Overall Summary Of The Session:

Workshop Methodology

Each sectoral session was carried out primarily in breakout groups where the participants were organized into three distinct groupings: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The participant’s lists indicate that there were 40 participants in the First Nations breakout group; 33 participants in the Inuit breakout group; and 34 participants in the Métis breakout group. The priority policy issues on the agenda were reordered with the distinct breakout groups addressing them as follows:

• housing supply;
• housing quality;
• affordability (access to home ownership and rental housing); and
• issues of jurisdiction, control and governance.

Launch questions for each theme were provided to participants on the agenda prior to the session to serve as a guide, to help focus discussion, and to help achieve the session objectives. Facilitators used the launch questions in tandem with other process questions to help participants drill down in their discussions when making recommendations. Where time permitted, participants were asked to apply short-, medium- and long-term time frames to their recommended actions and prepare key message summaries of their small group discussions and recommended actions.

Within each of the above discussions and at the end of each day participants were asked to provide input into:

• recommended actions;
• how we will work together with other stakeholders; and
• how we will know that we are making progress.

Participants were also tasked to apply two “lenses” for each of the aforementioned themes. The lenses provided for the inclusion of perspectives on issues of gender equality and geographic residence (i.e. urban, rural, remote and northern). At the request of participants, a third lenses―that of people living with disabilities―was also discussed. Generally, the questions around the lenses were as follows:

• Do the statements provide Aboriginal (i.e. First Nations, Inuit, Métis) women an opportunity to participate and/or address issues of concern to their housing status?
• Have the needs and concerns of Aboriginal peoples (i.e. First Nations, Métis, Inuit) in urban and northern/remote situations been addressed?
• Have the needs of Aboriginal people living with disabilities been addressed?

Each breakout group was facilitated by two co-facilitators selected from a list of names recommended by the National Aboriginal Organizations during the planning process. For each theme, facilitators used a variety of facilitation exercises to maximize input and output from participants. The facilitation exercises were adapted to fit the circumstances, such as time allotment, number of participants, size of the breakout room, and theme subject. In most cases, the exercises involved smaller groupings to gain greater involvement from all participants. The co-facilitators were also flexible in responding to the needs and issues identified by the breakout group participants. This resulted in slight variations between breakout sessions.

It should also be noted that each workshop day was opened and closed by three Elders representing the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Their opening and closing remarks and invocations were often instrumental in setting the tone for the workshop and participants.

Overall Summary

Most of the participants voiced concern indicating that a pan-Aboriginal ^{[ 2 ]} approach was not supported. However, all three breakout groups indicated that they would continue to meet with other Aboriginal partners on common issues. While participants in each of the breakout groups (i.e. First Nations, Inuit and Métis) provided distinct recommendations, there were some that were similar in nature. The following is a brief look at the similarities between the three breakout groups.

Supply

All breakout groups agreed that there is a critical and immediate housing crisis for Aboriginal people. Impacts from the shortfall of housing units include detrimental affects to the safety, health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. This crisis requires funding, the involvement of all levels of government, and the direct involvement of Aboriginal people in creating and administering housing policies and programs. There is a need for both urban and rural funding and programs, and capacity to accommodate persons with disabilities, women and those who are in transition, such as the homeless and elderly. It is important to account for demographics and geographic issues, which affect every aspect of housing including accessibility, labour and maintenance costs, life cycle of units and maintenance.

Quality

Aboriginal people need a voice in the development of construction standards. Training and apprenticeship programs are necessary to ensure that Aboriginal people can build and maintain housing units. Environmental issues, including sewage disposal, clean water and safe houses, are critical considerations. High-quality, maintenance-free materials with long life cycles should be used in all new construction and upgrades to existing units. Funding must take into consideration geographic impacts, particularly in the cost of servicing land and buildings in remote locations.

Affordability (access to home ownership and rental housing)

There is a need for affordable ways to attain home ownership and transition from renting to owning homes. Affordable housing is critical for the elderly, the homeless, women and people living with disabilities. Innovative and creative solutions, including financing mechanisms, are important to address the issues of people dealing with poverty, and poor or no credit ratings. Viable housing markets are required in small and remote communities.

Issues of jurisdiction, control and governance

Federal, provincial and municipal governments need to negotiate and collaborate with Aboriginal people to resolve the housing crisis and prepare for the needs of a growing population. The transfer of dollars to Aboriginal people must be accompanied by the ability to make decisions on delivery, policy and implementation. Jurisdiction for housing is to be based on nation-to-nation discussions and self-government models. Women and people living with disabilities must be included in all consultations.

2. pan-Aboriginal is a term describing an approach that is applied to all Aboriginal peoples and groups regardless of nation, distinct identity, geographic location, gender or status.

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The documentation contained on this website does not necessarily represent the views of any government or National Aboriginal Organization. The purpose of this website is to share information related to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable: background papers, Facilitator's sectoral and final reports, agendas and media announcements.

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