Housing resources for First Nations communities
The following resources are a mix of HTML, PDF and MP3 audio files.
PDF and MP3 files, and their sizes, are noted in brackets
Accessibility
Indigenous communities and federal accessibility standards: A situational review: This report looks at how new accessibility rules from the Accessible Canada Act might affect Indigenous communities.
Disabilities and accessibility in our Communities (2020)(.mp3 audio file / 10mb): The Canadian government recently created a law called the Accessible Canada Act. This law is meant to make Canada more accessible for people with disabilities. It will also affect Indigenous communities.
Architectural drawings, codes, building construction and standards
Architectural drawings
Architectural drawings for new construction of homes in First Nations communities – Free of charge! - FNNBOA has made available architectural plans (valued at almost $50,000) for new construction of homes in First Nations communities – available to qualifying communities for no charge (free). The home plans include: 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, 3-Bedroom, 4-Bedroom, and a 2-bedroom duplex.
Codes
CSA Standards (version française)(.pdf file / 135kb)
National Building Code User’s Guide (version française)(.pdf file / 135kb)
Building construction and standards
An Exploratory Study on the Life Cycle of First Nations Homes (2008)(.pdf file / 724kb) - Understanding the life cycle of a home is important, especially when it comes to estimating the maintenance and repair cost of Chief and Council-owned homes.
Arctic Energy Modeling (2025)(.pdf file / 12mb) - FNNBOA’s Arctic Energy Modeling project includes a summary of an energy modeling analysis for two typical housing types in two northern locations, recommended building enclosure assemblies, and details to meet these energy requirements while also reducing the risk of mould, and premature decay of the building enclosure.
Building with Traditional Knowledge (2019)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - For many generations, buildings were designed and built without the consultation or integration of Indigenous communities. From schools, to housing, to community centres to rinks, few buildings reflected community values and culture. We are now starting to see great interests in architectures that is more sensitive to Indigenous peoples.
Building Better Homes (2018)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Stories about poor or dilapidated housing conditions on First Nations reserves are a recurring news feature. But that’s not the whole story. This episode focuses on how some communities have found ways to build better housing in their communities.
Building Better in the North (2019)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Many northern Indigenous communities are building homes without understanding the building codes and best practice. This podcast talks about building practices in the north and the importance of a Technical Guide for Northern Housing for people designing or building homes in the northern climates.
Construction Matters: No more Disposable Homes (2020)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - This podcast focuses on what has been one of the challenges of construction in Indigenous communities: how to make our homes last longer. We interview Mr. Bruno Di Lenardo is an Evaluation Officer for National Research Council Canada. NRC is responsible for the development of the National Building Code and evaluating some construction materials. We are also talking with Mr. Tex McLeod who has been working for over 30 years on energy efficiencies and the construction of homes.
Housing Decision Making Tool for Chiefs and Councils (2018)(.pdf file / 417kb) - FNNBOA and CCMC established a partnership where the expertise from both organizations can work together to improve the levels of health and safety of people living in Indigenous Communities. This tool is to help the Chiefs and Councils to reduce their housing liabilities, improve the quality of the homes and to make the houses last longer.
Technical Guide for Northern Housing (TGNH) (2022) - The Technical Guide for Northern Housing (TGNH) provides user-friendly illustrated booklets that outline “best practices” for building solutions in house construction.
Climate change
Residential foundation systems for permafrost regions (2020) (.pdf file / 4.3mb - publications.gc.ca) - Permafrost underlies all of the Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories and much of the northern portions of the provinces, especially Manitoba and Quebec. Frozen ground conditions can have significant adverse effects on structures in the north. The effects of settlement and frost heaving commonly result in the premature deterioration of residential structures. The report is from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation / AGRA Earth & Environmental Limited Calgary, Alberta.
Where did the ice roads go? Climate change and First Nations communities (2019)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Indigenous and northern communities face many challenges including how to manage the impacts of a changing climate, the construction of housing, addressing the high and often fluctuating costs of energy, and promoting sustainable development that balances consideration of environmental, social and economic of the communities.
