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The lack of resilient and sustainable housing on reserves within growing Northern Manitoba Indigenous Cree communities has caused overcrowding which has led to disease spread and resource insufficiency.
Indigenous populations are the fastest growing population in Canada, with a growth rate of 42.5%, which by comparison is approximately 4 times the growth rate of non indigenous populations ‣ . This reflects the issue of overcrowding in households, which is a major concern in Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba. The housing supply funded by the Federal Government cannot meet the increasing demand. A 2015 survey stated that 40% of homes in the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation were overcrowded ‣ .
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The current pandemic has shed light on the housing crisis in Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba, as Covid-19 is spreading rapidly on reserves. 76% of active Covid-19 cases in Manitoba are First Nations people and the amount of cases on reserves is exceedingly high ‣ . As of February 17, 2021 the number of active Covid-19 cases in First Nations people living on reserves was 88.6% of the total active cases in First Nations people in Manitoba ‣ .
Worsening the housing crisis in Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba, is the problem of poor housing construction leading to mold growth and occupant health problems. A 2015 survey stated that 58.1% of homes have mold problems within the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba ‣ . In addition, over 50% of First Nations people living on reserves in Manitoba live in homes that require major repairs ‣ .
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There is a huge barrier Indigenous people face when trying to find housing. After speaking with local experts from the Northern Manitoba region, acquiring a private mortgage is not possible for Indigenous people living on reserves. Private lenders are not allowed to mortgage on-reserve property, therefore the residents are left without many options ‣ .
The Cree community needs housing that can accommodate the growing population and large multi-generational families living within the region. Sufficient space per resident is key to enhancing their quality of life. In addition, providing privacy and more space within households, can help slow the spread of Covid-19, which is currently a major concern.
The Assembly of First Nations in Manitoba, help voice concern on issues such as housing ‣ . The need to provide affordable housing on reserves and make the best use of limited federal government funding is a priority. The supply of housing cannot meet the demand, resulting in a long waiting time on the community housing list. Improving the quality and sustainability of housing is also a concern to avoid large maintenance and repair costs in the future.
It is important to make use of local/community construction companies and workers to help strengthen the local economy. Employing local provides the incentive to complete higher quality work and it improves affordability.