Developing First Nations Housing Metrics

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Solutions Lab aims to create housing measures for local housing programs rooted in northern Indigenous knowledge and experience.

The focus on the development of appropriate measures in this lab will disrupt the existing on-reserve housing system. Reframing the role of First Nations from beneficiary of government programs to co-creators of their future living environments will reveal policy and program design changes and the potential for improved built environment and lived experience outcomes.

Project scope and expected outcomes

How will the Lab be conducted?

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Solutions Lab expands on a project addressing the housing needs of these First Nation members. The lab focuses on determining these needs at the community and regional levels, recognizing the relationship between housing and experienced well-being.

As part of the project, participants will visit 6 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities to understand member experiences with housing. Workshops will collect feedback from youth, Elders, Chiefs, Council and other members on the types of housing and services they want.

More community visits and workshops will provide a sense of unity and agreement on priorities for action among the First Nations. Regional, advisory and local labs will also include training and mentorship to allow local institutions to support each other as they put in place their new housing systems. The lab will develop a supporting toolkit to replicate the process across First Nations in northern Canada.