City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 work to advance indigenous led housing

The City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have signed and laid the groundwork with a letter of intent, officiating the commitment to support and promote indigenous relations in the city and engages participation in the City’s workforce.

Signed by mayor Amarjeet and Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations Trevor Mercedi, the agreement builds the relations between different levels of government recognizing the growing need for Edmonton’s 88,000 indigenous residents–One in three indigenous rental households in Edmonton are in crisis, and more than half of those experiencing homelessness in the city identify as indigenous.

The letter of intent outlines the shared objectives and goals pertaining the approach to increase the supply of indigenous led housing in Edmonton as well as (between both parties) recognizing the acknowledgment of honoring our ancestors, traditions, and the spirit of Edmontonians and the significance of our indigenous communities. Quoted from the letter, “there is a mutual need for indigenous peoples to be represented in the city’s workforce. This foundation for good relationships is based on shared values of honesty, respect, mutual sharing and contribution. These values enhance our community as well as our collective social, spiritual, economic and physical well-being. They also serve our shared interests within the guidelines of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, responsiveness and shared stewardship”.