City launches new Indigenous housing program with historic $30 million investment

It marks the first time The City has launched a “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” housing initiative to support Indigenous people in Calgary in housing need.
(Calgary Photo)

The City of Calgary is taking a major step forward in its commitment to reconciliation and equity through launching Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya, a new program that supports Indigenous-led non-market housing in Calgary. This program represents a historic investment of $30 million in Indigenous-led housing, and is estimated to enable the creation of between 150 and 350 new housing units.

Grounded in the principle of “For Indigenous, By Indigenous”, the program addresses deep-rooted systemic barriers that Indigenous communities face in accessing housing, land, and capital. It marks the first time The City has launched a “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” housing initiative to support Indigenous people in Calgary in housing need.

“Through this program, The City is taking practical, resourced action, placing trust, funding, and decision-making power into the hands of Indigenous communities themselves,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

Indigenous people make up just three per cent of Calgary’s population yet represent over 41 per cent of those experiencing homelessness. More than 3,800 Indigenous households are currently in housing need in Calgary, meaning they are struggling to afford their housing. Many face discrimination from landlords and are often excluded from culturally safe housing options. Additionally, over 70 per cent of Indigenous households in housing need in Calgary have incomes of less than $20,000/year, requiring rent below $500 per month to be considered affordable.

Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya responds to these urgent needs with $30 million in funding across two streams to support Indigenous non-market housing projects:

• Engagement and Planning Funding: Up to $150,000 over two years to eligible organizations for engagement and planning activities related to non-market housing for Indigenous people living in Calgary.
• Building and Construction Funding: A contribution of up to 40 per cent of eligible capital costs for Indigenous-led non-market housing developments in Calgary.

“This program is a direct response to systemic housing inequities experienced by Indigenous people,” says Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. “The City’s goal is not only to increase the supply of non-market housing, but to support housing that is designed, delivered, and owned by and for Indigenous Peoples, ultimately redefining what housing can look like when it is rooted in Indigenous knowledge, values, and self-determination.”

The City developed this program in direct collaboration with the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee, and it aligns with the City’s Indigenous Policy (CP2017-02), Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy (2024–2030), and The Ways Forward: Affordable Housing for Indigenous Calgarians Through a Holistic Plan (CD2023-0239). These frameworks collectively call for bold action to address housing inequities in Calgary by supporting Indigenous-led housing models that promote healing, cultural connection, and long-term sustainability.

“Our people need housing, urgently. Our people need housing that is affordable, places where we can be safe, where families can stay together, and where we can heal,” said Jackie Bromley (Kainai Nation), member of the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee. As Indigenous people, we are used to programs being created for us, without us, instead of with us. This program, created in collaboration with the Elders Advisory Committee, is a good start to help us build housing that is led by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.”

The name Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya means “Indigenous First Nation Housing” in Blackfoot, and was gifted in ceremony by Jackie Bromley along with the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee.

Housing programs like this are essential to building a more inclusive, vibrant, and livable Calgary—where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and feel at home in their community.

The program officially launches on Monday, August 25. Learn more at calgary.ca/IndigenousHousing.