regional housing strategy 2016 to 2036 discussion paper · mushkegowuk regional housing strategy...

Mushkegowuk Regional Housing Strategy – 2016 to 2036 Discussion Paper – Vr 6.0

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Regional Housing Strategy – 2016 to 2036

Discussion Paper

http://www.attawapiskat.org/

http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/profiles/pr_kashechewan.html

http://fortalbanyfn.com/default.aspx

http://www.moosecree.com/

http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/community/site.nsf/eng/fn145.html

http://www.chapleau.ca/portal/en/community/cree

http://www.missanabiecree.com/


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Message from the Grand Chief Dr. Stan Louttit:

It is my great pleasure to introduce the regional housing strategic plan to promote sustainable development in the Mushkegowuk

Territory. Our leaders have given our Council a mandate to address the housing issues and ensure our youth will have access to

jobs, training, education and decent homes to live in.

Message from the Deputy Grand Chief Leo Friday:

The Mushkegowuk Council represents over 11,000 First Nation people in the watershed region of the James Bay. Our land and our

people need homes that are healthy, safe, durable, high efficient in heating and a foundation that does not shift. We have a backlog

of over 500 homes and waiting list of at least 1000 individuals and families. High heating bills and lack of continuous employment

keep our members from living a comfortable life with their children. These are just a few of the problems we have in the territory.


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Table of Contents:

Strategic Plan Outlook......................................................................4

The Approach...................................................................................6

The Vision.........................................................................................8

Mission Statement............................................................................8

Strategy Development......................................................................9

The Challenge..................................................................................11

Regional Housing Strategies.............................................................14

Strategy 1: Creating a Skilled Workforce..........................................14

Strategy 2: Taking Ownership..........................................................17

Strategy 3: Designing Homes for a Sustainable Future.....................19

Strategy 4: Creating Jobs and Promoting Economic Development...21

Strategy 5: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration and Unity..............25


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Strategic Plan Outlook

The James Bay Cree have been struggling to keep up with the demand for housing on each First Nation and in the region as a whole.

With a population well over 11,000 people and increasing at an estimated 2.6% each year, the housing crisis continues to be the

number one issue facing families and individuals (the national average for population increase is 1.2%). An estimated 40% of the

population is youth and 7% would be considered elders in the Aboriginal demographic. The Aboriginal population in Canada

increased by 232,385 people or 20.1% between 2006 and 2011 compared to 5.2% for the non-Aboriginal population. This indicates

the First Nations are the fastest growing demographic in Canada. In order to take control of this situation and reduce dependency

on government, the regional housing strategic plan will map out the direction for the Mushkegowuk Council and the seven (7)

Communities for the next 10 to 20 years. This will provide a solid foundation to achieve prosperity for each of the First Nations while

addressing housing demand on and off reserve.

The Mushkegowuk Regional Housing Strategy (MRHS) will focus on bringing “Milopimatessiwin” or the good life” back to the Cree

Nations while initiating sustainable community development plans and wealth creation strategies for continued prosperity and

economic independence. The strategy will encompass the entire region and be specific to:

Developing programs to address social and economic diversity (on and off reserve)

Building capacity within to deliver products and services – training and education

Strengthening economic independence through partnerships

Unifying First Nations – based on principles of entitlement and cooperation

Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable technologies (R&D)

Creating new governance system – regional centre linked to local management systems

Building the Nation – 2000 homes in 20 years / 700 major renovations

Preparing a viable financial management plan for regional development


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Reducing the number of youth in foster homes by 50% within ten years

Integrating a “Continuum of Care” for homeless into the development plan

The main elements of the strategy are embedded in the Land, the People, the Environment, the Economy and good Governance.

This strategic plan outlines specific objectives and timelines to meet those challenges within a 5, 10 and 20 year period. Each stage

of the strategy will be implemented in blocks of five (5) years allowing the “Oversight Committee” ample time to review the progress

and make periodic adjustments to the implementation of the plan. An Oversight Committee would be established to report to the

AGA each year to present the annual progress made and make recommendation to continuously improve the implementation of the

plan. In the spirit of cooperation, the next year’s work plan would be presented and approved at the AGA on an annual basis.

The project team will work in cooperation with CMHC, AANDC, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Friendship Centres, local housing

departments, urban Native housing providers (DSSAB), non-government organizations, resource companies and other stakeholders.

