Spotlight on First Nations Economic Development in Canada

The First Nations Housing Professionals Association (FNHPA) was listed as a close ally in a recent blog post about other organizations participating in improving on-reserve housing. This fall, the FNHPA will host their 3rd Annual Conference. 

From November 26 to 28, 2024, the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF) will join chiefs, administrators, financial officers, housing managers, housing directors, and staff to network and discuss current challenges and approaches. Stakeholders from outside First Nations, such as builders, developers, financial institutions, and insurance firms, will also be present to share and learn about this year’s theme of empowering First Nations communities in their economic development efforts. 

Looking forward to this gathering, the FNMHF is reflecting on how economic development is a crucial aspect of Indigenous community growth.

Growing as a Nation

Economic development is not limited to the ability of a community to feed and house its members and is not strictly measurable by contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development includes achieving sociocultural goals and supporting sovereignty and governance processes in its definition of economic success. Their research indicates that self-determination, leadership, governance, policy, and procedures are all necessary components of improving Nations’ outcomes – many of the same ingredients for improved on-reserve housing.

In partnership with the Native Nations Institute, experts also found that solid governance had more of an impact on economic and community development than commonly cited economic characteristics like natural resource assets, a good location with access to a population base, or a strategically developed labour force.

The National Indigenous Economic Strategy (NIES) points to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (and Call to Action 92 in particular) in stating that reconciliation requires vibrant Indigenous economies characterized by economic self-sufficiency and socioeconomic equality with the rest of Canada.

Indigenous-led economic development consistently yields the best outcomes. It fosters growth and cultivates essential skills, structures, and resources that enable communities to thrive in self-determination. 

Building Capacity in Economic Development 

Indigenous Peoples are under-represented in professional categories including scientific and technical services, finance, and insurance. The FNMHF and FNHPA both facilitate access to professional growth opportunities for First Nations individuals.

The FNHPA builds capacity within First Nations housing management by providing training, certification, and professional development opportunities in housing management. First Nations Housing Professionals (FNHPs) are in high demand and play a key role in meeting the community’s basic needs so strategic economic infrastructure planning and investment can happen. The field also offers the opportunity to increase individual income while remaining on reserve.

Through the Capacity Development Program, the FNMHF supports First Nations and members with training and accreditations for suitable housing, financial, land, and building management. The program also offers professional development by supporting leadership and administration in developing policies and land use by-laws.

Economic Successes in Infrastructure

Infrastructure is considered a key driver of productivity growth by The World Bank and factors into the socioeconomic measures that the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) and other organizations consider a core indicator of economic progress.

Some Nations have found that investing in infrastructure that serves the community has also directly driven economic prosperity. A few examples:

• The Sports and Wellness Centre at Membertou has also attracted business from the neighbouring municipality. 
• A wind park built by the Mi’gmaq communities of Gaspesie also sells power outside the community.
• The Spirit Bear Lodge at Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation embraces lucrative eco-tourism while employing 10 percent of the local population, encouraging land stewardship, and fostering eco-protection by attracting research.

Advocacy and Action

The NIEDB’s 2019 Indigenous Economic Progress Report states that barriers to economic development on reserve remain challenging to overcome and estimates that closing the significant opportunity gaps would boost Canada’s economy by $27.7 billion annually.

Reports will continue to highlight projected contributions to the GDP, aiming to encourage support for the economic development of Indigenous individuals, communities, and Nations. 

While the impacts of investment will be significant, it’s crucial to recognize that Indigenous Peoples have an inherent right to the wealth generated within Canada. True economic success will be reflected in achieving socioeconomic parity for First Nations and their ability to invest sustainably in language, culture, and sovereignty. 

Infrastructure and housing form the foundation of the support structures necessary for Indigenous-led economic development. By taking concrete action and engaging with partner organizations and housing market stakeholders, the FNMHF will continue to work for improved access to sustainable, adequate housing and homeownership for First Nations on reserve.