NAFC Leaders Discuss Urban Indigenous Housing at Senate Committee

Press Release

On October 29, 2025, representatives from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) appeared before the Senate Committee on National Finance to share perspectives on federal housing programs and initiatives.

NAFC CEO Jocelyn W. Formsma, NAFC Vice President Lois Duke, and First Light Friendship Centre CEO and NAFC Board Member Stacey Howse highlighted the urgent need to address housing for the growing urban Indigenous population in Canada.

Friendship Centres across the country are taking action by creating diverse housing options that respond to community needs—ranging from low-income and transitional housing to family homes, students, seniors’ residences, and shelters.

Examples include:

• Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society – 1015 E. Hasting Indigenous Housing
• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary – The Elders’ Lodge (Omahkitapioyis)
• First Light Friendship Centre (St John’s, NFLD) – Transitional Housing
• The Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (SIRCAAQ) – Nutshimit (Sept-Îles) – Waska Witcihitowin (Trois-Rivières) – Kebec (Québec City) – Chibougamau

The NAFC emphasized that ensuring urban Indigenous peoples and organizations are included in national housing discussions—and that they have equitable access to funding opportunities—is vital to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Indigenous peoples living in urban areas.

Watch the full session of the Senate Committee on National Finance here.

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