Idle No More, one of the largest Indigenous movements in Canada, launched a campaign that would help solve the housing crisis of First Nation communities. How will they go about it? Through 'One House, Many Nation'.
Sylvia McAdam, one of the founders of Idle No More, recognized the problem on her First Nation hometown of Big River where she ran for chief. On an interview with CBC News she said, "You don't realize what is in your own backyard until you go door-to-door and actually go visit the people in their own homes." She further added, "I was horrified to see the condition of many of the houses and when the campaign ended and I didn't get elected, I had promised that I would at least meet some of the housing emergency needed for repair or -- if we raise enough -- a house or a shelter for some of the families,"
What started as a campaign to raise awareness on the issue of housing shortage is now a concrete project with an actual house built for someone, thanks to the $15,000 money collected from their fundraising site Indiegogo. They have partnered with Mini Homes of Manitoba, a Winnipeg company.
The tiny home stands at 16x8 feet, and is self sustaining and eco friendly. It has a composting toilet, solar power system, and all the amenities a home owner needs such as a functioning kitchen, living room and bathroom.
More than 300 people funded the campaign and the support is still coming in. This tiny house is the first of the three houses from the first leg of their build. The group raised $25,000 more and is now teaming up with Harvard in developing the 'One House, Many an affordable and sustainable housing system that would house more First Nation families in the Future.
The next leg of their project will reach out to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba.