Our work with First Nation communities

In partnership with First Nation communities and the Government of Canada, we’re helping to create and maintain on-reserve housing.

Everybody has a role to play. We provide training, resources and financial assistance to help First Nation communities build, buy or renovate on-reserve housing. The federal government provides funding to cover many housing-related costs, which First Nation communities can use as they see fit. And as the property owners and administrators, First Nation communities are responsible for managing and overseeing most on-reserve housing.

Every year, nearly $280 million is spent to address the on-reserve housing needs of First Nation communities. More than half of this spending — $152 million — comes from CMHC. The rest comes from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

How we support First Nation housing

We support the on-reserve housing needs of First Nation communities in many ways:

• We provide ongoing subsidies to more than 26,900 households on-reserve.
• We contribute millions in funding each year to help renovate and retrofit on-reserve housing units.
• We offer training to First Nation communities to raise their awareness of the most common housing problems on-reserve. This training also teaches First Nation members how to build and maintain safe and healthy homes.
• We help councils and on-reserve businesses create internships for First Nations and Inuit youth. This on-the-job training and practical work experience helps youth move toward long-term employment in the housing sector.
• We provide financial support to help build shelters and second-stage housing for victims of domestic violence.
• We help keep on-reserve seniors and people with disabilities in their homes by funding accessibility-focused home adaptations.
• We provide funds to help First Nation communities top up their replacement reserves so they can make housing repairs.

Off-reserve and northern housing

We also help address the affordable housing needs of people living off-reserve or in Canada’s north. This involves working closely with a variety of provincial and territorial partners, as well as with private and non-profit organizations. For more information about this program, please contact your First Nation Housing Specialist.