The Mushkegowuk territorial region has a diverse economic potential that is being exploited by mining, forestry, wildlife and energy

companies and organizations. It is the intent of this regional housing plan to integrate all economic development opportunities

related to housing for the benefit of everyone.

Achieving self determination and economic independence will be cornerstones of this strategic plan.


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The Approach:

The Mushkegowuk territory is a vast region that encompasses an estimated 250,000 square kilometres. It is home to over 11,000

First Nation people. The most northerly section meets Hudson Bay on the west side of James Bay and stretches two (2) hours south

and west of Timmins, Ontario. This is the Mushkewgowuk Territory that sheds water northeast to James Bay.

Some of the issues the remote fly-in communities face are quite different than their southern counterparts. For example, the cost to

fly goods to Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashsechewan and Moose Cree are considerably higher than Missanabie, Chapleau or

Taykwa Tagamou that have road access.


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It is the mandate of the Mushkewgowuk Council to assist each First Nation in building healthy communities within this vast territory

and recognize the geographic differences in approaches. The paramount guiding principle is to work as a “unified” Nation at all

times and determine the best path to achieve each communities’ vision of the future.

A regional approach is to collaborate with all local governments and each First Nation government to identify housing issues and

solutions. Once the strategic plan document has been approved for implementation, the First Nations will work together with

Mushkegowuk Council to the dream of a regional housing development a reality. This initiative will make a significant impact on the

socio-economic landscape of the Omushkegowuk.

An Oversite Committee (OC) shall be established to review all documentation resulting from the implementation team. The OC will

send all recommendations to the First Nation’s membership and provide a report at the AGA. Mushkegowuk Technical Services and

Deputy Grand Chief Leo Friday to chair the presentation.

A communication strategy will be in place to ensure the membership and stakeholders are up to date during each stage of

implementation. For example, the website will be updated on a quarterly basis to allow the membership on and off reserve to view

the progress and upcoming events.


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The Vision:

All of the Omushkegowuk are living in decent affordable housing within the Territory whether on reserve or off reserve.

And that our people live each day in a dignified way and help those most in need – Continuum of Care* in place

The Mushkegowuk Council envisions a future where the housing crisis is resolved and prosperity through economic strategies have

lead to independence and self reliance. Revitalization of “Milopimatessawin”, or the good life ...

*The Continuum of Care would be integrated into the long term housing strategy. The continuum of care recognizes the issues facing the homeless and the

hidden homeless and to organize and deliver programs designed to meet their needs. The continuum of care programming will assist them as they move to

stabilized housing and maximum self-sufficiency. This would also include a plan to end homelessness and prevent return to homelessness.

Mission Statement:

The Mushkegowuk Council will work with the 7 First Nation communities, local governments, non-government organizations, Native

organizations, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, apprenticeship programs, resource companies and form new

partnerships to provide decent affordable housing for all members whether living on or off reserve. A new housing governance

system will look to expand economic opportunities in housing and focus on building capacity in all areas of housing development.


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Strategy Development:

In order to develop the Regional Housing Strategy (RHS), the Mushkegowuk Council was given a mandate during the last two Annual

General Assemblies (AGA) of the Omushkegowuk. There is a need to address housing on all First Nations and adopting a clear and

effective economic plan has become more critical. The fact that many resource companies are developing mines, hydro electric

power and forestry products in the territory means there are many job opportunities, housing options and business case scenarios

that will be fulfilled. The time has come for the Omushkegowuk to become self reliant, independent regional government - “self

determination” .

After the AGA, the project team held a series of community visits to inform them of the intent of a regional housing strategy and

requested feedback. The main objective of the meetings was to document the current state of housing on each First Nation and

formulate ideas on how things can change for the better. Subsequent to the community visits, a planning session was organized for

those in attendance at the annual Northern Housing Conference in Thunder Bay, February 2013. Two other sessions were held at

each First Nation and additional consultations are being planned in 2014. This feedback and consultation is crucial to the success of

the regional plan since it will take all levels of government to implement the plan over a 5 and 10 year period.


