At our March 2004 National Conference in Vancouver our Board launched a national non-reserve Aboriginal housing strategy.

Guiding Principles

Fiduciary Responsibility, Self-Determination & the Need to Consult

1. Federal government has responsibility to ensure an Aboriginal component in any federal unilateral or bilateral housing program.
2. Programs must provide for self-determination and self-governance by promoting community-based non-profit ownership.
3. Consultation with the Aboriginal community on housing programs a prerequisite

Cultural Sensitivity and Well-Being

1. Housing program delivery guidelines must facilitate the integration of culturally appropriate and sensitive management styles, as well as promote sound, efficient property management regimes.
2. Must respect the diversity of First Nation, Metis & Inuit needs.

Access to Adequate Resources

1. Any future housing initiative must provide adequate capital assistance to non-reserve Aboriginal communities to ensure they can deliver appropriate affordable housing.
2. Affordability must be based upon the principle of households paying not more than 30% of minimum wage in each jurisdiction.

Agenda for Action:

1. Setting the Framework
   NAHA/ANHA’s overview of housing need and cost of remedies, along with guiding principles is the first step. NAHA/ANHA will commence costing of a targeted rental housing repair program, as well as consultation on other acceptable forms of rental assistance to reduce rent burden among Aboriginal households.
    
2. Fixing the Existing Programs
   All levels of government must work together to fix the flawed current f/p/t affordable rental housing framework agreement.
    
3. Developing A Consultative Framework
   NAHA/ANHA is calling upon the federal government to take the lead in the development of a consultative framework on future housing policy, with NAHA, First Nations, Metis and Inuit representatives. We will urge the federal government to invite provincial and territorial participation, as well as representation from cities and towns.
    
4. Protecting the Existing Portfolio
   Canada’s 11,000 existing Aboriginal housing units and nearly 8,000 rural and native housing units must be protected for future generations. The federal government has the responsibility of communicating standards and expectations to it’s provincial and territorial partners on the future management and operation funding to ensure that the small but significant portfolio continues to meet the needs of Aboriginal households.
    
5. Recognizing Aboriginal Housing as a Cornerstone to Sustainable Communities
   Increasingly, the future of our people is tied to the future of Canada’s cities and towns. All levels of government must recognize that sustainable Aboriginal communities are built on a foundation of safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing.
    
6. Measuring Success
   There must be an accountability framework to measure success on achieving a national non-reserve Aboriginal housing strategy. NAHA/ANHA, working with its partners, will seek funding to initiate this process.