Indigenous Resources

The information and resources listed below are intended to support a beginning understanding of Indigenous homelessness in Canada. Let these resources expose the histories, legacies, realities, and the truths of this nation. Seeking truth is an integral part of the long and complex journey of Reconciliation. Some of these resources also shed light and share innovative and important work being done across Canada. There is an abundance of this work available by Indigenous writers, communities, and organizations – explore away, this is just the beginning and be inspired to find explore more knowledge beyond these resources. 

See below for links to information, Indigenous program approaches, community plans, and Indigenous specific homelessness response program examples. Remember, you can also always search on the Homeless Hub and the Homelessness Learning Hub for further information.

Keep checking back here as we will be regularly updating materials and adding further resources.

Legislation & Rights-Based Information
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) – adopted in 2007, the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world. In 2016, the Government of Canada endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) without qualification and committed to its full and effective implementation and on June 21, 2021, the federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. British Columbia was the first province or territory to pass legislation implementing UNDRIP, in November 2019. The Northwest Territories became the second, in October 2023.
  • Canadian Constitution – Section 35 – in 1982 the federal government enshrined Aboriginal rights in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution and in Section 25 of the Charter of Rights in Freedoms, the government further ensured that Charter rights cannot “abrogate or derogate” from Aboriginal rights.
  • Introduction to the Indian Act (UBC First Nations & Indigenous Studies) – First passed in 1876 and despite revisions over the years, it largely retains its original form. The Indian Act was created to assimilate Indigenous peoples into non-Indigenous society and contained policies intended to terminate the cultural, social, economic, and political distinctiveness of Indigenous peoples. 
  • 21 Things You May Have Not Known About the Indian Act (Indigenous Corporate Training Blog, 2015)
Foundational Reports and Research
Indigenous Homelessness
Relationship Building and Collaborative Community Plans
Indigenous Program Approaches
 
Additional Resources and Learning Opportunities
Program Areas

Emergency Shelter | Diversion | Outreach | Housing Help and Landlords | Housing with Support | Prevention | Partnering with Other Systems | Peers and Lived Experience | Indigenous Resources

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