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Feedback and Links to Strategy:

The regional strategies will consider all feedback from the community members and leaders. The results from the sessions held, the

AGA and the strategy session are tabulated as follows:

People:

Integration of First Nation culture in all aspects of housing – maintain identity Spiritual – reinforce mind body and spirit Human Resources Skill training and new employment Attract youth and build capacity through mentorship Communication – internal and external is extremely key to success A Social Housing Strategy including the “Continuum of Care” for the less fortunate - Homeless Education and Capacity Building (training)

Environment:

Promote sustainable development for town sites, reserve expansion areas and urban centre Strategy required for natural resources being taken from the land, water and air Environmental Strategy for development of all lands (infrastructure and impacts) Protection of the land in turn protects the Cree way of life (hunting, trapping, fishing) Green building – energy efficiency in every home

Economic:

Economic and Wealth Creation Strategy (funding access and leveraging of wealth/investments) Strategy for wealth creation and long term financial stability Integrate economic development in all aspects of housing and wealth creation strategies Create regional business plans for economic development and training


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Governance: Political - reduce politics from housing (regional plan) Operations – The regional strategy would require policies and procedures to match philosophy of

sustainability and trained staff for effective delivery of homes Full complement housing policies and programs with a focus on pride of ownership and special needs with

emphasis on reduction of social housing needs ie: offer more homeownership Financial management and development of a sustainable human resource plan for all future housing

whether local to First Nations, public, staff housing, private, professional, on reserve or off reserve Set up new governance system – regional and local housing authorities

Unity:

Working together to build our future First Nations to sign a unification agreement to implement the regional housing strategic plan Resource partners – build on existing partnerships and form new ones to achieve housing vision Partnership Strategies – Banks, resource companies, regional approach to housing

The Challenge:

The people in the Mushkegowuk Territory that live on the First Nations and those members living off reserve have been subjected to

flooding, mold, high heating bills, inferior designs, constantly shifting foundations, drafty homes, dust covered roads, and a host of

other problems. Each year there is a housing crisis situation that has developed where in fact it was always there and the real

solutions were never implemented.

Other factors affecting quality of life are long waiting lists that never seem to shorten and the lack of funding to build the needed

infrastructure and houses. The seven (7) First Nations will require collectively 2000 homes within 20 years. There is a shortage of

about 1000 homes regionally on reserve and another 500 homes off reserve. The “hidden homeless” off reserve have been

documented by the local friendship centres. In Timmins alone there is an estimated 15,000 First Nation, Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit

people. Approximately 55% of the Mushkegowuk First Nations live off reserve and the population growth over the next decade will

increase significantly. Therefore another 400 to 500 homes are needed just to keep up with population growth.


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External Factors:

The external factors affecting housing development in the region are:

1. Lack of funding for serviced lots

2. Government cutting back on their services

3. Limited land expansion areas

4. Very limited urban native housing programs

5. Environmental restrictions

6. Limited opportunities for jobs off reserve

7. Due to lands in trust banks not willing to finance homes on reserve

8. Due lands in trust homes on reserve therefore cannot be used as collateral for off reserve

mortgages or loans

A few internal factors that increase the need for housing on and off reserve are:

1. Increasing population – highest in Canada

2. Limited access to local employment – require economic stimulus

3. Ability to institute sustainable financial controls (partially due to limited funding)

4. Accountability – each department must work together and be accountable

5. Limited access to training and professional advice

6. Limited options to develop housing programs

7. The equity in the home is value in use only – limited market value

Our challenge as a Nation is to eliminate the housing crisis by being proactive and developing a regional approach to managing,

funding and servicing our members while creating a sustainable financial model for the next generation’s benefit.


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The Analysis Process:

A key area of creating a strategic plan is identifying the goals that will lead to the formulation of objectives to reach those goals. In

the development of a strategic plan, the end result will be a series of events in blocks of 5 years to accomplish these goals. Each

strategy will have performance measurements that will indicate how the plan is being implemented and if any adjustments need to

be made.


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Regional Housing Strategies

Strategy 1: Creating a Skilled Workforce

Working with education departments, ministries, apprenticeship and trade schools, build the capacity to

deliver products and services related to sustainable housing development in a professional, culturally sensitive

and timely manner. Initiate comprehensive social programming that addresses on reserve and off reserve

housing needs.

