Amnesty International Highlights Housing Crisis in Indigenous Communities in Canada.

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Indigenous peoples in Canada are currently facing a housing crisis. According to a recent report issued by Amnesty International, the right of indigenous communities to adequate housing is not being respected. The NGO urged the Canadian government to act on the matter.

The report is the result of a two-year study of the indigenous community of the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, located in the north of the country. According to Amnesty International, most families in the area are living in houses that do not meet basic living standards. In particular, surveys have revealed the presence of mold and a lack of adequate repairs. In addition, the shortage of available infrastructure often leads to overcrowding, which contributes to the spread of diseases and leaves little room for privacy. This can also encourage violence against vulnerable groups such as women, children and elderly people. 

In addition to inadequate housing standards, the report also highlighted violations of other basic rights affecting the indigenous community. The life stories of people living in Manawan revealed a lack of respect for and implementation of the rights to education, health, privacy, safety, and life. This situation reportedly contributes to the perpetuation of violence against vulnerable categories; women and girls, children, and elderly people. Annette Dubé, Director of Educational Services in Manawan, commented: “These young parents who send their children to school, I am sure this has an impact on their children’s learning and development because they move around with their children from one house to another. They do not have a place of their own, which means that parents probably have other priorities than making sure their child goes to school. Their priority is going to be: where am I going to make them sleep tonight?” 

The study also stressed that the main road providing access to the reserve is considered unsafe and is used for industrial purposes. This adds to Manawan's isolation and creates a number of difficulties regarding its economic conditions, access to healthcare services, and food autonomy. Together with the lack of adequate infrastructures and housing, this further contributes to rising poverty levels and forces people into homelessness.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stressed that “Indigenous communities have the right to aspire to a bright future for their families and their children. This begins with a living environment that supports the development and flourishing of each person.” Sipi Flamand, Chief of the Atikamekw Council of Manawan, added that “the housing crisis in Indigenous communities is a structural injustice that can no longer be tolerated or rendered invisible. It requires political courage, the courage to fundamentally transform laws, redesign programmes and invest massively in durable solutions adapted to our realities.”

In April 2026, the Government of Canada responded quickly to the crisis, announcing an improved method for allocating funds through the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, a 4 billion CAD federal investment aimed at providing better housing conditions to indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada also stressed its commitment to working with Indigenous partners as implementation progresses and stated that updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, added: “Today’s announcement marks an important step in delivering on our commitment to urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing. Safe, adequate housing is fundamental to health, well-being and opportunity, and we know that the best results are achieved when Indigenous communities lead. This updated approach strengthens how funding flows to Indigenous partners, supporting self-determined, distinction-based solutions that will improve housing outcomes where they are needed most.”

written by Ludovica Muncibì