Energy-efficient housing plays a crucial role in addressing health concerns and tackling the housing challenges faced by Indigenous communities, as highlighted in a recent Indigenous housing report. The report, titled “Building Strength Through Shelter: Policy prescriptions for Indigenous Healthy Energy Homes,” revealed that approximately 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, emphasized the often overlooked connection between housing quality and health outcomes. She stressed that investing in better and more resilient homes can lead to reduced repair needs and improved overall health for Indigenous populations in the long run.
The report recommends the construction of new energy-efficient homes and the application of similar principles to upgrade existing housing, citing enhanced health benefits and long-term economic advantages. Improved ventilation, mold prevention, and better air quality are among the advantages of energy-efficient housing, as outlined in the report.
Kayla Fayant, an energy-efficient coordinator with Indigenous Clean Energy from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta, proposed the use of well-insulated, ventilated homes constructed with high-energy efficiency materials to promote healthier living environments.
Despite the higher initial costs and longer construction timelines associated with energy-efficient housing, the report suggests strategies for governments to expedite processes and provide more flexible funding options. Many individuals in Indigenous communities, such as those in Fishing Lake Settlement, face challenges in securing mortgages due to not owning their homes, leading them to opt for cheaper and quickly built housing solutions.
Fayant highlighted that substandard housing conditions exacerbate the housing crisis in Indigenous communities, emphasizing the urgent need for more and better housing solutions. Allary stressed the importance of government support in expediting the construction of quality homes through stable and efficient funding mechanisms.
While acknowledging the higher upfront costs of energy-efficient housing, the report underscores a significant social return on investment, with every dollar invested in such homes yielding about $6.79 in returns. Fayant pointed to data indicating that homes in some First Nations communities require repairs or demolition within a short span of eight to 10 years, perpetuating a cycle of inadequate housing.
The report aims to foster collaboration between provincial/territorial governments and the federal government, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the diverse needs of Indigenous communities.