Objectives:

1. Create a certification training program based on the new governance model for housing development

2. Develop a youth mentoring program and retention strategy for long term employment and professional

development that is culturally sensitive

3. A communication system that will allow all management staff and site employees to receive information

in “real time”

4. Implement a property management certification program in association with each First Nation and

urban native groups

5. Create comprehensive social housing programs including Elders housing and the Continuum of Care for

on and off reserve members


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Key Strategy 1 Deliverables:

Agreements signed with Ontario College of Trades for new northern designed program

Cultural awareness embedded in all new programming – number of session held

Issues facing the Capacity Development of the First Nations and local housing providers has

been reviewed and an action plan developed

A network of social housing programs that are culturally sensitive have been designed to

meet the needs on and off reserve

Expected Achievements by 2021:

1. Prepare curriculum for youth mentoring program for all aspects of housing, esp: housing management

construction trades, transportation and materials supply chain

2. Working with the Ontario College of Trades, formulate a new partnership agreement to work

towards a northern Ontario certification program.

3. A network of social housing programs have been assembled and designed for all membership.

4. A plan is in place at the regional level for the elderly, disabled, crisis and transient housing


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1. A number of students have graduated from the program successfully

2. The certification program is being offered across Ontario and recognized by colleges and universities

3. Adult training programs are delivered site specific

4. Social programs have been integrated with other programs and are being offered to membership.

5. Implementation of the special needs housing is underway (Seniors, disabled, crisis, transient)


Regional and local housing authorities are fully functional

Social housing needs have been reduced by 50% and the number of homeless people have

been reduced by 75%


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Strategy 2: Taking Ownership

Develop a sustainable governance model for housing management that will ensure funding is available for

members on and off reserve. The Mushkegowuk Council, in association seven (7) First Nation communities,

will create an integrated regional approach to housing development and management.

Objectives:

1. Reduce the politics in housing while and streamlining operations of each community

2. Develop a regional housing management model that is financially sustainable

3. Initiate local housing authorities and provide support for the creation of those authorities


A regional housing management model has been accepted

The financial plan has been reviewed by all First Nations, federal and provincial

governments and membership on and off reserve

The leadership have signed an agreement in principle to implement the regional housing

development model

Local housing authorities are formed and ready for implementation


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1. Agreement in principle for the new regional housing management model has been signed by leadership

and is acceptable to the federal and provincial governments

2. Increased funding from regional initiatives are in place

3. The business model has been reviewed and approved by leadership and independent accounting firm


1. New Regional Housing Authority is prepared to implement and funding secured to operate.

2. All 7 First nations have housing authorities have completed their housing and business plans for 10 and

20 years

3. Urban renewal initiatives are underway for housing and social programming

4. The Regional Housing Authority is offering capacity training in every aspect of housing development


The regional housing authority is fully functional

All 7 First nations have housing authorities that are fully functional with trained staff


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Strategy 3: Designing Homes for a Sustainable Future

Develop a policy for sustainable housing development within the region that emphasizes protection of the

land, water and air and a method of enforcement. All subdivisions and houses are to be designed with the

latest technologies and as much renewable energy integration as possible.

Objectives:

1. Create a government to government regional jurisdiction that ensures the environment is protected

from negative impacts brought about by new development.

2. Develop new sustainable housing policy to promote Green Design and integration of renewable energy

3. Investigate acquisition of land off reserve to build homes in urban and rural areas for the benefit of the

membership and their families

4. Assist the First nations in acquiring addition to reserve lands for development


Agreements have been signed related to environmental protection within the region

New Green Housing policy developed for sustainability

New development sites have been indentified either for expansion or in urban and rural

settings


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1. By working with the local jurisdictions, form an agreement that unifies the FN’s and promotes

sustainable development for ALL housing within the region.

2. Develop a Sustainable Home Certification program to ensure the highest standards are in

maintained – “Mushkegowuk Green Building Policy”

3. Agreement in principle has been signed related to any development of land within the First

Nation jurisdiction

4. Agreement in principle signed with Municipalities to ensure the environment is protected during

site development for any new housing for First Nations


1. Agreements in place and new policy for sustainable development has been reviewed by all levels

of government – esp: infrastructure for housing development

2. The regional housing management group have developed a formal relationship with lands

departments on each First Nation and local municipal governments


1. All new developments are subject to approvals through a Regional Management Board (CREED)

and Regional Housing Authority


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Strategy 4: Creating Jobs and Promoting Economic Development

The regional housing management group will prepare an economic action plan to maximize the opportunities

within the region and work Nation to Nation to create wealth and investment opportunities. All areas of

development would be included such as contract procurement, contract management, transportation, bulk

buying, land acquisition, mortgage security, revolving loan fund opportunities, and leveraging of funds for

infrastructure and programs.

