For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived in harmony with the land, integrating values of respect, reciprocity, and shared responsibility. Their relationship with the land is a model of balance between the needs of individuals and those of future generations, an approach from which we must listen, learn, and draw inspiration in our current efforts.

Colonization disrupted this balance by imposing a vision of the land as a possession rather than as a shared resource. This fundamental change led to centuries of injustice, the effects of which are still felt today, notably through the housing crisis affecting many Indigenous communities.

The Community Housing Transformation Centre recognizes that community values, integral to Indigenous traditions, offer an essential path towards a more just and sustainable society. These values emphasize collective management, respect for each individual, and the stewardship of resources for the well-being of all and of future generations.

We are committed to continuously promoting and working towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, particularly by actively responding to and participating in the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

We are supporting housing initiatives for Indigenous peoples by Indigenous peoples and are promoting future leaders in the Indigenous community housing sector.

We also integrate these community values into our own practices, recognizing the importance of adequate living conditions as fundamental to the well-being of Indigenous peoples (Call to Action 18) and affirming our commitment to the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to improve living conditions (Call to Action 43).

Furthermore, we adhere to the principles of an Indigenous urban, rural, and northern housing strategy, which emphasizes the need for housing solutions by and for Indigenous peoples tailored to the diverse needs of communities across Canada. These principles highlight self-determination, culture, and connection to the land as fundamental to respectful and effective housing solutions.

We believe that this work is essential to guarantee not only the rights of Indigenous peoples but also the right to housing for all and for future generations. By embracing this approach, we commit to rectifying past injustices and building a future founded on mutual respect and cooperation.