FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 16, 2026
Calgary, AB – Today, The City of Calgary, Indigenous nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations celebrated the funding award of Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya, The City’s Indigenous Housing Program. The program awarded a historic $33 million to 16 Indigenous nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations that will deliver to up to 379 new non-market homes for Indigenous Calgarians through a total of 24 projects.
“As The City’s largest ever investment in housing for Indigenous Calgarians, today’s announcement marks a major step forward in our commitment to reconciliation and equity,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “This funding will create 379 new non-market homes for Indigenous individuals and families in housing need, addressing systemic and long-standing barriers to housing choice, affordability and cultural safety.”
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.
“We know that housing is a fundamental human need, and affordable housing has become increasingly difficult to find across Canada,” said Chief Samual Crowfoot of Siksika Nation. “Siksika Nation is both excited and grateful for this announcement. With nearly half of our Nation’s membership living off-reserve—many of whom reside in Calgary—this project will have a meaningful and lasting impact for our members and their families. I am excited to see the positive impacts that secure, affordable housing will have on our Nation member’s lives.”
Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya provides $33 million in funding across two streams:
- Stream 1: 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.
- Stream 2: Land, 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.
Stream 1 – Engagement & Planning
15 projects were selected for a total of $2.25 million in funding under Stream 1 (Engagement & Planning). These projects are expected to build capacity for the non-profit organizations and result in future non-market housing units. The successful applicants for Stream 1 are:
- Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
- Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
- Community Roots Foundation
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary (two projects)
- Goodstoney First Nation
- Highbanks Society
- Metis Calgary Family Services (MCFS)
- Miskanawah
- Niitoiyis Family Support Society
- Our Nation Student Housing
- Piikani Nation
- Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council (G4)
- Treaty 7 Urban Housing Authority
- Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY)
Stream 2 – Housing Development:
Five projects were selected for a total of $20.18 million in funding under Stream 2, Housing Development. These projects are expected to deliver 147 non-market housing units. The successful applicants for Housing Development are:
- Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary – two projects
- Metis Calgary Family Services – two projects
- Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing – one project
Stream 2 – Land Purchase:
Four projects were selected for a total of $10.58 million in funding under Stream 2, Land Purchase. These projects are expected to deliver up to 232 units. The successful applicants for Land Purchase are:
- Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
- Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
- Métis Capital Housing Corporation (Otipemisiwak Metis Government)
- Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth
“The work of the Chief Housing Office is deeply connected to reconciliation,” said Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. “Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya is built from meaningful engagement and guided by the principle of ‘For Indigenous, By Indigenous.’ This program shows us what reconciliation in action looks like. These efforts are not just about meeting housing needs; they are about restoring balance, amplifying Indigenous voices and walking a shared path forward.”
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.
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.
Learn more at: https://calgary.ca/IndigenousHousing
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Media Contact – Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing (SORAH):
Sinakssin Communications
403-829-5366