Foundations Newsletter – March 2025

Mar 17, 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, designed to keep you informed about the recent developments, initiatives, and success stories within the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF).

We are excited to share updates on how we are working together to improve housing opportunities for First Nations communities across the nation. Let’s dive into the highlights of this quarter:

Dear Valued Members and Stakeholders, as we enter a new year full of hope and possibility, I am happy to share with you some of our accomplishments and a few of the projects that we are working on in 2025. First and foremost, we are proud to announce that the Fund has been recognized as one of the 2025 National Capital Region’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada. [READ MORE HERE]

In January, we had the pleasure of hosting two online webinars, facilitated by Cree8ive Advisory. The sessions centered on gathering feedback on a new membership model, exploring the potential transfer of care and control of the Fund to First Nations, and discussing future products and services, with perspectives from both prospective and existing clients.

We will be hosting more webinars in the next few months, so stay tuned to our social media channels for updates!

CONFERENCES

AFN National Housing and Infrastructure Conference

From February 19 to 21, Fund staff, Indigenous leaders, housing experts, and policymakers gathered in Calgary to tackle key issues in housing, infrastructure, and community development. Day 1 kicked off with a full house, where staff caught up with Potlotek First Nation Chief Wilbert Marshall.

The Fund’s Director of Programs and Services, Kelly Bitternose, presented a workshop with Scott Flamand of Flamand Management Services on Strategic Planning for Housing. On day 2, our CEO, Travis Seymour, participated in a panel presentation with Chief Lance Haymond of Yänonhchia’ Housing Finance on the Financing of Housing.

A big highlight was the opportunity to connect with leaders who are driving change and working toward housing equity. As we move forward, collaboration remains key to ensuring safe, affordable, and sustainable homes for future generations.

AFOA National Conference

Our team had an incredible week at the AFOA National Conference!

Our CEO, Travis Seymour, led a session on Leadership & Governance: Empowering Future Generations Through On-Reserve Homeownership, sharing how creating homeownership opportunities on reserve strengthens communities and supports long-term sustainability.

A standout moment was hearing the Honourable Senator Judy White speak about bridging the gap between government policy and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Her message that legislative change — including UNDRIP — must be led by Indigenous communities reinforces the importance of self-determination in shaping the future.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared insights, and joined the conversation. See you next year in Montreal!

TOP EMPLOYER AWARD

The Fund is honoured to be recognized as one of the 2025 National Capital Region’s Top Employers!

A huge thank you to our staff, partners, and community for being part of this journey!

Read more about it here.

This Spring, the Fund will be attending the following conferences:

  • NATOA Annual Trust & Investment Conference in Winnipeg, April 2 – 3
  • Housing Resources Service Spring Gathering in Kamloops, April 2 – 3
  • Waasnode Housing Conference in Sudbury, June 3 – 4

Keep an eye on our events page to see where we will be headed next!

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY

The Fund is seeking visionary First Nations leaders to recommend for appointment as Trustees to its Board of Trustees.

If you have expertise in First Nations housing, governance & organizational development, finance & investments, and are passionate about supporting First Nations care, control, and management of housing, we want to hear from you!

Application deadline: April 11, 2025
Apply: TrusteeOpportunity@fnmhf.ca.

Learn more here.

Please note that the Fund will be closed from April 18th to 21st.

Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025.

We hope this newsletter keeps you informed, inspired, and engaged with the ongoing work of the Fund. Your support and commitment are instrumental in creating sustainable housing solutions for First Nations communities.

Should you have any questions, feedback, or exciting partnership opportunities you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to listen and collaborate, and you can contact our team at info@fnmhf.ca.

Stay in the loop and never miss a beat by connecting with us on social media. Follow us on social media (links below) for real time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and thought-provoking content that sparks meaningful conversations within our community.

If you’re enjoying the insights and stories we share in this newsletter, why not share the wealth? Invite your friends and colleagues to join our community by subscribing to the newsletter.


Copyright (C) 2025 First Nations Market Housing Fund. All rights reserved.

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