Chawathil First Nation west of Hope repairs nearly 2 dozen homes thanks to federal funding

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CHAWATHIL FIRST NATION, HOPE — Councillor Aaron Pete of Chawathil First Nation says the band’s housing department navigated a myriad of challenges back in 2022 as it sought to remediate the living conditions of on-reserve homes.

After years of contending with inadequate housing conditions, community leadership undertook a comprehensive review and revitalization of their housing stock, according to a news release from the federal government.

A partnership between the federal government and Chawathil First Nation, a band of about 666 members including 301 residents living on reserve, has paid immense dividends, resulting in the repair of 22 homes in the community over a span of 18 months.

“It’s with immense gratitude that I acknowledge the unwavering support from Indigenous Services Canada and its exemplary staff,” said Councillor Pete, host of the Bigger Than Me podcast. “Their partnership has been instrumental in the repair of 22 homes in our community over a span of 18 months. The funding provided by Indigenous Services Canada to bridge housing gaps has proven to be remarkably accessible, reliable, and straightforward to apply for. Their commitment to easing the application process has significantly empowered our community to address our housing needs effectively. Our long-term vision is to ensure all homes meet health and safety requirements so that our members can not only live but thrive.”

The federal government says these renovations represent a significant step forward in meeting housing needs and improving the quality of life for community members. By prioritizing necessary improvements and embarking on a long-term project, the community is better positioned to make a substantial and enduring impact on the lives of Chawathil First Nation members.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Government of Canada,” said Chawathil First Nation Chief Norman Florence. “This investment helped Chawathil First Nation improve the livability of homes in our community while having a positive impact on our housing needs. I commend our staff for their hard work to achieve this milestone. With every housing repair, we are building a healthier future for our community.”