The 23nd Annual First Nations Housing Conference was held on February 25th, 2026, at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
This year, we were proud to celebrate achievements in housing, recognizing award winners from across Canada. THANK YOU to the delegates that came from across Ontario and Canada to participate in FNHC 2026. The delegates are the reason this Conference has been such a success for the past 22 years! Miigwetch.
Fort Albany First Nation is a remote Cree community located along the west coast of James Bay in Northern Ontario. Guided by a strong commitment to safety, healing, and community care, the Nation has advanced the NeeKeeNan initiative to support women and children facing violence and instability. Developed on a 100-acre property in Timmins, the project is grounded in land-based support, cultural teachings, and community-led care.
NeeKeeNan was designed as a continuum of care, recognizing that when women and children leave harmful situations, the next step must offer more than temporary shelter. It must provide dignity, stability, and a supported path forward that reflects long-term wellbeing.
The initiative includes two integrated components. NeeKeeNan – Women’s Shelter will provide 24/7 emergency shelter for women aged 16 and older and their children fleeing domestic, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Residents will have access to a crisis line and referrals to legal, housing, counselling, and community services. The shelter is expected to be operational by early 2026.
The second phase, NeeKeeNan Transitional Housing, offers longer-term supportive housing following an emergency shelter stay. The development includes seven units—four two-bedroom homes and three three-bedroom homes – with planned stays of 18 to 24 months, supporting families as they rebuild stability.
Supported by NICHI for the shelter and funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada for transitional housing, NeeKeeNan represents more than housing. It is a lasting commitment to safety, healing, and a stronger future.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FORT ALBANY FIRST NATION!
Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation is demonstrating what is possible when housing is guided by strong leadership, respect for the land, and a vision for future generations. Through the Land, Leadership & Legacy: First Nations Timber Home Project, the community delivered four new three-bedroom family homes, each with a full basement, including one fully accessible unit with a walk-out design.
What sets this project apart is both what was built and how it was built. The homes combine locally milled wood with high-performance Quik-Therm Structural Insulated Panels and CNC-engineered timber systems from Cornerstone Timberframes. This approach delivers energy-efficient, durable housing while reducing waste and long-term environmental impact.
The project was led by WAASA Indigenous Construction Services, an Indigenous-owned general contractor coordinating regional trades, partners, and community engagement. Prefabrication and off-site fitting reduced construction timelines, minimized land disturbance, and created predictable opportunities for local training and employment.
The homes were intentionally designed to address northern housing challenges, supporting healthier indoor air quality, reduced mold risk, and lower operating costs. Warm, quiet, and low maintenance, they provide resilient living environments for families.
With oversight and cultural guidance from Housing Director Jeffrey Mandamin, alongside Chief and Council, the project reflects community-driven decision-making at every stage. Ultimately, it stands as a clear expression of self-determination—building stronger homes, stronger skills, and a stronger future for Iskatewizaagegan No. 39.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ISKATEWIZAAGEGAN NO. 39 Independent FIRST NATION!
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (KI), also known as Big Trout Lake, is a remote, fly-in Anishinaabe community located in Northwestern Ontario. Accessible primarily by air, the community’s way of life is deeply connected to land, water, language, and collective responsibility. Northern conditions, seasonal access, and transportation constraints create significant challenges for housing delivery, where materials, labour, and timelines must be carefully planned and coordinated.
The award-winning Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug 35 Home Project reflects determined leadership and strong partnerships responding to urgent housing needs. The project delivered 35 Bison Modular homes while preparing serviced housing sites in the mainland area. Modular construction was selected as a practical solution, allowing much of the building process to occur off-site, reducing on-the-ground construction time and improving efficiency in a remote northern context.
The community moved swiftly from planning to implementation while maintaining consistent construction quality. Transporting and installing modular homes in a fly-in community required extensive coordination, demonstrating the project’s logistical strength and collaborative planning.
The project is supported through partnerships with Chief and Council, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative, a program designed to accelerate housing delivery in communities with urgent need.
Beyond increasing housing supply, the new homes reduce overcrowding, improve living conditions, and support community stability—creating safe, durable homes that allow members to remain connected to culture, family, and community life.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG FIRST NATION!
Marten Falls First Nation is a remote northern First Nation in Ontario, located at the confluence of the Albany and Ogoki Rivers. As a fly-in community, Marten Falls faces ongoing housing pressures shaped by overcrowding, short construction seasons, high transportation costs, and complex logistics that affect health, safety, and overall community wellbeing.
The 2026 Housing Recognition Award recognizes Marten Falls First Nation for the completion of two 6-Flex housing units, a meaningful step toward expanding access to safe, stable homes. Designed to deliver multiple units within a single footprint, the 6-Flex model increases housing supply efficiently while supporting neighbourhood cohesion and proximity to essential services.
Community leadership played a central role in advancing the project from planning through completion. Chief and Council, housing staff, community members, and project partners worked collaboratively to coordinate materials, labour, and timelines within a challenging northern context. This coordinated approach was essential to delivering quality housing within limited seasonal windows.
The impact of the project extends beyond the two completed buildings. Marten Falls First Nation has received approval for an additional 6-Flex development and a 4-Flex project, demonstrating sustained momentum and a long-term commitment to scalable housing solutions that respond to community need.
Together, these developments are creating tangible change. Families are gaining access to safer living conditions, overcrowding pressures are being reduced, and the foundation for healthier community life is being strengthened.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION!
Missanabie Cree First Nation is a Northern Ontario First Nation located within its traditional territory near Lake Superior, between Chapleau and Wawa. Deeply connected to land, culture, and community, they have been working to re-establish their presence after decades of displacement. Housing plays a critical role in this return, providing not only shelter but a foundation for healing, reconnection, and self-determination.
The award-winning Missanabie Cree First Nation Resettlement Housing Project marks a significant milestone in this journey. Completed in 2025, the project delivered six culturally appropriate, energy-efficient homes on traditional territory. It represents the first major residential development following the finalization of the Nation’s land settlement agreement, symbolizing return, renewal, and progress.
The development includes a mix of housing types to meet diverse needs: two 1,300-sq ft three-bedroom homes, two 1,300-sq ft two-bedroom homes, and a duplex consisting of one three-bedroom and one two-bedroom unit. This balanced design supports families, individuals, and multigenerational households.
A defining feature of the project is the use of Thermolog construction, selected for durability, energy efficiency, and long-term affordability. Thermolog homes reduce utility costs while supporting sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship.
Community involvement was central throughout the project. Members participated in site visits and hands-on activities during construction, fostering pride and ownership. Through One Bowl Housing Corporation, community members also gained training and safety certifications, strengthening local capacity, resulting in housing that restores presence on the land and strengthens wellbeing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MISSANABIE CREE FIRST NATION!
Musk-kosiminiziibing (Big Grassy First Nation) is an Anishinaabe community located in Northwestern Ontario near the Ontario–Manitoba border, along the shores of Lake of the Woods. Like many northern First Nations, the community faces ongoing housing pressures, where limited housing supply means the loss or deterioration of even a single home can have significant impacts on families and overall housing stability.
This award recognizes Musk-kosiminiziibing for its Housing Gaps Fund Housing Project, an initiative focused on restoring and replacing critical on-reserve housing to address urgent needs. The project included the full reconstruction of one home following total fire damage, as well as major renovations to a second home that was partially saved through timely emergency response. These efforts restored safe living conditions for affected families during a period of crisis.
In addition, the project supported the replacement of three aging trailer units that were no longer suitable for habitation due to advanced deterioration. Replacing these units helped maintain access to safe principal residences, particularly for vulnerable and low-income households, while strengthening the overall housing stock.
A key strength of the initiative is its coordinated delivery. Housing Gaps Fund support was combined with funding from the On-Reserve Renovations – Strategic Approach, aligning new construction and renovations with the First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy.
The project demonstrates how preparedness, collaboration, and strategic investment can restore housing stability and strengthen community resilience.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Musk-KOSIMINIZIIBING (BIG GRASSY FIRST NATION)
Located approximately 27 kilometers northwest of Kenora, Ontario, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (formerly known as Dalles First Nation) is an Anishinaabe/Ojibway community with a strong connection to land, water, and collective wellbeing. Like many First Nations, Niisaachewan has experienced increasing housing pressures driven by overcrowding, limited available lots, and the high cost of servicing new land. In response, the community has taken a practical and forward-looking approach to plan for sustainable housing growth.
The award-winning Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation Micro-Subdivision Development Project advances an innovative micro-subdivision model designed to create smaller, serviceable residential lots when conventional expansion options are constrained. By maximizing existing infrastructure and land, the project unlocks new housing opportunities while supporting responsible, long-term growth within the community.