Government of Canada related reports
On-Reserve Housing and Infrastructure: Recommendation for Change (2015)(.pdf file / 1.mb - Senate of Canada) - The report was completed after a two-year look at housing in First Nations communities. The 13 recommendations in the report provide a framework for improving housing conditions for First Nations communities.
Housing and Health - Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (2007)(.pdf file / 23kb) - The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) contributes to the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of people living in First Nations communities south of 60° parallel through inspections and providing advice to occupants and community administration.
FNNBOA Senate Presentation (2005)(.pdf file / 165kb) - Original presentation document presented to the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal People and the Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (2005)(.pdf file / 100kb) - Presentation summary/transcript.
Sectoral Follow-up Session on Housing (2004)(.pdf file / 306kb) was the fourth in a series of sessions intended to fulfill the commitment made by Prime Minister Paul Martin at the conclusion of the April 19, 2004. Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable on Strengthening the Relationship.
Guidance for Chiefs and Councils - Community planning, housing authorities, insurance, rents and home ownership, etc.
Community planning
Housing authorities
A guide to implementing the Authority Having Jurisdiction in Indigenous communities for buildings (.pdf file / 3.9mb) / Guide de mise en œuvre de l'Autorité Compétente dans les communautés autochtones (.pdf file / 3.9mb) (2022) - The purpose of this guide is to provide Councils, departments responsible for residential building or housing, and other stakeholders interested in residential building some guidance on the communities’ authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and the responsibilities for construction under those authorities.
First Nations Housing and Building Crises: Management of the Change Process (2013) (.pdf file / 1.1mb) - The purposes of this report is to present background information on home inspections in FN communities, to understand the challenges for why many Chiefs and Councils are not exercising their governance in terms of the authority having jurisdiction, and what the authority having jurisdictions implies with respect to the construction of homes.
First Nations Rental Policy and Programs: Addressing Key Issues and Challenges (2017) - The purpose of this manual is to provide Chief and Council, Housing Authorities or Housing Committees a document to support the development and implementation of a rental programs within their communities. The manual also provides approaches to calculate rental rates and approaches to rent to own policies.
Guide to Establish a Housing Authority (2018)(.pdf file / 772kb) - Many First Nations are considering a housing authority. Many view a housing authority as an important component of a self government framework. Ideally, a housing authority will be created through an arm’s length organization. The guide gives an overview on how to establish either a federal or provincial not for profit organization and how this becomes the housing authority.
Housing Authorities (2018)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - This podcast explores how some First Nations communities are establishing housing authorities. Housing authorities are a housing management organization that may or may not be incorporated, that manages, administers or operates housing on behalf of owners. The owners might include the Chief and Council of a First Nation. However, housing authorities operate at an arm’s length from Chief and Council.
Manual for Elected Councillors Responsible for Housing in First Nations Communities (2017)(.pdf file / 3.3mb) - First Nations governments are formed by a Chief and Councillors who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the First Nation and its members. The following manual developed by FNNBOA is to provide general information to Councillors responsible for housing.
Overview of Occupations, Skills Requirements and Salaries in the Residential Construction Sector (2021)(.pdf file / 656kb / French version - .pdf file / 700kb) - Housing professionals and technicians can also find valuable information to help in their decision making. Here, you will find an important report FNNBOA released called “An Overview of Residential Construction Occupation, Skill Requirements and Wages”. This document provides an overview of the approximately 30 key construction trades for new residential construction.
Insurance
Rents and home ownership
Community makeovers - how housing policies and rental regimes make a difference (2018)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Two communities change their physical housing conditions. Nunavummiut is a community located in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. The community introduced a unique program called “Pivallianiq.” The program focused on beautifying the living environments of the community. Yale First Nations is a community where there were no housing policies, tenants did not pay their rent, and there was no home maintenance.
Home Ownership (2018)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Many First Nations communities are exploring giving their members a chance to own their own home. This episode looks at what home ownership means and what some of the rewards and challenges associated with home ownership can be.
