Dear Valued Members and Stakeholders,
As we move through the early months of 2026, there is a strong sense of momentum across the First Nations Market Housing Fund. Our team continues to advance important work that strengthens First Nations access to market-based housing while building the governance, partnerships, and community capacity that make long-term success possible.
A major priority for the Fund remains the ongoing work toward Transfer to First Nations control. Since 2022, we have been actively advancing a business case that would enable the Fund to operate fully under First Nations leadership. Our hope is that 2026 will mark a milestone year in this process. Transfer would allow the Fund to expand services that support multiple pathways to homeownership and modernize our credit enhancement program so it can better respond to the needs of First Nations communities across the country.
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, we were pleased to host the Fund’s first Annual General Meeting in Ottawa in December 2025. This gathering marked an important step in strengthening engagement with the First Nations we serve. Our next AGM will take place on July 16, 2026, at the offices of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, and we look forward to welcoming participants from across the country.
The Fund is also pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen BlueSky as Chairperson and Earl Commanda as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective December 2025. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter following the retirement of Michael Rice, who has led the Fund as Chairperson since 2022. We extend our sincere thanks to Michael Rice for his years of dedicated service and leadership, and we look forward to continued impact and progress under Kathleen and Earl’s guidance.
Our organization has also been honoured to be recognized once again as one of the 2026 National Capital Region’s Top Employers. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our staff and partners who work every day to support First Nations communities. A huge thank you to our staff, partners, and community for being part of this journey.
Engagement with partners and sector leaders continues to be a vital part of our work. In February, we participated in the national conference hosted by AFOA Canada. I had the opportunity to participate on a panel where we discussed the importance of good governance and how the FMB certification reinforces that message. More recently in early March, the Assembly of First Nations hosted the 2026 Economic and Infrastructure Summit: Strategies for Closing the Socioeconomic, Housing & Infrastructure Gaps in First Nations, in Montreal, where I had the opportunity to speak during the housing plenary, contributing to discussions on advancing sustainable, market-based housing solutions in First Nations communities.
Looking ahead, the Fund is preparing several new initiatives that will strengthen engagement with our clients and partners, including the introduction of a membership model and members-only portal. Current and past recipients of Fund services will be eligible to join, creating a stronger network of communities and partners working together to advance homeownership. We are also updating our Capacity Development program to better support communities pursuing innovative housing initiatives.
Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. We encourage you to stay connected. Follow us on social media and reach out to our team to learn more about upcoming opportunities and resources.
Sincerely,
Travis Seymour, FCPA, FCGA, MBA, CAFM
CEO, First Nations Market Housing Fund