At the core of the project is the extension of communal water and wastewater servicing, enabling future homes to be built closer to the community core and essential services. Engineering plans outline the work required to make the lots build-ready, including site grading, construction of a granular roadway and turnaround, drainage features, and the installation of water, sewer, and hydro infrastructure to each residential lot.
Guided by community leadership and supported by technical partners, including Bimose Tribal Council, the project moved forward through environmental review processes confirming no significant adverse effects. By creating serviced residential lots, the project lays a strong foundation for families to build homes within their own community, easing overcrowding and strengthening long-term housing stability.
CONGRATULATIONS TO NIISAACHEWAN ANISHINAABE NATION!
Tsawout First Nation is a WSÁNEĆ community located on the Saanich Peninsula near Saanichton, British Columbia. Guided by culture, belonging, and long-term vision, Tsawout continues to advance housing solutions that support community wellbeing while creating stability for future generations.
This year’s award recognizes Tsawout’s Multiplex Housing Project, a long-awaited, community-driven initiative that delivers 56 new homes for families, Elders, and single members. Developed as part of Tsawout’s Progressive Housing Strategy, the project responds to long-standing housing shortages by creating safe, high-quality homes that allow members to live and remain connected within their community.
The design of the multiplex reflects cultural values and community identity. Inspired by Coast Salish architectural principles, the development emphasizes shared spaces, walkable pathways, and a strong sense of place. These features encourage connection, support daily interaction, and create an environment where children, families, and Elders feel safe and supported.
Environmental responsibility and long-term affordability are central to the project. Durable, low-maintenance materials were selected to support longevity, while thoughtful site planning, native landscaping, and energy-efficient design features help reduce operating costs and environmental impact over time.
Led by Chief and Council, housing staff, and trusted partners, the Multiplex Housing Project represents a major step forward in addressing housing need. It stands as a strong example of community-led housing that balances cultural integrity, sustainability, and practical delivery.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TSAWOUT FIRST NATION!
Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN) is a regional tribal council located in Northeastern Ontario, representing several First Nations through shared planning, technical support, and community-driven initiatives. Like many First Nations, WBAFN and its partner communities face ongoing housing pressures, including limited land availability, infrastructure constraints, and the need for housing options that are both affordable and appropriate for diverse household needs.
This award recognizes WBAFN’s community-driven Micro-Subdivision Housing Initiative, a coordinated effort involving Wahnapitae First Nation, Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, and Henvey Inlet First Nation. Together, the communities are advancing a shared four-year plan to develop micro-subdivisions, each creating 20 serviced residential micro-lots designed to support mini homes ranging from approximately 400 to 1,000 square feet.
A key strength of the initiative is its focus on fully serviced developments tailored to local conditions. Servicing includes water and wastewater solutions, hydro, communications, and safe road access, ensuring that each micro-lot is build-ready and suitable for long-term residential use. These smaller, serviced lots create attainable housing opportunities for Elders, single individuals, and households facing barriers to traditional housing.
The project is being delivered through phases, beginning with feasibility and planning, followed by design and preparation, and moving into construction. Development will occur in manageable phases over four years, allowing communities to sustainably grow housing supply.
At its core, this initiative expands housing options, strengthens stability, and creates realistic pathways home – one serviced micro-lot at a time.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WAABNOONG BEMJIWANG ASSOCIATION OF FIRST NATIONS!
The First Nations Community Housing Recognition Awards 2026 proudly honour an individual whose contribution has shaped learning, leadership, and housing excellence across this conference for many years.
Jon Eakes is a respected builder, educator, and communicator across Canada, known for making complex housing knowledge practical and easy to apply.
Over many years, Jon brought clarity, trust, and a generous sharing of knowledge to the First Nations Housing Conference – helping strengthen skills that support safer, stronger homes.
As Master of Ceremonies, Jon served as a steady and trusted voice – guiding conversations with respect, warmth, and a strong understanding of community-led housing.
Through the Builders Challenge, Jon helped spotlight skill development, youth leadership, and the importance of hands-on learning – encouraging confidence, teamwork, and pride.
His commitment was never about recognition – it was about showing up, sharing knowledge, and supporting communities in building capacity for the future.
We proudly present the Honorary Award to Jon Eakes, in recognition of his lasting contribution to housing, learning, and community.
Congratulations!