Housing and Rental Operational Policy Framework (2017)(.pdf file / 700kb) - This document was developed to assists Chief and Council, Housing Departments or Housing Managers to establish housing policies that include policies on the collection of rent. The intended function of this document is to provide a convenient reference or as an advisory guide.
Rent. This is Not the Musical (2020)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - Tenancy fees, or rent, are a vital source of revenue for many Aboriginal communities, helping to pay for repairs and maintenance to Chief and Council owned homes. Rent can be used as a revenue stream to purchase new homes. However, implementing a system to collect a tenancy fee, or rent, is one of the most common challenges facing many First Nations.
Indoor health
Air quality
Covid-19
Indigenous Communities and Covid – 19 (2020)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - As Coronavirus or covid-19 spread throughout Canada and other countries, heath authorities were concerned about the potential spread of covid 19 in Indigenous communities. In this podcast we focus on how Covid 19 impacted our communities.
Humidity and condensation
Mould
Radon
Build Radon Resistant Homes in Indigenous Communities (.pdf file / 1.5mb) / Construire des habitations résistantes au radon dans les communautés autochtones (.pdf file / 1.4mb) (2022) - Many Indigenous communities may have radon gas issues. These communities could benefit from building Radon Resistant Homes. Building homes with less radon reduces lung cancer risk and save lives within the community.
Radon Gas - It's in your home (.pdf file / 2.8mb) / Le Radon - Il Y En Dans Votre Maison (.pdf file / 2.8mb) / maci-askîwipimiy - astêwa pîhcâyihk kîkihk + maci-askîwipimiy - kîkwây ôma maci-askîwi-pimiy? (.pdf file / 2.8mb) (2022) - Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces like homes, it can accumulate to high levels. High radon levels can be a risk to the health of you and your family.
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance
Tenant’s Responsibilities - including home maintenance and repairs for their unit (YouTube video - 2022) - FNNBOA has created this webinar for Housing Managers who will share it with new (and existing) tenants. The webinar focuses on the following areas:
Important documentation and processes before moving into unit
Highlight responsibilities of the Council and tenant
Some maintenance repairs expected by tenant
Basic Home Maintenance Guide for Tenants in First Nations Communities (.pdf file / 2.8mb) (version française - .pdf file / 2.8mb) (2017) - This manual will help you as a tenant to perform simple maintenance to fix problems before they become major, expensive issues to repair. Before performing simple maintenance, it is important to contact the Housing Department in your community.
Healthy Home Maintenance Checklist (.pdf file / 586kb)(version française - .pdf file / 600kb) (2017) - This schedule is a good way to prevent home maintenance problems. You can perform many of the tasks yourself, but some you should leave to your Housing Department. Remember, safety first.
Repairs
Rehabbing our homes - recovering a home after illegal drug use has taken place (2020)(.mp3 audio podcast / 17mb) - After a home is vacated what should the Council do to repair these homes? This is a huge issue for not only First Nations but for landlords and Hotel operators. We want to focus on how to rehab a home that has been contaminated by illegal drug use.
Podcasts
Home on the Rez, an 18 episode podcast series, explores how some First Nations communities are successfully addressing their housing challenges. The episodes feature in-depth interviews on a range of subjects on First Nations housing. All three seasons are available, free to download.
Procurement
Procurement in Indigenous Communities (2020)- The Procurement Books are a series of books to offer guidance to Indigenous communities who want to get better value for their money when they purchase goods and services. The books outline the general procurement principles, procedures and practices for those Indigenous communities interested to establish a procurement process.
Teleinspections
Guide - Teleinspections for First Nations Remote Communities (2020)(.pdf file / 2.2mb)(Version française - .pdf file / 2.3mb) - FNNBOA has developed teleinspections that uses electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support building code compliance. Under teleinspections the builders are to provide photographs and other information electronically for review by a certified First Nations Building Officer in another part of Canada. Learn more about Teleinspections.
Webinars
This is a free webinar series, sponsored by Indigenous Services Canada, geared to those involved in housing in First Nations communities.
70 videos are available on the FNNBOA YouTube channel.
Playlists (each link will open the playlist on YouTube) are available for content including: