‘Self-build’ Housing in Aboriginal Communities

This paper describes an innovative project to help address the shortage of affordable housing in aboriginal communities. With contributions from the Homegrown Solutions program and a variety of businesses and individuals, World Vision Canada has been working in partnership with several First Nations and Métis communities to construct straw-bale houses. The straw bale technique provides a high insulation level and high fire resistance, and is relatively simple and affordable if the home is “self-built.” With considerable volunteer labour, the First Nations community of Lake Manitoba built an attractive straw bale house that cost about $43 per square foot after donations of labour and materials. As First Nations communities move towards increased self-governance and community-based project management, this project provides an example of what can be done.

ISBN – 1-894159-73-X