Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Chosen as Site for the AFN- Holmes Group "Building
Homes and Building Skills" Pilot Project

OTTAWA, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and "Canada's Most Trusted Contractor" Mike Holmes of "Holmes on Homes"^® and The Holmes Group are happy to announce that Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, formerly known as Whitefish Lake First Nation, has been chosen as the site for the "Building Homes and Building Skills" joint pilot project, which is aimed at building green and sustainable First Nation housing and communities. The decision was made following a technical assessment process by the project team partners (AFN, The Holmes Group and Ontario First Nation Technical Services Corporation). First Nations in Ontario were invited to submit proposals by the deadline of November 26.

"I would like to thank all Ontario First Nations communities who submitted proposals for this exciting and innovative project," said National Chief Atleo. "The proposal of Atikameksheng Anishnawbeg was fittingly named "G'Wiigwaamnaaniin", which means "Our Homes".  Their submission met, and in fact exceeded, all the necessary requirements that were setout for this project. I know that Mike and I, with our respective teams, are ready to get this project rolling. The work we are doing in Atikameksheng Anishnawbeg will create benefits and opportunities for First Nation communities across the country. And I want to thank Mike Holmes and the Holmes Group for partnering with us on this project."

"I am excited at this opportunity to help build improved sustainable communities with the people of the First Nations," said Mike Holmes. "This is the first step on our journey together and The Holmes Group is honoured to walk with you."

A total of nine proposals from different First Nations communities in Ontario were reviewed by three independent project team partners (AFN, The Holmes Group and Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation). Each proposal was judged against a point system rating the attributes of each element of the selection criteria.

An invitation has been extended to the other eight communities that submitted proposals to participate in the pilot project through on-site training and professional development in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek by involving First Nation individuals in various stages of construction activity.

This project will contribute to establishing a First Nation Centre of Excellence on green and sustainable community design that will be available to all First Nations. All aspects of the Centre of Excellence will support the development of a First Nation Green and Sustainable Community Planning Tool that can be used by First Nations.

The "Building Homes and Building Skills" project is drawing a great deal of attention nationally and internationally, with more than 70 industry partners expressing interest in being involved in the project.

An independent filmmaker from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek will be working with the Holmes Group production team to tell this important story on First Nation housing.

The planning and development of the pilot project is expected to start in January 2011.

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

For further information:

Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
Office: 613-241-6789, ext 382, Cell: 613 292-0857 or [email protected]

Liza Drozdov, Director of Communications
The Holmes Group
Phone: [phone] (209) or [email protected]