Keewaywin Capital Inc.

Despite substantial deposits from Indigenous communities, banks continue to struggle with lending due to land title issues. What’s preventing a solution? My thoughts below.

As we mark the fifth anniversary of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has released a progress report (https://bit.ly/3S096gV) highlighting crucial steps forward in implementing the Calls for Justice. This report emphasizes the systemic challenges and issues affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Read the full report here - https://bit.ly/3S096gV One significant aspect highlighted is the direct link between housing insecurity and the vulnerability of Indigenous women and girls. Access to safe and adequate housing is not just a matter of comfort but a fundamental human right and a crucial factor in addressing the larger issues of safety and well-being. The AFN's report emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address both the housing crisis and the ongoing impacts of systemic violence against Indigenous women. The AFN report urges governments and organizations to work together; they must fully implement the Calls for Justice to create real change. We recognize the interconnected nature of these challenges and remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote housing equity and address the root causes of inequality. By amplifying these issues and advocating for sustainable solutions, we aim to contribute to a future where all Indigenous Peoples can live free from violence and in safe environments. #MMIWG #IndigenousRights 

The 2022 House of Commons Report on The Effects of the Housing Crisis on Indigenous Peoples in Canada (https://bit.ly/4bgXUmW) provides a clear reminder of historical injustices and ongoing challenges. Testimonies and documented strategies detailed in the report reveal how colonial powers systematically marginalized Indigenous communities by reducing housing and infrastructure as tools of repression and colonization. We are committed to tackling these long-standing issues. We're advocating for fair access to financing for housing solutions that respect the culture and promote community well-being. It’s crucial to not only acknowledge the past but also to take actionable steps towards reconciliation and empowerment. It’s our goal to help drive meaningful change and ensure that every individual has access to safe and dignified housing. Let's continue to work together towards a future where this is a reality for all. (Read the full report here: House of Commons Report - https://bit.ly/4bgXUmW) 

Indigenous communities in Canada have long been marginalized - underserved in the economy and by government, underrepresented in politics, and, as most know, unfairly treated in terms of land taken from them even before Canada was created as a nation. Much has been both suffered and achieved since, and much more has been accomplished in the past six years since National Indigenous Peoples Day was formally introduced. However, there is still even more to be done in addressing many of the unfair and discriminatory practices (https://bit.ly/3z6PKjG)  Indigenous Peoples continue to face, among them a lack of adequate housing. Inadequate housing conditions are worsened by difficulties in accessing mortgage loans and other financial resources. These barriers underline the urgent need for systemic change and equitable support. It's crucial that we come together to advocate for sustainable solutions and support initiatives that prioritize housing equity and ensure every Indigenous community member has access to safe and dignified housing. #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay #HousingEquity

𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 “𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑑𝑎’𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑, 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑃𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑎𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑑𝑎. 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦’𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦, 𝐼𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡, 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀é𝑡𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡: ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒, 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.” - The Effects of the Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada (https://bit.ly/4bgXUmW) Although this report came out two years ago, unfortunately very little has changed. As we look at Canada's efforts to reconcile with Indigenous Peoples, we have to face the fact that colonialism and systemic racism continue to have an impact. Despite attempts to make up for past wrongs, serious issues remain. We see that clearly in the housing crisis. The history of unfair treatment runs deep: Indigenous Peoples deal with much higher rates of poverty and unemployment. Some struggle to access healthcare and education. They're also more likely to end up in the criminal justice system. And, far too many face inadequate or overcrowded housing. The effects of colonialism are evident in the lack of access to funding to address the housing crisis. When Indigenous communities can’t even borrow to build desperately needed homes and infrastructure, that is systemic racism. We’ve all seen the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations and government promises, but we’re not seeing enough action. As we mark National Indigenous Peoples’ Day this week, It's crucial for all Canadians to learn about the history and ongoing effects of colonialism so we can all work towards a fairer future. By supporting efforts that defend Indigenous rights, amplifying their voices, and challenging unfair practices - including access to capital for Indigenous housing - we can help build a society where Indigenous Peoples in Canada can thrive. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #HousingCrisis

Our CEO, Tracee Smith, recently participated in a panel at the Canadian Real Estate Forums’s Land & Development Conference. She was joined by Hugh Clark (TAS_Impact), Stephane Cote (COGIR Real Estate), Nick G. (EllisDon), and Mwarigha M.S - Housing and Real Estate Assets Executive M.S. (WoodGreen Community Services). Their discussions focused on the need for developers to balance profit with ethical considerations when engaging with marginalized and colonized communities. Tracee emphasized that intentions should go beyond ticking boxes; meaningful actions are essential when partnering with diverse and social communities. She stressed that everyone could do more to learn, partner, and get involved with Indigenous communities, ensuring that engagement and collaboration genuinely benefit these communities. Tracee noted that developers will see returns on their investments by improving their brand perception and reputation through authentic actions. This is crucial as developers and real estate landlords face ongoing public scrutiny amid the national housing crisis.

Our CEO, Tracee Smith, addresses the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples at Canadian banks. Despite initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion, Indigenous Peoples across Canada still encounter systemic racism and discrimination within financial institutions. Read on to learn more:

In Brantford, Ontario, reports indicate that 50% of the homeless population are Indigenous. With a staggering 15-year waiting list for housing services, advocates are increasingly concerned about the fate of the 680 individuals awaiting assistance. The solution lies in more housing. Indigenous Nations are eager to contribute and have the capital, but when will financial institutions and governments step up to the plate to facilitate lending so we can build the solution? More here - https://bit.ly/3wR3yOI

The title says it all “Rotting foundations. Rampant mold. Sewage backups. What an expert’s report reveals about the state of housing in ‘deliberately underfunded’ First Nations”. This Toronto Star article by Ryan McMahon and Max Binks-Collier looks at the First Nations communities of St. Theresa Point and Sandy Lake who are using a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian federal government to highlight the severe housing crisis on reserves, characterized by unsafe, overcrowded, and deteriorating homes, and to demand significant improvements and accountability for decades of underfunding and neglect. The lawsuit underscores the broader systemic failures and the urgent need for substantial federal investment to address the critical infrastructure shortfalls affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Despite our persistent calls on banks and the government to address this issue and provide greater access to capital for Indigenous communities, nothing has changed. When will those in power care? When will Indigenous Nations and our communities be seen as worth investing in? The time for action is now. We cannot wait any longer for the basic human right of safe and secure housing. More here: https://bit.ly/3VqqXjh

As the national housing crisis intensifies, developers face increasing scrutiny to balance profit with community enhancement. By partnering with cultural groups, they aim to create essential residential, social, and commercial projects. Today at the Canadian Real Estate Forums' Land & Development Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (https://bit.ly/450ZIin), our CEO Tracee Smith will join an expert panel with Hugh Clark (TAS_Impact), Stephane Cote (COGIR Real Estate), Nick G. (EllisDon), and Mwarigha M.S - Housing and Real Estate Assets Executive (WoodGreen Community Services). They will explore how collaborations between developers and cultural groups are reshaping the real estate landscape. Tracee will discuss the social and economic advantages of fostering diverse, inclusive partnerships, particularly with Indigenous-focused financing and investment approaches. Do you have questions or thoughts on this topic? Share them here, get in touch, or join us at the panel if you’re attending the conference. Tracee’s session is SESSION C3. We hope to see you there!