MOVING HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS

The National TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP The Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure Consisting of 10 Chiefs appointed by their Regional Chief Portfolio Holder on Housing and Infrastructure Terms of Reference 2 Technical committees for housing and for water/infrastructure Face to face meetings and teleconferences Advocate on broad national issues. The CCoHI comprises of Chiefs from each region appointed by their respective Regional Chief and selected for their expertise in Housing and Infrastructure matters. Each AFN region also has two technicians one for housing and another for infrastructure. Each of the technicians are also appointed by the Regional Chief. Maintain contact and work in collaboration with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other federal departments, as required. The CCoHI technicians provide advice and support as required to matters, such as National Housing & Infrastructure Strategies. Attend regional, national and international First Nations Housing forums and provide reports. Develop means to enhance and improve the capacity of the AFN to disseminate and collect information as it pertains to First Nations Housing & Infrastructure.

Examples of Regional Institutions Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation 1989-1995: Chiefs of Ontario negotiates with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in response to plans for devolution. Work begins to transfer responsibilities from the Indian Inspection Unit to Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC). 1995: In February of 95, Chiefs of Ontario passes a resolution to cease operations of the Indian Inspector Unit and OFNTSC is officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation, thereby becoming the first organization of its kind serving First Nations in Canada.

Examples of Regional Institutions Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation The OFNTSC is a technical advisory service for Tribal Councils and Ontario First Nations. The OFNTSC provides a number of services in relation to the needs of communities. The services can be broken down into these service areas: Engineering Water/Wastewater Fuel Systems Management Emergency Management Environment Fire and Safety Housing Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Communications Offices – Toronto and Thunder Bay, Head Office – Mississaugas of New Credit www.ofntsc.org

First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc.(TSAG) TSAG’s history began in 1996 to develop, build and deliver core technical services to First Nation Communities in Alberta. On November 19, 1996 TSAG received its mandate from the Chiefs of Alberta at the Chiefs Summit V. TSAG is an organization created by the Chiefs of Alberta and provides technical support and training to First Nations in the treaty 6, 7 & 8 regions. TSAG is a not- for-profit First Nations organization. Its purpose is to assist Alberta First Nations gain the proper tools and knowledge that will help to achieve and maintain high standards in technology and services within the community. They provide professional technical and advisory services for Alberta First Nations to help build a future within the community. Through its programs and services, their goal is to empower communities to gain the confidence and resources needed for a healthy environment. They offer programs that focus on the community as a whole as well as programs targeted at educating youth.

TSAG – Services Asset Management Circuit Rider Training Program Environmental management Fire Protection and Prevention Housing Information Technology Youth Initiatives Annual Conference http://www.tsag.net/index.html

BC Technical Working Group Housing & Infrastructure Evolution 2005 Transformative Change Accord 2008 FN Housing and Infrastructure Memorandum of Understanding 2008 MOU Technical Communications Working Group 2016 National Housing and Infrastructure Reform BC Technical Working Group In 2005 the Accord was signed with Federal Commitment to close the gap in housing and infrastructure by: Building on-reserve housing units. Developing a partnering agreement to address off-reserve housing. Exploring the devolution and development of Aboriginal off-reserve housing units to an aboriginal housing authority. Supporting capacity development in the area of housing, including building maintenance and standards, and training and employment having to do with housing construction; Undertaking measures to ensure the safety of water supply; Improving other basic infrastructure such as wastewater systems, roads and fire protection; Undertaking comprehensive community planning; and, providing broadband connectivity to First Nation communities. In 2008 the MoU was signed, with a commitment to establish a BC technical working group. In 2016 Minister Carolyn Bennett said she supports of the development of First Nations Housing and Infrastructure institutions.

BC Housing and Infrastructure Working Groups The Aboriginal Capital Committee The Aboriginal Housing Committee Over the past 15 years there have been two technical working groups on BC The ACC or Aboriginal Capital Committee Established to provide advice to technical advice on INAC Capital programs delivery. The AHC or Aboriginal Housing Committee that was set up as one of the BC regional a liaison committee The AHC received endorsement from the leadership council in 1999 to work with

A BC Housing & Infrastructure Technical Working Group BC First Nations Leadership Council BCAFN, UBCIC, FN Summit AFN Chiefs Committee on Housing & Infrastructure National CCoHI BC Technical Working Group Housing & Infrastructure First Nations are the Authority Having Jurisdiction over Housing and Infrastructure. The BC AFN, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit are the regional advocacy groups who support first nations on housing and Infrastructure issues. Regions technical working groups exist in other areas of the country. In 1999 the BC Leadership Council supported the establishment of the Aboriginal Housing Committee, until funding was cut in 2011. Technical Working Group is made up of housing and infrastructure technical experts who supports First Nations on FN engagement of the national housing and infrastructure reform engagement including the development of First Housing and Infrastructure Institution. The Technical Working Group develops recommendations based on the processes and legislation of BC First Nations authorities.

BC Technical Working Group functions Transition from the 10 year plan in the BC Housing MoU signed in 2008 Liaise with the National Plan and Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure Develop framework for the BC portion of the FN Housing and Infrastructure Authority The BC MoU on Housing was a 10 year plan with a mandate to close the gap in aboriginal housing. It is due to expire in 2018. The engagement for the on-reserve portion of the National Housing Reform is an important tool to the next phase of improving conditions. The Technical working group can do the research necessary to be able to articulate to a wide variety of stakeholders with varied interests to describe why an FN institutional approach can produce better outcomes. Describe how your initiative is going to be of benefit to the local community.

It’s been a long time coming Real Change It’s been a long time coming

“No decision about Indians without Indians” Real Change In 1948 Jules Sioui, a First Nations leader from Quebec called on government to give up control over Indian Affairs “No decision about Indians without Indians”

Real Change In 1965 Martin O’Connell wrote a paper for the Department of Indian Affairs on housing on-reserves. He recommended: “The establishment of modern self-government structures, must go hand in hand with Indian participation in the planning and execution of development policies and programs, including housing.”

Real Change In 1972 the National Indian Brotherhood Declaration on Housing called for more control over housing: “The housing and community building process is not Indian. It does not spring from the Indian nor does it add to skills, livelihood, cultural pride or identity.”

Real Change In September 15, 2014, Kasabonika Lake First Nations councillor, Mike Morris spoke to the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples on housing conditions on reserves: “For me, and I’m sure other First Nations, we don’t want to have to depend on the government… It’s time to meet and sit down and build a new relationship because they are imposing their legislation on us. I don’t know by what right they do that.”

Real Change In July 2016 Minister Carolyn Bennett, Indigenous and Northern Affairs, told the CCoHI at the AFN national meeting in Niagara Falls: Think big Think outside the box Think building your own housing institutions Think replacing CMHC Think maybe a First Nations CMHC

Real Change The 2016 Public Policy Forum recommended: “Explore the creation of a First Nations-led organization(s) with responsibility for on-reserve housing.”

Real Change In a paper Harold Calla wrote for this 2017 forum he said we need to provide direction. We need to take the first steps. We need to take the lead. Lay out the objectives of a First Nations Housing Authority in British Columbia State how it will improve housing for First Nations people Describe the new relationships between Canada, the province, First Nations and the institution Show how this initiative could replace the services and resources offered by INAC and other government agencies SHOW THE SOLUTIONS