City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 work to advance Indigenous-led housing

Press Release

June 24, 2025

The City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have signed a landmark Letter of Intent, formalizing their shared commitment to support Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton.Signed by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations Trevor Mercredi, the agreement strengthens intergovernmental collaboration and calls for sustained investment from other levels of government to meet the housing needs of Indigenous Peoples in the city.

“This Letter of Intent reflects our commitment to working with Nations in increasing access to Indigenous housing,” said Krystin Flierl, Director, Indigenous Relations Office. “Edmonton is home to thousands of Treaty 8 members, and we recognize that the housing crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous Peoples. Working together, we are calling on all levels of government to invest in Indigenous-led solutions — because reconciliation demands action.”

The agreement was initiated by Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and sets out shared objectives for advocacy, planning and support for culturally appropriate housing projects.

“Today marks an important step forward in shaping the future of our Peoples in urban spaces” said Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. “By signing this Letter of Intent with the City of Edmonton, we are advancing First Nations led housing that reflects the culture, values, rights, and aspirations of Treaty 8 First Nations.”

A growing need

• Edmonton has the second-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada, with nearly 88,000 Indigenous residents.
• One in three Indigenous renter households in Edmonton is in core housing need.
• More than half of those experiencing houselessness in the city identify as Indigenous.

• In 2023, the City launched an Indigenous-led Housing stream within the Affordable Housing Investment Program (AHIP), offering grants of up to 40 per cent of capital costs for qualifying projects.
• In 2024, Council approved $8.3 million in AHIP grants for Indigenous-led housing developments.
• A new Indigenous Housing Liaison position has been created to support Indigenous organizations and navigate government requirements.

About the Letter of Intent
The Letter outlines shared objectives, including:

• Joint advocacy to other orders of government for funding and policy support.
• A coordinated approach to increase the supply of Indigenous-led housing in Edmonton.
• Recognition of the leadership of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta in addressing the housing needs of their citizens.

Signatories

• Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
• Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, City of Edmonton

For more information:

edmonton.ca/IndigenousRelations 

Media contact:

Tania Gonzalez
Communications Advisor
Community Services
825-582-4940

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