The Kenora District Services Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Grand Council Treaty #3 to work together to improve affordable housing, early years programming, child care and education for families throughout Treaty #3 territory.
The agreement was signed this week in Lac Seul First Nation.
The goal is establishing a collaborative effort to overcome both social and economic barriers in First Nations communities.
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board in also involved in the new legal framework.
The organizations say they jointly recognize that homelessness and lack of access to housing is a serious issue that directly causes poor health, premature deaths, missed economic opportunities, and puts children, youth and elders in vulnerable positions.
Officials say Treaty #3 communities continue to face many pressing housing issues that leads to energy deficiencies and health risks resulting in a burden on the child welfare system, and increased rates of mental health issues and suicide.
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh says, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a significant step for all organizations because it supports the Nation’s inherent right to healthy and thriving communities, while implementing our traditional laws. Treaty #3’s vision is to develop a more holistic approach towards addressing homelessness and housing barriers while taking into consideration not only social values, but also the cultural and economic needs of the Anishinaabe Nation.
Barry Baltessen is the Board Chair of the KDSB and says they are committed to meaningful relations and partnership that will work to improve the well-being of local communities and work for the betterment of all who live in the Territory.
He adds the signing of the MOU, “supports the KDSB’s vision to improve the lives of families through housing, early learning and care, paramedic and social services by bringing together our municipalities and first nation communities.”
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines six key priorities:
1. Infrastructure: Explore options to create, develop and improve infrastructure, so that is an adequate amount of housing.
2. Finances: Explore options to finance infrastructure efforts.
3. Funding: Explore partner options in order to leverage and secure funding for the infrastructure efforts.
4. Communication: Identify means and improve communication between Grand Council Treaty #3, the KDSB, and the RRDSSAB to streamline and expedite progress.
5. Participation: Strategies to encourage engagement from First Nations within Grand Council Treaty #3, KDSB, RRDSSAB, and all individuals involved.
6. Exploration: Identify where social services, child care and education play a role in creating barriers for affordable housing opportunities and establish strategic goals to address these factors to assist families and individuals.
