Several major housing developments are underway in Vancouver, Canada, led by First Nations communities. These projects aim to address the severe housing affordability crisis faced by the country, particularly in Vancouver, known for its high housing costs. Business Insider recently reported that these initiatives not only seek to alleviate the housing burden on Canada’s Indigenous communities but also aim to build generational wealth for tribe members.
One of the groundbreaking projects, being constructed by the Squamish Nation, is located just minutes away from downtown Vancouver. It encompasses 12 acres of land and will feature 11 towers and 6,000 housing units. The Squamish Nation regained ownership of this land approximately 20 years ago after their ancestors were forcibly removed in the early 20th century.
In another set of projects, the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples have collaborated to develop six pieces of land in Vancouver and its surroundings. Over the past decade, these First Nations acquired the land, which is now valued at $4 billion. Brennan Cook, the vice president of the MST Development Corporation, a real estate company representing the three First Nations, highlighted the significance of these endeavors, stating that they are groundbreaking and unprecedented.
These housing developments represent a significant step towards addressing the housing affordability crisis in Vancouver and providing much-needed housing for Canada’s Indigenous communities. By reclaiming ancestral lands and collaborating on large-scale projects, First Nations are making strides in building sustainable and inclusive communities.