City formalizes commitment to supporting Indigenous-led housing with Treaty 8

Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Trevor Mercredi speaks at an emergency meeting of Treaty Chiefs on Alberta separation on May 6, 2025. (CTV News Calgary)

Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi signed a letter of intent formalizing their shared commitment to supporting Indigenous-led affordable housing in the city.

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“By signing this letter of intent with the City of Edmonton, we are advancing First Nations-led housing that reflects the culture, values, rights and aspirations of Treaty 8 First Nations,” said Mercredi in a statement Tuesday.

The agreement was initiated by Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and sets out shared objectives for advocacy, planning and support for culturally appropriate housing projects.

The letter of intent outlines shared objectives including joint advocacy to other orders of government for funding and policy support; a coordinated approach to increase the supply of Indigenous-led housing in Edmonton; and recognition of the leadership of Treaty 8 in addressing the housing needs of their citizens.

“Edmonton is home to thousands of Treaty 8 members, and we recognize the housing crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples,” said Krystin Flierl, director of the city’s Indigenous Relations Office. “Working together, we are calling on all levels of government to invest in Indigenous-led solutions—because reconciliation demands action.”

Edmonton has the second-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada with nearly 88,000 Indigenous residents.

More than half of those experiencing homelessness in the city identify as Indigenous.

The city has implemented an Indigenous-led housing stream within the Affordable Housing Investment Program (AHIP) that offers grants of up to 40 per cent of capital costs for qualifying projects.

Last year, $8.3 million in AHIP grants were approved by council for Indigenous-led housing developments.

The city has also created an Indigenous Housing Liaison position to support Indigenous organizations and navigate government requirements.