Canada and Kashechewan First Nation Celebrate Return of Displaced Residents to New Homes
News Release
November 24, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
New duplexes (two units each) fully assembled in Kashechewan First Nation.
Housing is a fundamental need and all Canadians, including First Nations members, should have access to a secure home.
Today the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, and Kashechewan First Nation Chief Leo Friday announced displaced residents have begun to return to new homes in the community after more than two years of living in Kapuskasing.
This event marks an important milestone in the First Nation’s Repatriation Plan to bring residents home as well as help address issues of overcrowding and safety. Another important milestone occurred in August 2016 with the arrival of the first barge-load of modular units to begin assembly and construction of 52 new duplexes (total of 104 units). The new units will replace 36 houses damaged by overland flooding entering basements during the 2014 spring thaw.
Quotes
“This is an important moment for many Kashechewan families who have been waiting a long time to return home. Working in partnership with Kashechewan First Nation leadership, we will ensure the new homes are assembled as quickly as possible so displaced residents can be re-united with family, friends and reconnect with their community. Our sincere appreciation to the Town of Kapuskasing for its ongoing hospitality and support for the Kashechewan members. We remain committed to supporting the communities’ short and long-term plans to re-build Kashechewan into a strong and thriving community.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
“The arrival of the first displaced residents is an important step forward in
Chief Leo Friday,
re-establishing our community spirit and unity. Now that repatriation is underway, the remainder of our displaced residents currently residing in Kapuskasing will have a sense of hope in the certainty of returning home to their grassroots and people.”
Kashechewan First Nation
Quick facts
- Over the coming months, the 52 new duplexes will continue to be assembled and built. Once homes are ready for occupancy and have passed all safety inspections, additional displaced residents will be repatriated.
- It is expected that all displaced residents will be repatriated by fall 2017.
- The Government of Canada is investing over $47 million to support building the new homes.
Associated links
- Budget 2016 Highlights – Indigenous and Northern Investments
- Kashechewan First Nation Repatriation Plan
For more information, the media may contact:
Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316
Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
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