Objectives:

1. Prepare a regional business plan for the economic action plan to build 2000 homes over the next

20 years including major renovations to 700 homes

2. Prepare a regional infrastructure plan to coordinate transportation, materials, design and

financing

3. Set up a transportation system that will benefit the FN members directly and indirectly.

4. Negotiate with material suppliers to lower prices and better quality materials for construction.

5. Set up revolving loan fund to offer low interest loans and mortgages to qualified members, or if

off reserve, to other First Nation, Aboriginal, Metis or Inuit clients

6. Initiate an agreement that all First Nations within the region are given the “first right of refusal”

for infrastructure and housing contracts. An internal tendering process would apply to First

Nations wishing to bid on each contract.


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Economic stimulus plan prepared and approved in principle (Regional Economic Action

Plan) based on construction of 2000 homes and major renovations to 700 houses

Number of shovel ready services lots to keep on target with construction plan

Transportation agreements in place for materials (housing related and infrastructure)

New materials supply and distribution agreement in place with key players

Regional infrastructure plan in place for the next 25 years

First Nations are given ‘first right of refusal” for all contracts in the region affecting First

Nation housing development.


1. Agreement in principle signed for the new Regional Economic Action Plan (REAC)

2. New contract procurement policies in place and agreed to in principle by Federal and Provincial

governments including resource development companies.

3. By working with regional suppliers for the Mushkegowuk Territory, establish best price scenarios and

guaranteed rates

4. Integrate the First Nation housing plans into the Mushkegowuk regional development plan – agreement

to work in Unity signed.


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5. Prepare a detailed infrastructure development plan to apply for funding


1. Up to 700 homes have been constructed and 300 homes renovated

2. Establish a new regional transportation and distribution centre that links all companies delivering

materials for infrastructure and housing. Communication strategy in place

3. Prepare a business case scenario for approval by the FN’s and the Mushkegowuk Council for

transportation within the region.

4. Applications sent in and approved for block funding for infrastructure on each First Nation.

5. Infrastructure agreements in place with each First Nation determined by their individual housing plans

6. Contracts are offered to the First Nations first under new policy developed by the regional development

board and the regional housing authority.


2000 homes have been constructed and 700 have had major renovations completed

The regional housing authority has an investment portfolio of off reserve housing to meet

the needs

The revolving loan fund supports all on reserve social housing programs


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The Transportation companies are majority owned and operated by First Nation groups or

individuals.

Employment equity is in place for ALL membership

Our best resource is our land


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Strategy 5: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration and Unity

The long term vision of the Omushkegowuk is independence, self reliance, education and prosperity. This

common view of the future will enable our leaders and all membership to work together in unity.

Mushkegowuk regional management will be a centre of excellence and enhance existing partnerships while

developing new agreements for sustainable housing management.

Objectives:

1. Sign a declaration of Unity for the 7 First Nations – Memorandum of Unification

2. Establish who the existing partners are in the region and promote the economic benefits of a regional

development plan for housing

3. Renew existing partnerships with stakeholders in order to promote a regional development plan in

association with CREED.


Agreements signed in principle to “unify” the Nations

New partnerships developed for economic activity and joint ventures

Renew existing partnerships and develop a plan of action

Training plans to be in place with all partnerships including resource companies, contracting

companies, and local government programs.


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1. Agreement signed unifying the Nation – Unification - Memorandum of Collaboration

2. Memorandum of Understanding signed with existing and new partnerships for training and economic

development.

3. Develop relationships with each First Nation and promote regional development plan


1. Regional development plan is underway with all First nations participating fully

2. New partnerships for economic development are showing profits for the Omushkeguwuk

3. Education and training programs are underway especially for youth in the region


As a result of the agreements all First Nations are prospering (socio-economic impact

assessment to be completed)

The regional investment portfolio is healthy and leveraging financing is not a burden


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Grand Chief Dr. Stan Louttit

The building of a Nation takes more than one person:

planning our future together will bring us prosperity!


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