b'HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTUREThe Chiefs Committee on Housing and InfrastructureFrom on-reserve builds to off-reserve housing strategies, First Nations are advancing innovative solutions to meet urgent housing and infrastructure needsBY ASHLEY ALBERTA nishinabek Nation GrandHousing and Infrastructure to advancesupport comprehensive data gathering Council Chief Lindamandates provided by the Chiefs- and policy development. In parallel, the Debassige is one ofin-Assembly through resolutions. Tocommittee has played an active role in several Chiefs advancingstrengthen this work, COO has alsothe Closing the Infrastructure Gap initia-housing and infrastructure prioritiesrecently created a dedicated Housingtive with the Assembly of First Nations, for First Nations across Ontario. As theand Infrastructure Sector focused onwhich estimated the national capital and Leadership Councils portfolio holder forimplementation, advocacy and capacity- operational investments needed from the Chiefs Committee on Housing andbuilding. The committee is comprisedthe Government of Canada to fulfill its Infrastructure, Debassige brings exten- of Chiefs and technical representativesmandate to close the First Nation infra-sive leadership experience, including asfrom Provincial Territorial Organizationsstructure gap by 2030.a Chief and a Councillor for her home(PTOs), Independent First Nations First Nations continue to face signifi-community of MChigeeng First Nationand other First Nations, ensuring cant pressures in meeting the housing on Manitoulin Island. Her backgrounddiverse regional perspectives demand, compounded by longstanding in civil engineering technology furtherare reflected.infrastructure challenges including water, informs her approach to addressing theRecently, the committee has beenwastewater, electricity and broadband complex and interconnected challengesadvancing a mandate focused on researchconnection. Through its involvement in First Nations face in securing safe,and data collection related to off-reservenational initiatives, the committee has sustainable and affordable housing. First Nations housing and homelessness.focused on identifying practicalThe Chiefs of Ontario (COO)This work has expanded the commit- strategies to support on-reserve housing formed the Chiefs Committee ontees scope to include seeking funding todevelopment while addressing systemic 22l I ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'