Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Regional Chief Congratulates Flying Dust First Nation on Achieving First On-reserve Habitat for Humanity Build

WINNIPEG, June 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Chief for Manitoba Kevin Hart congratulated Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity on the achievement of the First On-reserve Habitat for Humanity build. This 10-unit Elders lodge should open the way for other First Nations to consider working with Habitat for Humanity on similar projects.

"On behalf of the AFN, I congratulate Flying Dust First Nation Chief Richard Gladue, the Council members, the citizens and Habitat for Humanity on this achievement. Addressing First Nations housing shortages requires a unified effort by all sectors of the public and all levels of government," said AFN Manitoba Regional Chief Kevin Hart, who holds the AFN portfolio for Water, Housing and Infrastructure. "This is an impressive achievement which had many people working extremely hard. This project has provided invaluable skills and training for many in the community. By working together, we can ensure all First Nations families and children have access to safe, secure and affordable housing."

In 2011, AFN signed the Statement of Partnership with Habitat for Humanity to work together to bring the Habitat for Humanity program to a reserve. In 2014, during an AFN Housing and Infrastructure Conference, Flying Dust First Nation leadership approached Habitat for Humanity about a possible partnership. June 24 marked the opening of the Elders lodge and the start of the retrofitting on ten homes. The Elders' lodge has been named "Kikinaw," the Cree word for "Our Home."

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Kayla Frank, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, 204-296-3601, [email protected]