17/12/07 - NWT Housing Corporation and Salt River First Nation Sign Partnership Agreement

YELLOWKNIFE (17 December 2007) - A ceremony formalizing a Universal Partnership Agreement (UPA) between the Salt River First Nation and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation took place today in the community of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories (NWT). Participating in the ceremony was the Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation and Mike Beaver, Acting Chief of the Salt River First Nation.

This agreement enables the First Nation to assume local delivery of the Corporation's home repair program, Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements or CARE, in their community, with the Corporation and the First Nation equally funding the program delivery.

"This agreement reflects the Corporation's commitment to addressing housing needs through the use of partnerships," said Minister Miltenberger. "It is a great example of how the Corporation's collaboration with communities is assisting them in taking ownership of their housing challenges by working towards solutions that work on a community level."

The agreement will allow for the Salt River First Nation's delivery of the Corporation's CARE program for Band homes with the Corporation contributing $150,000 annually for three years. "The Corporation is committed to working in partnership with aboriginal groups and communities to assist them in becoming responsible for their own choices in housing through the implementation of a UPA" said Minister Miltenberger.

Acting Chief Beaver also acknowledged the contribution of the Corporation through this new agreement. "This funding will allow us to assist our people directly in repairing their homes, benefitting not only those whose homes are repaired but also the community through its involvement in delivering the CARE program."

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is focused on providing affordable, suitable and adequate housing solutions to the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Backgrounder

For more information contact:

Steve Dicks
Communications Advisor
Northwest Territories Housing Corporation
Phone: (867) 873-7854