Affordable housing breaks ground for off reserve residents

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Off Reserve Affordable Housing (SORAH) hosted the official groundbreaking for the Erin Woods Indigenous Housing Development, June 8, in Calgary. 

“This project, which is going to see the construction of 60 town homes and a welcome centre here in Erin Woods, is the continued hard work of the people of Siksika Nation, my very supportive board members from the City of Calgary Indigenous Housing Committee, and the urban Indigenous here in Calgary,” said Max Lloyd, general manager of SORAH. “In most cases, they are going to be forever homes. Some people will be living here for a short period of time by their choosing, and maybe they are going to be transitioning to other housing which would better suit their needs.”

Lloyd added he views the project as being able to set the framework for future developments and partnerships directly relating to Indigenous housing. 

Cost estimates for the complex budgeted the build at approximately $21 million. SORAH has secured funding from federal partners, the Province of Alberta, the City of Calgary, and from Siksika Nation itself. 

“Housing is a basic need for anybody – for everybody. We know that across Canada, even across the world, housing is a need that is getting harder and harder to fill. Affordable housing is a need that I think everybody, no matter where you are from, can identify and see the importance of,” said Samuel Crowfoot, chief of Siksika Nation. “We want to be able to provide, give our people a place where they can raise their children in a safe environment that they can afford, and they do not have to worry so much about the struggles of life.”

Crowfoot added in the Blackfoot language, there is no word to cede or surrender. The treaties have always been about sharing the land and creating access for all. 

Currently, nearly half of Siksika Nation members live off reserve, many of whom take up residence or are experiencing homelessness in Calgary. 

The layouts of the new construction aims to incorporate Blackfoot culture of togetherness as opposed to more commonplace designs prevalent throughout the city. 

In addition, culturally relevant programming will be made regularly available at the paired welcome center.

“Now that we have an established history, a proven history, and we have relationships building, it will be easier to pool our resources to make sure that we all have our housing needs met,” said Crowfoot. 

Reid Hendry, chief housing officer with the City of Calgary, added this project, though not the first by SORAH, is the first through the greater Indigenous housing program, Maa’too’maa’taapii Aako’iyii’piaya.

“We see Calgarians all across the city who are deep in need of access to housing, specifically when it comes to Indigenous groups. We see the city in about 17 per cent housing need – if you are Indigenous, you have 26 per cent housing need,” he said. “If we speak about the homeless population, three per cent of Calgarians are Indigenous, meanwhile, upwards of 40 per cent of our homeless population are Indigenous. This is an extremely important program as we work not only for reconciliation but reconcile-action.”

The projected completion date of the 60-home complex is to be sometime in 2028, falling in line with the 20th anniversary of SORAH’s operations in Calgary.