On May 21, 2008, the Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council (a cooperative political working relationship of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs) signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to work together to develop a comprehensive approach to improve housing for First Nations communities, individuals and families both on and off reserve.

“The Province is committed to improving housing conditions, ensuring First Nations live in healthy, safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing across B.C. This agreement is a significant part of the New Relationship because it will facilitate the changes required to close the gaps that exist between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians,” said Minister Michael de Jong, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Province.

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong signs a Memorandum of Understanding on Housing for First Nations.

Under terms of the agreement, signatories will:
• Acknowledge that working in partnership is necessary to overcome barriers and to address the housing gap between First Nations people and other British Columbians;
• Commit to exploring innovative approaches to improve housing and infrastructure for First Nations, individuals and families, including housing programs currently in place; and
• Set out an initial framework for the collaborative development of interlinked on- and off-reserve housing strategies.

“One of the priorities in Housing Matters BC, our provincial housing strategy, is to improve housing options for B.C. First Nations off-reserve,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “We’re supporting our housing strategy with over $50 million targeted to Aboriginal housing initiatives.”

A technical committee representing the parties to the MOU has been formed and is discussing next steps to move forward on the MOU’s objectives. The Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council will meet annually to discuss progress in implementing the MOU.

The Government of Canada provides assistance to First Nations with the development of their housing and infrastructure on-reserve. The Government of Canada also provides funding for housing renovation programs off-reserve, and supports the Province of British Columbia and communities in their Aboriginal housing strategies off-reserve. The First Nations Leadership Council provides political support and advocacy on issues common to B.C. First Nations, including housing and infrastructure.

Signatories to the memorandum of understanding are: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Province of B.C; First Nations Summit; B.C. Assembly of First Nations; and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. 

For more information about this agreement and the New Relationship, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.  For more photos, click here.