-relevant living spaces for Indigenous students studying at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and offer wrap-around cultural supports. The design was to include innovative, sustainable and energy-efficient materials. Focus area: Creating welcoming urban spaces for First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit individuals
Tree to Home Supply Chain
Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership Incorporated (Chapleau, Ontario) proposed to develop the idea of a "tree to home" supply chain that uses local resources and labour to meet local demand and address housing needs with adaptive, energy efficient, and custom-designed homes. The project aimed to develop custom-designed homes through partnership with Boreal Products and Hornepayne Lumber. Homes were to be constructed using Boreal Products’ thermo-log technology. Focus area: Using the home for empowerment, capacity and support for local business in Indigenous housing
Waseskun Healing Community Elders’ Lodge
Waseskun Healing Community (Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Quebec) proposed to build a new eight-room housing complex to accommodate elderly Indigenous men in private rooms with common living/kitchen and washroom facilities to support those transferring from correctional custody. The residents will have access to wrap-around services to support their transition to community life. Focus area: Support for vulnerable populations
Initiative details
Who can apply?
- Individuals of First Nation, Inuit or Métis Nation heritage
- Representatives of First Nation, Inuit or Métis Nation government
- Indigenous representatives of a First Nation-, Inuit- or Métis Nation- owned and operated private or not-for-profit entity
Key Dates
- Launch: April 11, 2019
- First-stage screening: Fall 2019
- 26 applicants selected for Accelerator: December 2019
- Accelerator begins: January 2020
- Second-stage screening: Beginning spring 2020
- Project Implementation Period: 2020-2024
- Concluded: March 2026
Funding
- Accelerator Period: Up to 26 applicants will receive up to $350,000 worth of funding and support services
- Project Implementation Period: 15 to 26 projects that successfully complete the Accelerator Period will move to second-stage screening and could receive up to $2 million per project.
Publications
Media
Last modified: 2026-04-22