23rd year of the First Nations Housing Conference
by Scott A. Sumner
I talked with Clarence Meekis, Public Works Manager with the Northern Chiefs Council member communities all over NW Ontario, recently at the First Nations Housing Conference.
“ This is the 23rd year of our First Nations Housing Conference and it keeps growing and getting bigger and hopefully better. We have the most delegates ever, most trade show participation as well.” said Clarence Meekis. “ Today was our busiest day of the event because of the trade show, builders challenge and the awareness in the city. We had 480 people signed up to be here and others come and visit with people from right across the country and one territory, so it is great.”
What is the goal of this event?
“ The goal is to have this as a forum for people to get together- community members, builders maintenance workers, community leadership, industry leaders, suppliers, consultants . Everybody can gather, share information, learn from each other and help our communities build stronger homes. Our theme is Stronger Alliances Stronger Homes so we believe working together helps us to do that for our communities.”
How many homes do you build in a year?
“ The number of homes we build per year varies based on government funding abilities programs both provincial or federal. Some of our communities will build a couple dozens homes in a year whether it is through construction or through manufactured homes being purchased and delivered. It is a wide variety.”
How has the event progressed and evolved over the years and what are current challenges you face?
“ When we first did this event it was a few dozen people involved- select communities with the same goal. Learning lessons from each other rather than everyone making their own mistakes.”
“ It is a challenge building homes in our communities whether it be funding, resources, even skill at the communities. If they aren't able to focus on skills development, in some years they can have challenges.”
“ Today is the builders challenge where we kind of focus on a type of construction. Today it is siding and flashing, sealing on the outside of the houses. We have a youth aspect this year. There are five different teams throughout the day.”
“ There are always challenges and we have to be ready to learn new ways of doing things. One thing is accessing funding opportunities. If the Federal government has announced various programs often there is not First Nation carve outs so we are competing with municipalities and cities across the whole country for similar building opportunities. We have to pivot and respond.”
“ Climate change is also a factor in getting things moved around the country. My own communities are all remote and count on winter roads access and we have had very shortened seasons. This is shaping up to be a better year as we have cold weather for an extended period. This is critical as we have large projects which needed supplies”.
