Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Trevor Mercredi
The City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have signed a Letter of Intent, formalizing their shared commitment to support Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton.
The letter outlines shared objectives, including joint advocacy to other orders of government for funding and policy support and a coordinated approach to increase the supply of Indigenous-led housing in Edmonton.
Signed by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations Trevor Mercredi, the agreement strengthens intergovernmental collaboration and calls for sustained investment from other levels of government to meet the housing needs of Indigenous Peoples in the city.
“This Letter of Intent reflects our commitment to working with Nations in increasing access to Indigenous housing,” said Krystin Flierl, Director, Indigenous Relations Office.
“Edmonton is home to thousands of Treaty 8 members, and we recognize that the housing crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous Peoples. Working together, we are calling on all levels of government to invest in Indigenous-led solutions — because reconciliation demands action.”
Edmonton has the second-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada, with nearly 88,000 Indigenous residents. One in three Indigenous renter households in Edmonton is in core housing need and more than half of those experiencing houselessness in the city identify as Indigenous.
The agreement was initiated by Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and sets out shared objectives for advocacy, planning and support for culturally appropriate housing projects.
“Today marks an important step forward in shaping the future of our Peoples in urban spaces,” said Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi.
“By signing this Letter of Intent with the City of Edmonton, we are advancing First Nations led housing that reflects the culture, values, rights, and aspirations of Treaty 8 First Nations.”
Comments