Calgary's Indigenous Housing Initiative Distributes $33 Million to 16 Projects
The City of Calgary has officially announced the recipients of its groundbreaking Indigenous housing program, allocating $33 million in funding to 16 distinct projects that will collectively deliver 379 housing units. This significant investment marks a pivotal step in addressing the critical housing needs of Indigenous communities within the city.
A Program Rooted in Respect and Collaboration
Named Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya, which translates to "Indigenous First Nation housing" in the Blackfoot language, the program was gifted its name by Elder Jackie Bromley, a respected cultural leader, teacher, and residential school survivor from the Kainai Nation. Bromley, who also serves on the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee guiding the initiative, emphasized its profound significance during the announcement.
"It is more than a program; it is a sign of respect," Bromley stated. "It is a step forward to doing things in a better way, a way that honors Indigenous people, Indigenous voices, and Indigenous ways of knowing. For a long time, our people have been left out of decisions about housing for our own families and communities."
This sentiment was echoed by Samuel Crowfoot, Chief of the Siksika First Nation, who highlighted the deeper purpose behind the housing efforts. "To be able to create housing opportunities, for homes to develop and flourish, it is more than just checking off a box on a list of needs," he remarked, underscoring the program's commitment to fostering sustainable and culturally appropriate housing solutions.
Addressing a Critical Disparity in Housing
The program, a key component of the city's Home is Here strategy approved by the previous council in 2023, aims to tackle stark housing inequalities. Officials revealed that while Indigenous people constitute only three percent of Calgary's population, they represent approximately 40 percent of the city's unhoused population. Furthermore, an estimated 3,800 Indigenous households in Calgary are currently struggling to afford adequate housing, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Through this initiative, the city is awarding grants to First Nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations to develop affordable, below-market housing. The funding will support 24 different housing projects across Calgary, although specific addresses and locations were not disclosed in Monday's announcement to protect the integrity and planning stages of the developments.
Detailed Breakdown of Funding and Recipients
The $33 million allocation is divided into two primary streams, each designed to support different phases of housing development:
- Stream One: Planning and Pre-Construction
- Fifteen recipients will receive up to $150,000 each over a two-year period.
- This funding is dedicated to planning, community engagement, and pre-construction activities.
- Notable recipients include the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council, Metis Calgary Family Services, Piikani Nation, and the Treaty 7 Urban Housing Authority.
- Stream Two: Construction and Unit Delivery
- Five projects have been selected to receive a total of $20.18 million in funding.
- These projects are projected to deliver 147 non-market housing units.
- Key leaders in this stream include the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, Metis Calgary Family Services, and Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing.
Other organizations benefiting from the program include the Community Roots Foundation, Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, Goodstoney First Nation, Highbanks Society, Miskanawah, Niitoiyis Family Support Society, Our Nation Student Housing, Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council, and the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Housing Equity
This announcement represents a transformative approach to housing policy in Calgary, shifting towards a model that prioritizes Indigenous leadership and self-determination. By empowering Indigenous communities to lead their own housing projects, the city aims to create not only physical homes but also stronger, more resilient communities.
The program's emphasis on cultural respect and collaborative planning sets a new standard for municipal housing initiatives, potentially serving as a model for other cities across Canada facing similar challenges. As these projects move forward, they promise to make a tangible impact on reducing homelessness and improving housing affordability for Indigenous residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable urban landscape in Calgary.
