More than $25 million in new funding has been allocated toward Indigenous-led projects in the NWT that address the need for safe and affordable housing.
In a Wednesday news release, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated – or Nichi, a body that represents Indigenous housing providers nationwide – announced five recipients of funding in the territory.
The money will be split between Fort Good Hope’s K’asho Got’ine Housing Society, the Nahanni Butte Dene Band, Tłı̨chǫ Łeàgı̨ą Tsʾı̨ı̨lı̨ Kǫ (Tłįchǫ Friendship Centre), Métis Association Local 52 in Fort Simpson, and Ts’ueh Nda community (West Point First Nation).
The press release also included a sum of money for the Northwest Métis Council Inc. However, when Cabin Radio pointed out that the Northwest Métis Council Inc is based in Manitoba, a spokesperson said it had been included in error.
“The overwhelming expression of need we received in our application process – totalling $2 billion across 447 applications – demonstrates that the work is far from over,” said John Gordon, chief executive officer at Nichi.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“We’re excited to announce funding that will make a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories.”
Last year, $281.5 million in federal funding was set aside to support Indigenous housing in urban, rural and northern areas. Of that amount, $277.8 million is being distributed to 75 projects across Canada, with some $3.7 million yet to be allocated.
The money supports construction of new facilities, repairs and renovations, housing-related training, growing organizational capacity and administrative costs.
