Housing outcomes for rural and urban (off-reserve) Indigenous Peoples

Project overview

This research project provides an in-depth analysis of Indigenous housing, living conditions, issues and trends.

It was jointly funded by CMHC and Crown-Indigenous Northern Affairs Canada. It conducts an extensive analysis of a variety of datasets, including the:

• Census of Population
• Aboriginal Peoples Survey
• Canadian Community Health Survey

The authors analyze health and socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples living in urban and rural regions in relation to household and dwelling characteristics. Outcomes are also analyzed in relation to identity group, geography and demographic characteristics.

An analysis of the Indigenous experience of homelessness remained out of scope, as such research would require a uniquely different and extensive approach.

Key findings

The project revealed 4 outcomes, which are described in detail in the Research Insight:

• Among Indigenous peoples, perceived general and mental health is better for homeowners. The same holds true for those with affordable and adequate housing.
• Indigenous youth living in multigenerational households are less likely to attend school. This is mitigated by homeownership and housing suitability and increased household income.
• Homeownership is associated with a greater likelihood of participating in the labour force and having full-time employment.
• Indigenous children living in subsidized rentals are most likely to speak an Indigenous language regularly at home. This is followed by children living in market rentals and then by those in owned dwellings.

Implications for the housing industry

The findings of this research have a number of implications for the housing sector:

• Indigenous homeownership has substantial positive effects on perceived mental and physical health, food security, school attendance and labour force participation. Supporting Indigenous homeownership in market regions has the potential to also support positive socio-economic and health outcomes at the community level.
• Indigenous homeownership has a negative influence on Indigenous language use and sense of community belonging. Other community mechanisms need to be leveraged to ensure that Indigenous language attainment and retention are not impacted. Measures also need to be implemented to create space to foster belonging and safety.
• A holistic approach that addresses the entire continuum of housing needs is required. This is due to the diverse needs of Indigenous peoples living in urban and rural areas.
• Indigenous community services and programs should be included in permanent funding models. This will ensure that Indigenous peoples do not face systemic barriers and achieve the full spectrum of wellbeing.

For more information, download the Research Insight and consult the full reports, Phase I (PDF) and Phase II (PDF).

About CMHC’s Indigenous Housing Research

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on:

• the recognition of rights
• respect
• cooperation
• partnership 

Working in collaboration with government and Indigenous partners, we’re advancing research to support the goals of the National Housing Strategy. This, in turn, will help inform improvements to Indigenous housing outcomes in Canada.  

Sign up to our Housing Research Newsletter to be notified when new insights and other reports are released.

Related links:

• National Housing Strategy
• National Housing Strategy outcomes and outputs