Indigenous Housing

It’s time to transform how Indigenous housing is built and delivered

The needs of Indigenous people living off-reserve in Ontario are not being met.

Together, we can help close the gap.  

An Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Implementation Plan for Ontario 

Our Plan is a first-of-its-kind strategy to address the disproportionate rates of housing insecurity among Indigenous households living off-reserve in Ontario. It identifies gaps, opportunities, and benefits in developing subsidized off-reserve housing. This work is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Leveraging socioeconomic, legal, and historical insights, the Plan offers six key recommendations. Building 22,000 Indigenous-owned and operated affordable housing units over the next decade can generate $14.3 billion in economic benefits and savings across Ontario.

By aligning with existing government initiatives, such as Canada’s National Housing Strategy and Ontario’s Community Housing and Renewal Strategy, we hope to work together to create a brighter future for Indigenous people in Ontario. This initiative marks a critical step towards Truth and Reconciliation, developed in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members and partners.

ONPHA’s Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Implementation Plan for Ontario

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Briefing Note – An Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Implementation Plan for Ontario

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Acknowledgements: ONPHA’s Implementation and Housing Plans was prepared by Daniel J. Brant and Associates, including Daniel J. Brant, Catherine Irwin-Gibson, and Brad Greyeyes-Brant, with support from the ONPHA’s URIHA Committee, including: Natasha Clarkson, Karen Henze, Eric Hill, Lorna Lawrence, Justin Marchand, Linda Martin, Angus Palmer, Frances Sanderson, and Aaron St. Pierre, and ONPHA staff, including: Marlene Coffey, CEO, Helen Harris, Senior Manager, Centre for Housing Excellence, and Sara Fegelman, Policy and Research Advisor. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Community Housing Transformation Centre provided funding support for this project. We are grateful for their support.

ONPHA’s Indigenous Housing Provider Gatherings 

These gatherings bring together First Nations, Métis, and Inuit housing providers from across the province to discuss topics relevant to Indigenous communities in Ontario.

Stay tuned for details on our next Gathering! 

Kathleen Blinkhorn Indigenous Student Scholarship 

In December 2009, the social housing sector lost a dedicated colleague and tireless advocate in Kathleen Blinkhorn. To celebrate her memory, ONPHA, with the support of Kathleen’s family, developed a dedicated scholarship to commemorate her work developing Aboriginal housing programs. 

Every year, ONPHA supports Indigenous students living in non-profit housing in Ontario with $2,000 for use towards their post-secondary education costs.  

Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Advisory Committee 

The Committee, made up of ONPHA’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit housing provider members, advocates for safe, affordable, culturally supportive housing as a right. It takes a holistic approach to improve housing standards in Ontario. The Committee advises the ONPHA Board and staff on emerging issues and supports government advocacy. ONPHA members who are interested in joining the Committee can contact us at mail@onpha.org for more information on how to join.