FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FUNDPre CREATESss OPPORTUNITYRelease FOR MIDDLE CLASS IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES Ottawa, December 8, 2016 – The Chair of the First Nations Market Housing Fund (the Fund), John Beaucage, is proud to announce that four more First Nations have partnered with the Fund. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “These First Nations are offering their emerging middle-class the opportunity to become new homeowners or improve their existing homes,” stated Mr. Beaucage. “These partnerships will strengthenDifference our communities Makers and provide - sustainable Fund economicWelcomes growth”. Six New The Fund enables First Nations to guarantee financing for a new home, to renovate and modernize anPartnerships existing home, or create other market-based housing solutions for citizens on reserve and on settlement lands as one option to help address the housing challenges. To date the Fund has Regina, July 26, 2017 —The First Nations Market Housing Fund (“the Fund”) footprint continues to grow approved loan programs in 100 of the 218 First Nations who have chosen to work with the Fund. with the addition of six new partnership agreements with First Nations communities. 230 First Nations have This represents a potential investment of close to $900 million for close to 6,000 home loans. now chosen to work with the Fund. “Given that good housing leads to healthier people, one of the standing goals of our leadership is “These First Nations’ commitment to market-based housing will bring their citizens one step closer to the to make homeownership and quality housing a ready option for our membership,” stated Chief dream of home ownership,” stated John Beaucage, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. “These Oliver Arnouse of Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band. “We want to ensure our community continues partnerships between our First Nation organization and First Nations governments are difference makers. to thrive and believe that facilitating access to good housing ensures our people can live safe, They will lead to more homeownership and more vibrant and prosperous communities.” healthy and prosperous lives they deserve amongst people who care about each other.” The Fund enables First Nations to guarantee financing for a new home, to renovate and modernize an Chief Billy Yavanovich stated, “Skidegate Council intends to expand home ownership through the existing home, or create other market-based housing solutions for citizens on reserve and on settlement lands. backing of loans for its members who have the financial ability to repay a housing loan for Credit has been approved for close to $925 million in 108 First Nations communities that could see some renovations, purchase, or new construction, in partnership with the First Nations Market Housing 6,300 home loans. Fund.” Here’s what the leaders of the six newest Fund partners have to say: “We are very happy to be working with the First Nations Market Housing Fund to increase housing options for our citizens,” said Chief Roberta Joseph. “Home ownership has long been a priority for our“Working First Nation, with theand Fund the Tr'ondëkis more than Hwech’in increasing Council housing is optionspleased in that the community,we are one it step is also closer about to strengthening the financial stability, independence and pride in home ownership on an individual and making this objective a reality.” collective basis. We look forward to working with the Fund to achieve our community's vision.”- Chief Richard Shecapio, Cree Nation of Mistissini “Partnering with the First Nations Market Housing Fund will help our Nation move forward in terms of expanding home ownership, and access to renovation loans that will address renewable energy installation“Financing and has mold been remediation a problem, and needs we are improving very plea thesed overallto finally living be partnering conditions with for the a healthier First Nations membership,”Market Housing stated Fund,Chief so that James our MembersNelson of have Quatsino greater First access Nation. to mortgage funds. The individual assistance from the Fund, through finance workshops and on-on-one credit counselling, is expected to allow those that don’t presently, qualify for loans.” - Chief Lester Anaquot, Saugeen First Nation We are pleased that our members now have more options for home ownership and home improvement in our community through the First Nations Market Housing Fund. Our governance in the area of housing will improve through new and upgraded housing policy and procedures with the goal to make it easier for community members to access housing purchases and housing upgrades. This also creates an opportunity for the existence of a housing market where members can more easily buy and sell houses within the community. We look forward to capacity development initiatives that will benefit our staff and community as a whole. We welcome this new housing initiative to Wahta Mohawks.” - Chief Philip Franks “The vision of Mattagami First Nation as a healthy, vibrant community is very much in line with the goals of the Fund. This new partnership enables our Nation to continue growing our governing capacity as a self- sufficient community, and develop the tools needed to assist more of our members in achieving their individual potential as homeowners in our community.” – Chief Chad Boissoneau “Chapleau Cree First Nation embraces the notion of building community homes and infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing community. Our children deserve a healthy environment, and that begins with a good home. Future development will bring growth and innovative fair market housing for new home owners. Chapleau Cree intends on building and maintaining homes for the approaching seasons. This is based on our vision and values of investing in the community and sustaining management of our treaty land settlement.” - Chief Keith Corston “Nuxalk hired a champion to manage the affairs related to housing and the Nation’s assets. This endeavour is supported by Chief and Council. The reality of an experienced housing person will benefit the Nation, providing that internal politics has no interference with growth of the Nation. This opportunity provides options to utilize the resources available to benefit the Nation, and sustain the community and build capacity to support the economy. Working with the First Nations Market Housing Fund will benefit the Nation’s growth as we move forward into the future.” – Chief Wally Webber The First Nations Market Housing Fund The Fund is a registered not-for-profit trust established by the Government of Canada, which was born out of what has become known as the Kelowna Accord. First Nations communities continue to lag behind the rest of Canada in health and most social and economic determinants — including housing. The latest figures from Statistics Canada, in 2011, show that 31 percent of on-reserve units were privately owned compared with approximately 69 percent of non-indigenous Canadians. The Fund helps First Nations families overcome the barriers to home ownership and close the housing gap. The federal government’s one-time investment of $300 million in the Fund has the potential to leverage $3 billion of investments in homes on reserve and on settlement lands and lands set aside for First Nations across Canada. The Fund helps First Nations communities by: Providing a 10% backstop for housing loans guaranteed by the First Nation; Providing financial leverage to negotiate with lenders for the best possible loan terms and conditions; Strengthening First Nations communities and supporting increased self-sufficiency by providing financial literacy and financial management tools, enhancing the governance framework, and developing capacity with education, information, and innovative services. The Fund works with financial institutions committed to providing a high level of service to First Nation governments: The Fund’s growing list of both national and regional financial institutions across Canada which have chosen to finance loans backed by the Fund, includes BMO; CIBC; Peace Hills Trust; First Nations Bank of Canada; Vancouver City Savings, Affinity and Valley First Credit Unions; Envision Financial; Desjardins Group; Northern Savings Credit Union; and six Caisse populaires in Ontario located in Hearst, Kapaskasing, Verner, Alban, Noëlville and Sturgeon Falls. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please visit the Fund’s website at www.fnmhf.ca. FUND CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE CLASS IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES OttawaMedia, December Contacts: 8, 2016 – The Chair of the First Nations Market Housing Fund (the Fund), John Beaucage, is proud to announce that four more First Nations have partnered with the Fund. First Nations Market Housing Wahta Mohawks Mattagami First Nation “TheseFund First Nations are offering theChiefir emergingPhilip Franks middle -class the Juanitaopportunity Luke to become new homeownersDeborah Tayloror improve their existing705-762-2354 homes,” stated Mr. Beaucage.Executive “These Director partnerships will strengthenExecutive our Director communities and provide sustainable economic growth705-894-2072”. 613-740-9931 The Fund enables First Nations to guarantee financing for a new home, to renovate and modernize an existingCree Nation home, of Mistissini or create other marketSaugeen-based First Nationhousing solutions forChapleau citizens Cree on Nationreserve and on settlementBella P. Loonlands as one option to helpCheree address Ursheler the housing challengesPatty. AnnTo Owldate