Thesis Proposal

IDIS Proposal

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Integration Essay

Much of the housing on First Nations reservations is in poor condition. Adequate housing is essential for one to have a happy and healthy life. There needs to be a change in housing policy in order for aboriginal people to grow up and live in an environment where they can thrive. This paper wants examine the policies and funding around homes on Canadian reserves and the possible link between underfunded housing and poor health and wellness.

The houses for the reserves were originally made quickly and cheaply with the western nuclear style in mind. Not much has changed today; houses are still often poorly made and not suitable for multi-generation families. The bands are responsible for organizing and managing the houses with support from the federal government (Government of Canada, 2014). Indian Affairs divides this money between regional offices, district offices, and the District Indian Councils, Tribal Councils and Bands (Kydd, 1992). The amount of money given to the different offices and bands depends on factors such as population, cost of construction, need, past spending performance, and how successful they are with negotiating with officials (Kydd, 1992).The government encourages bands to find other sources money to supplement the government funding (Government of Canada, 2014). Between 2006-2007 and 2013-2014 the Canadian government invested more than 2.3 million dollars in support of on-reserve housing (Government of Canada, 2014). Additionally, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada had confirmed an extra 138 million dollars to be set aside in 2014-2015 for on-reserve housing (Government of Canada, 2014).  For the reserves that receive annual funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada they are able to use the money for many different housing needs including the following: planning and managing, debt servicing, insurance, maintenance, renovating, and constructing. Between the years of 2006-2007 and 2013-2014, the funding from the Canadian Government helped in the building of 11 364 new units and renovating of 21 212 units, along with other housing projects (Government of Canada, 2014).

Shelter allowance payments are given to those eligible for income assistance by the Department’s Income Assistance program (Government of Canada, 2014).This money can help to cover housing costs. The Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada administer Ministerial Loan Guarantees (Kydd, 1992). These state that if you do not make your loan payments, the minister takes responsibility. Because the bank cannot repossess housing on reserve, they require ministerial guarantees to take out a loan (Kydd, 1992). Currently, $1.8 billion is issued in guarantee authority to support those First Nations obtaining loans for home ownership and social housing (Government of Canada, 2014).

Bands can apply for a similar kind of loan called the Ministerial Guarantee Band Council Resolution (Kydd, 1992). The Band Council or Band Housing Society must apply for this type of loan to the Minister of Indian Affairs. This type of loan, however, has a clause that allows the minister to use band funds to reimburse the government if loan payments are not made (Kydd, 1992).

There are several other ways to receive funding .A federal housing agency called the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation help in the building, repairing, and financing of homes both on and off reserve (Kydd, 1992). Other ways to obtain funding can be through Health Canada, and the First Nations Market Housing Fund (Government of Canada, 2014). Some bands may have a form of revolving housing fund as well (Kydd, 1992).

First Nations self-reported 107 627 housing units in March of 2013 (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). To get an idea of the current state of the housing crisis between 2010 and 2031 it is estimated  there will be a need for 130 197 new units, 11 855 replacement units, and a little under 10 000 major repairs. It is no surprise that there are many challenges when it comes to reserve homes. Not only is there a trend of overcrowding, insufficient infrastructure and amenities, and difficulties accessing funding across the country, but there is also a lack of accurate numerical data to properly address the issue (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). One issue that has been talked about lately is the mold growth in on-reserve homes.

Although it has been agreed upon that mold growth in Canada is a problem, there is no comprehensive data to show to what extent (Optis, Shaw, Stephenson, & Wild, 2012). Some research has been done however, to explain why reserve homes are susceptible to mold growth. Reasons include high levels of moisture caused by structural damage, overcrowded homes, and insufficient use of ventilation systems. With loss of territory during colonization came loss of traditional homes being built and the importation of inappropriate building materials being used. Homes were built for the indigenous people with little consideration for the environment or lifestyle of the occupants. In fact, because of this it is common for people on reserve to block off ventilation systems that would prevent mold in order to prevent heat loss (Optis et al., 2012).

Overcrowding is another major issue. The Assembly of First Nations (2013) states 23.4% of First Nation adults lived in overcrowded homes. This is detrimental as overcrowding leads to a reduced lifespan of a home. Additionally, it increases family tension and violence (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). It also leads to many health problems including the high rate of tuberculosis (Optis et al., 2012).

Housing shortages are a major problem as described earlier and lead to an increase in overcrowding. 94.1% of First Nations have waiting lists for housing (Assembly of First Nations, 2013).  The housing crisis was made even worse after Bill C-31 passed and many women were able to return to their communities, yet no additional funding was available because of it (Optis et al., 2012).

The isolation of many reserves also cause many problems. Not only does lack of jobs mean a decreased likelihood of personal funding going into home building and improvements, it also means an increase in labour and material costs to work on a home (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). One source notes that in Ontario building a house in the north cost an estimated 30% more compared to in the south (Assembly of First Nations, 2013).

Many other problems exist including water, electricity, heating and the like. In fact it was found that 34% of communities get water by collecting it (rivers, lakes, etc), by truck, or from wells (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). In addition, 31% of homes have unsatisfactory heating systems (Assembly of First Nations, 2013). With insufficient heat and unsafe water prevalent in the communities it gives yet another reason to the high levels of health problems on reserve.

As described earlier, poor housing can cause a whole array of health problems. In addition to health problems it can cause social problems as well. Poor housing can cause stress and tension. It is common sense that children would have troubles concentrating in school if there is increased stress in the home, or will have a hard time finding a quite place to do homework in an overcrowded house. In additional sickness caused by poor housing could keep one from work or school. It is a form of cycle where poor housing can keep one from getting or keeping a job. This then limits any money one has to improve their home.

There is a case to be made that in order to combat the notoriously high rates of disease, abuse, and unemployment that is so rampant in reserve communities, changing the housing protocols and policies to fulfill government promises to adequate housing should be a part of the solution. A proper solution needs to be put in place to end this cycle of generational poverty and illness perpetuated by problems created from overcrowded homes that are falling apart. Things need to be changed at the governmental level either to implement change themselves or change the bureaucratic systems to give bands more ability to help their own people.