Canada and Dene Nation announce pilot program for Dene-led housing solutions

Yellowknife, Treaty 8 Territory, Northwest Territories — Government of Canada and Dene Nation

Northern, remote and Indigenous communities in Canada face unique housing and infrastructure needs. The Government of Canada is working with partners to build and renovate housing that meets community needs, based on local priorities.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, along with Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine, announced support for Dene communities through 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.

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.