Mold & Housing Inequities in First Nations Communities

In a country as prosperous as Canada, it's unfathomable that some of its citizens lack access to safe and adequate housing. Yet, the stark reality persists for many First Nations communities across the nation. Housing, a fundamental human right, remains a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

To read the full 2024 Housing in First Nations Communities Audit, visit: https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202403_02_e_44451.html

One issue that got mold?™ is taking very seriously is the level of mold contamination in First Nations housing. Mold infestation, a persistent health hazard in many First Nations homes, further exacerbates the already dire living conditions. Shockingly, neither Indigenous Services Canada nor the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has a comprehensive understanding of the magnitude of the problem, as stated in the 2024 Audit. The absence of a cohesive strategy to address mold growth is a grave oversight that puts the health and well-being of Indigenous communities at risk.

The statistics in the 2024 Audit paint a grim picture: Indigenous peoples are four times more likely to live in overcrowded housing and six times more likely to reside in homes requiring major repairs compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. This glaring disparity not only infringes upon their basic rights but also perpetuates intergenerational trauma and socioeconomic inequalities.

got mold?™ is dedicated to aiding First Nation Communities in finding and fixing sources of unhealthy air as health and safety is our number one priority. Our training program on Education for Finding and Fixing Sources of Unhealthy Indoor Air is one of the ways we have helped so far. The program allows us to share knowledge with First Nation Communities regarding the dangers and health concerns associated with hazardous indoor air contaminants, such as mold, asbestos, radon, etc., while also empowering students with the opportunity to gain hands on experience. Not only are students and participants getting the knowledge and skills training from our program, but also the resources and support to make positive change within their communities.

The call for action in addressing mold, other indoor air contaminants such as asbestos and illicit drugs, and inequalities in housing extends beyond addressing the immediate housing needs; it encompasses the broader imperative of advancing self-determination and reconciliation. Empowering First Nations communities with control over their housing initiatives is not just a matter of administrative transfer but a reaffirmation of their inherent rights and dignity.

Meaningful progress in improving housing conditions in First Nations communities requires an approach that prioritizes community empowerment, equitable resource allocation, and culturally sensitive interventions. Addressing indoor air contamination and housing inequities in First Nations communities is not just a matter of policy; it's a moral imperative that speaks to the core values of justice, dignity, and respect. The time for action is now, and the path to reconciliation begins with ensuring that every member of our society has access to safe housing that is free of mold and other indoor air quality contaminants.  

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