Liard First Nation's housing business is building better futures, says Chief

Tuesday, 5 March 2024 19:58

By Juliann Fraser

One of 15 new family homes under construction by Heartland Timber Homes, wholly-owned by Liard First Nation. PHOTO: Jay Cherian

LFN has built 15 homes and intends to build 100 more

Just a few years after Liard First Nation invested in a log-home manufacturing plant, Chief Stephen Charlie is celebrating the economic and social benefits to his community.

"I really like people working because it helps people see themselves in a different light," Charlie said during a news conference in Whitehorse. "A little bit of hope can go a long way in helping people change their lives."

Liard First Nation’s development corporation, First Kaska, operates Heartland Timber Homes.

"We are building 15 homes, but the best thing about it is the community is building it themselves." Charlie added that First Kaska is providing training and that that the manufacturing facility will be expanded to help build 100 homes for other communities, which they can help put together.

Chief Charlie was joined by Yukon’s Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley and Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu at the March 1 news conference held at MacBride Museum.

Minister Hajdu announced the completion of 33 new homes – all in Kaska territory, under the jurisdictions of White River First Nation, Ross River Dena Council, as well as Liard First Nation, which has also built some tiny homes for Liard First Nation citizens, and a 9-plex for Elders. The new homes were built using $17 million in funding over three years from Indigenous Services.

Hajdu praised the Chief's vision in recognizing that self-determination is "an entire continuum... economic development, skills training, recovery from grief, trauma and substance use."

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