Assembly of First Nations National Chief and AFN staff help Habitat for Humanity NCR build home for local First Nations family

OTTAWA, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and AFN staff members volunteered their time at Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region's (NCR) first urban Aboriginal build in the Ottawa area on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The National Chief, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Leadership Council, and AFN staff members worked alongside volunteers, sponsors and homeowners to help build a home for a First Nations family.

"We are here because there is a critical shortage of housing for First Nations families on- and off-reserve and we need to take action," said National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. "We're doing our part and we hope others will join us because this is just one part of the solution. Addressing First Nations housing needs requires a unified effort by all sectors of the public and all levels of government. By working together, we can ensure all First Nations families and children have access to safe, secure and affordable housing. We are happy to be participating on another build with our partners at Habitat for Humanity. We look forward to our continued cooperation in implementing their Aboriginal Housing Program in First Nations across Canada."

In December 2011, the AFN entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity as one way to provide housing alternatives to First Nations people both on and off reserve and raise awareness of the critical housing needs facing First Nations citizens and families.

"The Aboriginal Housing Program has made real progress in the year since National Chief Atleo and the AFN joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Canada to bring affordable homeownership to more Aboriginal families‎," said Kevin Marshman, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "Each home we build together unleashes the potential and prosperity of another family, helping them to break the cycle of poverty."

Habitat for Humanity Canada affiliates in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan have built more than 60 homes as part of Habitat's Aboriginal Housing Program.

"We are pleased to be building with AFN today as we empower and encourage the involvement of Aboriginal families in Habitat for Humanity programs and help them become homeowners in the National Capital Region," said Donna Hicks, CEO, Habitat for Humanity NCR.

Once complete, the home will be purchased by Ida Kakekagumick, an Ojibwa-Cree from northern Ontario, and her three grandchildren for whom she has legal custody.

"I am so grateful and happy for this chance because I want my grandchildren to know how it feels to finally have a place that they can call their own," said Ida. "I don't want them to feel displaced by having to move from place to place anymore."

For more information on the Build Day and the family please visit:
http://www.habitatncr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=210&Itemid=264

About Habitat for Humanity NCR
Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region (NCR) is a volunteer, non-profit organization that builds simple, decent, affordable homes and sells them with long-tern, interest-free mortgages to hard-working, low-income families seeking an affordable home in which to raise their children. Since 1993, Habitat NCR has built 43 homes, renovated eight and housed more than 55 families. To learn more, visit www.habitatncr.com.

About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 63,000 volunteers every year and 69 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.

About the Assembly of First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

Kristin Harold
Communications Manager, Habitat NCR
Office: 613-749-9950 ext. 224
Cell: 613-794-7704
E-mail: [email protected]

Jenna Young
AFN Communications Officer
Office: 613-241-6789 ext. 401
Cell: 613-314-8157
E-mail: [email protected]