Manitoba Government Invests in First Nations Women’s Homeownership Through Mino’ayaawag Ikwewag

Press Release

December 17, 2025

The Manitoba government is investing $1.125 million in a new partnership with the Manitoba Tipi Mitawa (MTM) First Nations Housing Program, delivered through the Manitoba Real Estate Association, to support the purchase of homes in Winnipeg for First Nations women and their families, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for gender equity, announced today.

“For generations, First Nations women have led their families and communities with strength and resilience,” said Fontaine. “Investing in homeownership through the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag – All Women Doing Well Strategy honours matriarchal leadership and empowers women and their families by removing barriers to homeownership. It provides the tools to build equity, security and long-term independence for First Nations women and the next generation.”

The Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Housing Program, delivered through MTM, provides education, financial literacy and guidance to First Nations women navigating the process of homeownership. It offers assistance for the purchase of first homes for First Nations women, including support for down payments and closing costs (such as legal fees and land transfer taxes). The program is open to First Nations women who are single or have children, have lived in Manitoba for at least 10 years and have total household incomes below $106,212.

The investment will support First Nations women on their paths to purchase homes in Winnipeg. MTM has helped 36 families achieve homeownership, with over 63 per cent of those homeowners being single-parent First Nations women. To date, every participant has maintained their mortgage in good standing. This track record highlights the program’s effectiveness in supporting First Nations women in building secure and lasting foundations for their families and communities, the minister said.

In addition to direct housing support, the Manitoba government is also providing funding for program administration including staffing for intake co-ordination and family support services.

“This funding is a transformative step that will empower First Nations women to overcome barriers to homeownership, build generational wealth, and create lasting financial and personal stability for their families,” said Lorne Weiss, co-chair, MTM.

“Building on the proven success of the Manitoba Tipi Mitawa program, we are proud to carry forward its legacy and credibility into the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag initiative,” said Jason Whitford, co-chair, MTM. “By supporting down payment assistance and program supports, this investment not only advances reconciliation and gender equity, but also strengthens our communities for generations to come.”

The minister noted the investment honours Pillar 7 of the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag – All Women Doing Well Strategy, which recognizes that Indigenous women, girls, 2Spirit and gender-diverse people deserve stable, safe and accessible housing across Manitoba. This includes homeownership, affordable rentals, family-sized homes, safe shelters and transitional housing.

To learn more about the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag – All Women Doing Well Strategy, Manitoba’s $20-million provincial strategy to support the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, 2Spirit and gender-diverse people, visit www.gov.mb.ca/wage/minoayaawag-ikwewag.html.  

For more information about the MTM First Nations Housing Program, visit:
https://realestatemanitoba.com/charities-partnerships/mb-tipi-mitawa.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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