The Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADK FN) Chief Eugene Hope and Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories (Housing NWT) Honourable Lucy Kuptana have signed a Memorandum of Agreement on housing between ADK FN and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

This Memorandum of Agreement formalizes cooperation between Housing NWT and ADK FN. This agreement builds on past partnerships to guide joint work on housing priorities. 

Under the agreement, a Housing Working Group for ADK FN and the GNWT will be established to prioritize community housing planning and coordinated program delivery for the community of Echaot’l Koe (Fort Liard). This group will bring together key community members and officials of government and the First Nation’s economic development corporation to work to prioritize:   

• Advancing community housing planning,
• Coordinating program delivery,
• Planning for the construction and repair of housing units
• Improving programs and services
• Strengthening procurement, information, and data sharing and
• Exploring joint housing service delivery to maximize collective efforts

Providing a clear structure to improve housing programs and services,  the agreement ensures that practical solutions can be identified and implemented for Echaot’l Koe (Fort Liard) residents.

Housing NWT and Acho Dene Koe First Nation reaffirm their commitment to working together in a spirit of mutual respect to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

Quotes

“Collaboration with Indigenous governments is a cornerstone to advancing priorities. This Memorandum of Agreement on Housing will strengthen our government-to-government relationship with Echaot’l Koe and empower us to co-develop housing solutions that reflect local priorities. Providing suitable, accessible and affordable housing looks different in every community across the territory, and by prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous governments we can deliver more responsive and effective housing for communities. I look forward to the Working Group delivering more homes for Northerners in ways that reflect each community’s unique context and needs.”

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

"This agreement is an important step forward for our people. By working together with Housing NWT, we are creating a path to improve housing in Echaot’l Koe (Fort Liard) that reflects our community’s priorities and values. Safe, secure, and culturally appropriate housing is the foundation for healthy families and a strong future, and we are committed to achieving that for our members, particularly as we prepare for future self-government."

- Chief Eugene Hope, Acho Dene Koe First Nation

Quick facts

• The Memorandum of Agreement on Housing sets out a formal framework for partnership on housing planning and initiatives.
• Over the past four years, Housing NWT has signed intergovernmental agreements on housing with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Délı̨nę Got’ine Government, and the Gwich’in Tribal Council.

Related links

• Memorandum of Agreement
• https://www.nwthc.gov.nt.ca/en/services/indigenous-partnerships  
• https://www.facebook.com/HousingNWT

For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Gard
Manager, Communications  
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_comms@gov.nt.ca

Boyd Clark
General Manager
Acho Dene Koe First Nation
gm@adkfirstnation.ca