Chiefs Authority on Housing

The authority, by resolution of the Saskatchewan Chiefs Legislative Assembly resolved to deal with housing, has lead to the establishment of the FSIN’s Housing Secretariat (formerly Saskatchewan Indian Housing and Roads Commission). The mandate of the Commission involves the short and long-term planning and development of housing renovations and related infrastructure.

The mandate of the FSIN’s housing approach was reviewed and amended to correspond with the changing of time. A more sensitive approach will be instituted to consider the wants and aspirations of our First Nations and a more aggressive approach must be developed in dealing with the Federal Crown to ensure they adhere to the First Nations Spirit and Intent of the Treaties. One that includes the establishment of a Chiefs Authority on Housing with increased political support and authority to identify and deal with all issues relating to housing and policy development.

Guided by the Vision that: The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation is committed to improving the quality of life for all First Nations while respecting First Nations traditional values and beliefs.

The areas of focus are as follows:
  • Research and Development - examining, investigating, assessing, assembling and providing information on developments in the private and public sectors with regard to new materials, technical advances, manufactured goods, and
  • Codes and Standards - monitoring and keeping abreast of new codes and standards in a range of areas such as construction, fire health and safety codes; and advising First Nations on adoption, adaptation and application of codes and practices in their areas; and
  • Policy Development - reviewing and analysing federal policies regarding First Nations housing; developing policies from the First Nations perspectives; revising and keeping up dated housing model policies; and assisting and advising First Nations on establishing or upgrading sound housing policies in their own areas; and
  • Training and Certification - developing and/or disseminating training courses, modules, and packages on a range of issues such as technical, management, etc.; ensuring recognition of certification by First Nations; and working toward increased portability of skills and certification; and
  • Strategic Relationships - establish and maintain liaison and working relationships with the private and public sectors, trade unions and education institutions; and promoting expansion in areas including economic development and other areas relating to housing; and
  • Urban Development - Partnering with First Nation communities, First Nation University of Canada and the First Nation Bank of Canada, this reSearch project will look at Tenure (Land designation), Infrastructure, Private capital, Home ownership and social housing.

Urban Housing Strategy

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) in conjunction with the Bridges and Foundations Project on Urban Aboriginal Housing prepared a manual to explain and promote Urban First Nation residential investment opportunities within the City of Saskatoon.

This document illustrates what residential investment opportunities exist in Saskatoon, and explains how First Nations bands and communities might capitalize on these opportunities. Specifically, it will provide information on potential funding available, partners with capacity to help First Nations, financing options, and resources needed to acquire affordable housing.

Residential investment in Saskatoon is a relatively safe investment. The average growth in property values for Saskatoon throughout its history is 4% per year. While the reasons a First Nations band or community might choose to invest in housing in Saskatoon are based on the social needs of band members, the investment opportunities available make economic sense.

First Nations investment in residential property within Saskatoon is critical to providing adequate shelter to the increasing First Nations population. Over the last decade, there has been a great influx of First Nations to urban centers, as over 60% of the Aboriginal population resides off reserve.[i] The Saskatoon Tribal Council, which is comprised of seven First Nation Bands around Saskatoon, has an estimated population in excess of 10,000 members, with some communities having up to 80% of their members living off reserve, mainly in Saskatoon. [ii] In addition the Aboriginal population is a young booming population with 54% of the population under the age of twenty.


The housing opportunities explained in this report serve three primary groups of people:
  1. Individuals and families with low to moderate income, interested in home ownership;
  2. People on social assistance or having a low income; and
  3. Students.

Homeownership offers many benefits to a family in terms of offering stability, pride in ownership, and an opportunity to build equity, to name a few. An opportunity worthy of consideration by First Nations bands and communities (or groups of communities) is the establishment of a homeownership program for its members. There are a number of funding, leveraging, and partnership opportunities available in conjunction with a homeownership program. The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has established a homeownership option within the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP) to provide financial assistance to sponsors of low and moderate-income families.

The most recent census (2001) indicates the average household income for First Nations households is $26,900. This suggests many would be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program for homeownership.

Currently there are many barriers First Nations people face in regards to homeownership. These include bad credit history, affordability of the homes, lack of income. To overcome these barriers, several suggestions are offered in this report:

  • Forming a Land trust;
  • Providing a homeownership program emphasizing debt management and financial planning;
  • Down payment assistance;
  • Sponsoring a homeowners cooperative; and
  • Establishing a rent to own program.

For those people not yet ready for homeownership, First Nations bands and communities might consider investment in a rental complex to ensure safe, stable, appropriate, and affordable housing is available to all First Nations.

According to the 2001 Canadian census, 66% of First Nations residing in the City of Saskatoon rent their accommodation. [iii] By purchasing a rental complex, a community or organization is eligible also for funding support from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation through the rental option of the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP). Up to $50,000/door can be provided from CAHP to fund the purchase and renovation, or construction of a rental complex.

The number of students attending post secondary education has been continually rising. In 1998, an estimated 1,500 First Nation students attended the University of Saskatchewan -- a significant increase from 870 students who attended the university in 1993. Today, the number is estimated at over 3,000. A number of detailed proposals aimed at providing housing for students are currently under development as part of Bridges and Foundations: CURA.

CMHC Section 95 Regional Allocations

Allocations of the CMHC Section 95 funds continue to follow the formula established by the FSIN Economic and Community Development Commission Housing Sub-Committee which was developed and ratified two years ago. The formula is that the regional allocations are managed by Tribal Councils and/or unaffiliated First Nations who in turn determine which First Nations will receive funding and in the particular fiscal year. First Nations participate on a rotating basis - one-half of the eligible First Nations in each Tribal Council receives an allocation one year and the other half the following year. If a Tribal Council allocation is not fully utilized by the deadline for qualified projects the uncommitted balance is returned to a regional “pot” and re-distributed to other qualifying projects. In order to increase the number of housing units that can be constructed within the limited regional lifetime funding, the Saskatchewan First Nations receive maximum loan amount, amortization period, minimum revenue contributions and operating cost benchmark parameters. With the limited resources available each year this system seems to be operating in the best possible manner.

Allocations to the Saskatchewan Region in the past six years were as follows:

1998-1999 $ 17,600,000.00
1999-2000 $ 16,750,000.00
2000-2001 $ 14,780,000.00
2001-2002 $ 20,980,000.00
2002-2003 $ 21,010,000.00
2003-2004 $ 21,240,000.00
2004-2005 $ 21,540,000.00

With input from the AFN Chiefs Committee on Housing a new allocation methodology was implemented for the distribution of the CMHC Section 95 On-Reserve National Lifetime Dollars for fiscal years 2001/2002, 2002/2003 and 2004/2005. Through this new process the Saskatchewan Region received a significant increase in lifetime dollars, as the new allocation methodology was based on need as opposed to a weighted allocation process.