Energy-efficient housing plays a crucial role in addressing health concerns and tackling housing challenges in Indigenous communities, as outlined in a recent Indigenous housing report. The report, “Building Strength Through Shelter: Policy prescriptions for Indigenous Healthy Energy Homes,” jointly released by the Canadian Climate Institute and Indigenous Climate Energy, highlights that nearly one in six Indigenous individuals reside in homes requiring significant repairs.
Carlyn Allary, a research associate at the Canadian Climate Institute and a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, emphasizes the overlooked connection between housing conditions and health outcomes. By focusing on constructing new energy-efficient homes and applying similar principles to renovate older structures, the report suggests that not only will health conditions be enhanced, but long-term economic benefits will also be realized.
Improving ventilation, preventing mold growth, and enhancing air quality are cited as additional advantages of transitioning to energy-efficient housing, according to the report. Kayla Fayant, an energy-efficient coordinator at Indigenous Clean Energy and a member of the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta, advocates for well-insulated, ventilated homes made from high-energy efficiency materials to promote healthier living environments.
Fayant points out that due to the higher costs and longer construction times associated with energy-efficient housing, the report offers recommendations for expediting processes and diversifying funding options to facilitate their adoption. She notes that many Indigenous community members, particularly those in settlements like Fishing Lake, face obstacles in obtaining mortgages for adequate housing, leading to a reliance on swiftly built, cheaper alternatives that may compromise living conditions.
Inadequate housing conditions exacerbate the housing crisis in Indigenous communities, contributing to overcrowding and substandard living environments. Allary underscores the importance of government support in expediting the construction of quality, energy-efficient homes, emphasizing the need for stable funding mechanisms to avoid compromises in building materials and construction quality.
While acknowledging the upfront investment required for energy-efficient housing, both Allary and Fayant highlight the substantial social return on investment, with the report indicating a return of approximately $6.79 for every dollar invested. Fayant references data from the First Nations National Building Officers Association, indicating that homes in First Nations typically last only eight to ten years before necessitating significant repairs or replacement, perpetuating a cycle of inadequate housing.
A key objective of the report is to foster collaboration between provincial/territorial governments and the federal government, ensuring that housing initiatives align with the unique needs of Indigenous communities while promoting sustainable and healthy living environments.
