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WINNIPEG — National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) has announced seven projects that will receive almost $21 million in funding for Indigenous housing in Manitoba.

“Indigenous housing providers deserve Indigenous advocacy at the national level. By securing this investment and developing a For Indigenous, By Indigenous funding process, NICHI is putting Indigenous people back in charge of housing policy for our people and communities. The overwhelming expression of need we received in our application process — totalling $2 billion across 447 applications — demonstrates that the work is far from over — but today, we’re excited to announce funding that will make a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba,” NICHI CEO John Gordon said in a statement.

The seven projects are:

• Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
• 2Spirit Manitoba
• Winnipeg Indigenous Friendship Centre
• Ndinawemaaganag Endawaad Inc.
• First Nation Healing Centre Inc.
• Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre
• Manitoba Inuit Association

Through the national process, $277.8 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 75 projects across the country aimed at building more than 3,800 units. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022 and was distributed by NICHI, a federal government release said.

NICHI held its expression of need process from late November 2023 to Jan. 12, 2024 and funding was allocated to 75 non-profit, Indigenous-led housing organizations by an objective, unbiased Project Selection Advisory Council, which prioritized urgent and unmet housing needs in Indigenous communities across the country, the release said.

Currently, $3.7 million of the total funding amount remains to be allocated.