Amnesty International presents alarming report on housing conditions in Indigenous communities and calls on Ottawa to assume its responsibilities

Amnesty International today unveils the findings of two years of research on housing conditions in Indigenous communities. The report, entitled Housing crisis in Indigenous communities in Canada: inequality and discrimination. The case of Manawan, documents an alarming housing crisis that requires an immediate response.

According to the findings of this research, Amnesty International considers that the right to adequate housing is neither respected nor implemented.

“The life stories of the people living in Manawan show that the standards for adequate housing are not being met. Moreover, the rights to education, health, privacy, security and life are neither respected nor fulfilled. This situation perpetuates the cycle of violence against women, girls, children and older persons, and contributes to keeping a large part of the community in poverty due to the lack of quality, reliable and safe housing and infrastructure. Many people are also being pushed into homelessness,” said France-Isabelle Langlois, Executive Director of Amnesty International Canada Francophone.

“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. No one should be forced to leave their community or family because they cannot find adequate housing. The right to adequate housing is guaranteed under several international human rights treaties that Canada has ratified. The Canadian government must assume its responsibilities,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

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.” 

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

The research shows that many families in Manawan live in inadequate housing, due in particular to the presence of mould and the lack of proper repairs. Overcrowded housing creates conditions for the spread of disease, leaves little room for privacy or spaces suitable for schoolwork, and can also lead to violence against women, children and older persons.

Overcrowding and the poor condition of some homes in Manawan are the result of a glaring shortage of available housing in the community.

The housing situation in Manawan is not unique and is representative of many other Indigenous communities in Canada. As recently as 2025, Indigenous people on and off reserves continue to live in unacceptable housing conditions across the country. In the most recent CMHC report, it is stated that “Indigenous households are more than twice as likely to live in housing of inadequate quality,” and these figures may be underestimated given Indigenous peoples’ historic mistrust of colonial government institutions.

“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?” said Annette Dubé, Director of Educational Services, Manawan.

The lack of housing also often leads to homelessness and is both a key factor in, and a manifestation of, inequality and discrimination. Amnesty International considers that systemic racism against Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the impacts of colonial policies and the chronic underfunding of reserves are major factors behind the housing crisis in Manawan. Immediate and meaningful action must be taken so that Indigenous Peoples can live in dignity, free from discrimination, and thrive according to their values and life goals. The Chief of Manawan is calling for deep structural change.

“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. Responding to this crisis is not just about building houses; it is about rebuilding the very foundations of our communities, supporting their growth and self-determination. It is also about laying the groundwork for a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadian society, a relationship based on respect, equity and shared responsibility. In the era of reconciliation, inaction is no longer an option: it is time to move from words to action through concrete measures that finally guarantee our peoples the fundamental right to dignified housing,” said Sipi Flamand, Chief of the Atikamekw Council of Manawan.

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.”

Sipi Flamand, Chief of the Atikamekw Council of Manawan.

Governments must, in close partnership with band councils, invest massively, rapidly, predictably and over multiple years to catch up on existing shortfalls and maintain the pace of construction, while ensuring that construction cost assessment tools are free from bias. Specific programmes aimed at adapting housing for persons with disabilities must be adequately funded to meet all their needs. Governments must also incorporate an Indigenous understanding of homelessness in order to provide funding programmes adapted to this reality.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@amnesty.org

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