Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society welcomes new affordable housing

Press Release

Dec 16, 2025

Traditional Treaty 8 territory of the Dene, Cree, Dunne Tsaa, Tsááʔ C̨hé Ne Dane, Dene Tha’ and Kaska Peoples, and home to the Fort Nelson and Prophet River First Nations along with many Métis people (December 16, 2025) – Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society (FNAFS) and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) are pleased to share news of an important project that will benefit the Fort Nelson community and reflect our shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and culturally respectful housing.

FNAFS is a member of AHMA and an Indigenous organization with over 50 years of experience serving the Fort Nelson community. The FNAFS property located at 4903 Sunset Drive in Fort Nelson, is being redeveloped to offer 23 homes with improved accessibility to support inclusive living in one and two-bedroom units.

The new building will be named Linda’s Friendship Lodge as chosen by the FNAFS Board to honour Executive Director Linda Ashdown’s 30 years of community service as she approaches retirement. This is a For Indigenous, By Indigenous (FIBI) project, meaning the project team, the housing society, and the funder are all Indigenous-led.

Construction is expected to start in spring 2026 and the project will produce a 4-storey wood-frame building with shared indoor spaces designed to support connection and day-to-day community life. FNAFS expects the building to be complete in 2027, offering modern, safe, accessible, and affordable homes primarily serving seniors in our community. Priority will be given to seniors and low-income households, with some market rentals open to all community members to ensure long-term sustainability.

“This funding is more than financial support, it’s a commitment to inclusion and uplifting the local economy, our culture, and our community as a whole,” said Linda Ashdown, FNAFS Executive Director. “For the Fort Nelson Friendship Society, it represents a new way forward where housing is guided by Indigenous values and local voices. Having a funding agreement that recognizes the importance of our culture and language means our people are truly seen and heard in how we build and care for our community.”

“We look forward to providing new affordable housing in our community. Thank you to AHMA for prioritizing our housing needs here in Fort Nelson and the Ministry of Housing for the funding needed to move forward with this much-needed project,” adds Ashdown.

The project includes local architect Kelly Edzerza-Bapty with Obsidian Architecture Ltd. Kelly grew up in Fort Nelson and volunteered at FNAFS. Construction will be led by Keller Construction Ltd., a company committed to supporting the local community during the project.

“Housing is more than just infrastructure; it is about people, stability, future generations, and community,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “Provincial investment is critical to secure affordable homes for those most in need, including Indigenous families. We thank the Ministry of Housing for the support and the trust they put in our organization’s expertise in delivering housing solutions through our members that serve the broader community.”

“There is no reconciliation without a place to call home. Indigenous housing offers safety and honours cultural needs and values,” adds Margaret Pfoh, AHMA CEO. “Indigenous housing plays an important role in strengthening our communities, supporting individuals and families, and creating a sense of belonging and wellbeing.”

-30-

About FNAFS: The Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society has served the community for over 50 years, and now boasts two floors in a large center on 49th Avenue. Programming addresses all aspects of health, including: family violence; HIV/AIDS; mental health & addictions; counseling; employment; land-based healing, Elders and women programs, and youth outreach. The centre has a food bank, soup & bannock socials, arts and cultural programs, a men’s emergency shelter, and a women’s transition house. Overall, the Society’s mandate is to provide services to the whole community, by promoting unity and health in rural and urban areas, in a collaborative effort to address the needs of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people locally.

About AHMA: The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) has 30 years of expertise in advancing housing rights for Indigenous Peoples in Urban, Rural, and Northern communities. AHMA’s members manage 96% Indigenous housing units located off-reserve in BC. AHMA administers funds – in partnership with BC Housing – for over 10,000 Indigenous individuals and families living in urban, rural, and northern parts of the province. The culturally supportive programs and services that AHMA members provide include affordable housing units, shelters, transition homes, supportive housing, complex care housing, and assisted living facilities.

Media Contact:
Kelly Moon
Communications & Public Affairs, AHMA
communications@ahma-bc.org
604-353-0427

ILR5