INAC Studying Housing Authority Proposal From FSIN

INAC Studying Housing Authority Proposal From FSIN

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 13:00

 

 

A vice-chief with the FSIN is proposing the creation of a First Nations housing authority.

 

Morley Watson says the body would be managed by First Nations, but be accountable to the government and other stakeholders.

 

Watson says the treaty right to shelter is found in all of the historical agreements and promises access to materials, equipment and labour.

 

He explains a task force would be created to develop a framework which any band can use to formulate a long-term housing strategy.

 

According to Watson, the FSIN has already had preliminary discussions with Indian Affairs, which is currently reviewing the proposal.

 

Watson says the department will eventually make a decision on whether it will be initiated in the current fiscal year.

 

He says if the housing authority goes ahead, “we can reduce unacceptable predicaments that we are faced with today”.

 

Watson adds one of the first tasks will be to determine what waiting lists and shortfalls exist in the Saskatchewan region.