Aboriginal Capacity Development

Aboriginal Capacity Development facilitates the acquisition of tools in terms of knowledge, skills, training and resources that will allow First Nations to work towards self-sufficiency in housing and take on more responsibility for the functioning of their community. Assistance is provided to First Nations housing institutions and individual housing providers to acquire the skills and knowledge to design, build, inspect and manage housing on reserve such as:

• Training sessions on Client Counselling, Property Management Planning, Home Maintenance, Arrears Management and Indoor Air Quality.
• Access to inspector training for First Nations individuals through provincial building official associations and through community colleges.
• Development of Healthy Housing projects to assist in dealing with health, adequacy and affordability issues in First Nations communities.
• Support for Aboriginal youth career fairs and conferences dealing with management and technical housing issues.

Who is eligible?

First Nations housing providers, housing committees, technical service providers etc.

How does it work?

Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and First Nations representatives participate annually in the development of On-Reserve Capacity Building priorities. These priorities may include but are not limited to areas such as; training, research projects, designation of native inspectors, community planning and development, leveraging partnerships, etc.

As CMHC has access to limited funding to assist in initiatives which increase housing expertise in First Nations communities, partnerships with other government agencies and FN groups are encouraged to ensure effective use of limited resources. CMHC's Research Division and Canadian Housing Information Centre (CHIC) are a good source of information and expertise for capacity development initiatives.

Where can I get more information?

Contact your local CMHC office.