UNDER THE CANOPY:

IDENTIFYING CONTEXT-SPECIFIC ISSUES

Building Sustainable Cities and Communities is the 11th of 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Our project aims to apply this goal to the Northern Manitoba community of Thompson, which has the highest percentage of indigenous residents of any city in Canada [1]. The 3rd goal of Good Health and Well-Being and several other goals are closely intertwined with our proposed project. Given the inequalities and problems outlined below, making Thompson more sustainable requires addressing substandard housing situations.

The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Urban Reserve located Inside the City of Thompson, MB https://www.ncncree.com/about-ncn/our-lands/thompson-urban-reserve

https://thompsononline.ca/assets/images/reservemap_000.png

<aside> 🍃 In Canada, 43% of First Nations houses on reserve are in need of repairs compared to 7% generally [2]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 20% of hotel tax revenue in Thompson is dedicated to affordable housing, but more is needed [4]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 25% of adults in Thompson earn less than $15,000/yr; 13% earn over $80,000 [4]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 On average in Canada, First Nations have 3.7 individuals per household versus 2.5 [2]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 Overcrowding is an issue because of low incomes, indigenous cultural values of care, and preference for extended family living [2]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 Fire hazards and poor indoor air quality result from indoor wood-burning equipment [15]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 Extreme northern climate contributes to mold and health issues [3]

</aside>

<aside> 🍃 Inadequate ventilation and overcrowding increases rates of disease transmission, including Covid-19, tuberculosis, influenza, bronchitis [3]

</aside>

THE PROBLEM IN A NUTSHELL:

PROBLEM STATEMENT