First Nation Projects

Problems to address

There is a crying need for healthy, affordable housing in first nation communities. There is also a need for local employment and empowerment, and for healthy activities that engage the local community. First nation remote communities need desperately to rely less on the long distance transport of expensive building material and fuel for housing energy. Finally, it is known that too many people have been living in mouldy, toxic building that are not well insulated, often drafty and not comfortable.

All these need are addressed by earth based constructions. These constructions are also super energy efficient and reduce the need to depend on outside energy.  

Key Cultural Indigenous Considerations

American and other native aboriginal communities generally thrive for 

• healthy lifestyle options

• earth-based teaching

• progressive technology

• opportunities for alumni, clients and staff to heal and grow

The solution

E3Habitat supports these goals though a collaboration in curriculum delivery to help first nation people understand and build capacity in the area of earth based construction. 

E3Habitat also helps first nation communities learn how to build and deploy such type of housing and community buildings, get financing, grants, low-cost loans and provides logistical support.

The work performed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Office of Policy Development and Research described in the document  A Best Practices Manual for Using Compressed Earth Blocks in Sustainable Home Construction in Indian Country (for Native Americans) needs to be adapted for communities in colder regions such Canada. This is the type of initiative E3Habitat proposes to support.