Contribution (2022-2025)
$300,000
Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership Inc. is a social enterprise owned by the Chapleau Cree First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation and Brunswick House First Nation communities located in Ontario’s Northeast Superior Region. Established in 2016, Wahkohtowin focuses on sustainable resource management, cultural revitalization and economic development to enhance the wellbeing of its communities.
“Wahkohtowin launched the Tree to Home initiative to address housing shortages in First Nations communities. This project creates an end-to-end housing supply chain that utilizes locally harvested wood to produce and construct environmentally friendly, durable homes,” says David Flood, General Manager at Wahkohtowin.
To date, Wahkohtowin and its subsidiary, One Bowl, have constructed 15 homes and have received interest from over a dozen Indigenous nations across Canada. Their approach emphasizes training local workers through a train-the-trainer model, enabling communities to independently build their own homes using locally sourced materials. “This strategy not only addresses housing needs but also contributes to economic development and community wellness,” explains Flood.
According to Flood, “In addition to supporting the development of Tree to Home, philanthropic funding has enabled Wahkohtowin to codify its model for sharing with other First Nations. Partnership with McConnell has set the stage for more successful outcomes as Wahkohtowin continues to engage with Indigenous communities across Canada.”
Thank you to Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership Inc. for the images used on this page and others throughout this report.