Canada Announces $300 Million Renewal for Indigenous-Led Housing Initiative
Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and NICHI CEO John Gordon announced renewed funding for the "For Indigenous, By Indigenous" housing initiative, bringing total federal investment to $581.5 million.
On September 28, 2026, Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty and National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) CEO John Gordon confirmed $300 million in renewed funding for NICHI’s “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” (FIBI) housing initiative. The announcement was made during NICHI’s Indigenous Housing Action Day at its Annual General Meeting in Ottawa.
This new funding brings the federal government’s total investment with NICHI to $581.5 million. Previous funding provided by Indigenous Services Canada to NICHI in 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 totaled $281.5 million. The investment supports long-term Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy grounded in Indigenous priorities.
NICHI is an Indigenous-led national collective representing more than 130 Indigenous housing and service providers across Canada. Since 2023, NICHI has supported approximately 77 Indigenous-led housing projects, contributing to the delivery of about 3,800 housing units and beds. These efforts have benefited over 6,000 Indigenous Peoples.
The initiative enables Indigenous organizations to design and lead housing solutions rather than just deliver government-designed programs. It aims to provide safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate spaces for Indigenous Peoples and address urgent and unmet housing needs in urban, rural, and northern communities. According to the 2021 Census, more than 171,000 Indigenous Peoples in urban, rural, and northern areas off reserve are in core housing need.