Indigenous people in Cranbrook and Fort Nelson will soon have access to 45 affordable homes as two Indigenous-led housing redevelopments move forward.

The projects, led by ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society in Cranbrook and Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society in Fort Nelson, are expected to break ground in spring 2026. Demolitions will start in January 2026. These redevelopments will replace aging housing with modern homes designed by Indigenous organizations to reflect cultural values and community priorities.

“Indigenous housing providers have been leading the way in creating safe, culturally grounded homes,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These projects show what’s possible when we work in partnership to support Indigenous-led solutions that meet the needs of communities.”

The redevelopments are part of a series of projects made possible through a one-time investment of more than $29 million provided to the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) in 2023. The projects were prioritized by AHMA in consultation with its members and communities, reflecting a “for Indigenous, by Indigenous” approach.

“AHMA members have put all of this capital funding to good work,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “As urban Indigenous housing experts, AHMA members consistently deliver results at the speed, scope and scale today’s housing crisis demands. We support community needs across B.C. and we will continue this important work as dedicated provincial partners.”

Other projects funded through this initiative include:

• renovations and upgrades by M’akola Housing Society and Vernon Native Housing Society, helping keep existing homes safe and secure for residents;
• the acquisition of a three-unit home by Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Smithers; and
• a new housing project by Wilma’s Transition Society in Chilliwack.

These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway throughout B.C.

Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby –

“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for strong, healthy communities. These Indigenous-led projects will do more than build homes, they’ll create places where families can connect, culture can flourish and future generations can thrive. By supporting Indigenous housing providers, we’re investing in dignity, community and the strength of self-determination.”

Cecilia Teneese, executive director, ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society –

“ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society is pleased to have received funding to redevelop the Claydon Villa site, which was in desperate need. This unique capital funding, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and AHMA, gives us the autonomy to lead our own culturally grounded development. It truly reflects our values of collaboration, self-determination and commitment to our tenants and community.”

Linda Ashdown, executive director, Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society –

“This funding is more than financial support, it’s a commitment to our community, our language and our culture. For the Fort Nelson Friendship Society, it represents a new way forward where housing is guided by Indigenous values and local voices. Having a funding agreement that recognizes the importance of our culture and language means our people are truly seen and heard in how we build and care for our community.”

Learn More:

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit:
https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople

To learn more about the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, visit:
https://ahma-bc.org/