By Caitlin Brezinski

Historic agreement provides low income housing

Nov 7, 2014 | 4:57 PM

A historical and ceremonial event took place between the Chief and council of Muskoday First Nation and Habitat for Humanity, on Friday, at the Muskoday First Nation Council Chambers.

A formal memorandum of understanding was signed by Chief Austin Bear and Morris Sawchuck, vice president of Habitat for Humanity to outline the agreement of a partnership to give families in Muskoday affordable housing. 

“First Nations are struggling severely to provide social and affordable housing for our members,” said Austin Bear, Chief of Muskoday First Nation. “We have to find ways and means and any opportunity through agreements and arrangements such as the one we have entered into with Habitat for Humanity.”

A home for a family from Muskoday First Nation will be situated in the town of Birch Hills.  The house is in the process of being built and Habitat for Humanity hopes to meet with potential families as soon as next week. 

Bear said when the opportunity came to Council, Council and he approved of the arrangement. He said this is the first arrangement that Muskoday has entered with Habitat for Humanity. However, Habitat for Humanity has created low income housing in previous years with the province of Saskatchewan.

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“We were able to acquire five homes which are situated in Birch Hills and our affordable housing units for our members,” he said.

Morris Sawchuk, vice president of Habitat for Humanity said the current agreement with Muskoday First Nation is a unique one because there are not many in Canada.

“This is a first for Habitat Prince Albert in dealing with an aboriginal first nation group.  This is something unique, certainly another opportunity for Muskoday to provide housing for low income families,” he said.

The partnership agreement outlines the new homeowners to commit to 500 hours of sweat equity, 14 hours of mentorship and an interest free mortgage to be paid off.

“They can do [500 hours] by working on their own home, at our restore or somebody else’s home,” said Sawchuk.  “We’re pretty loose when it comes to where they can work as long as it benefits Habitat and benefits the community but it is mandatory that they complete those before they’re granted a mortgage.”

Sawchuck said they are looking forward to continue providing housing for families from Muskoday.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Sawchuk.  “This is a new venture.”

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