NAN Commends Leadership of Sandy Lake and St. Theresa Point in their Fight for Adequate Housing

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler commends Chief Delores Kakegamic of Sandy Lake and the leadership of St. Theresa Point on their efforts thus far in their fight to access adequate housing on-reserve for their members.

“For far too long, First Nations have suffered with chronic housing shortages, overcrowding, and unsafe, deteriorating homes while Canada fails to meet its obligations. The housing conditions in our communities are growing more dire by the day while Canada allows the gap to continuing growing each year. Safe and suitable housing is fundamental to the health and prosperity of our communities.

We acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Delores Kakegamic and the leadership of St. Theresa Point First Nation for their perseverance. I support Chief Kakegamic’s appeal to the Prime Minister: Don’t turn away from this; the courts have told you it is time to build; it is time to work together.

We join the leadership in calling on Canada to come work with us, not fight against us. Our children deserve to grow up in a community where they have somewhere to call home.”

On December 5, 2025, the Federal Court released a decision in St. Theresa Point First Nation v. His Majesty the King, confirming that Canada owes a legal duty to provide adequate on-reserve housing. The decision is the first stage of a class action brought by St. Theresa Point and Sandy Lake regarding overcrowding and severely deteriorated housing on reserve.

Certified in 2024, the $5 billion class action is proceeding in two stages. Stage 1 focused on establishing whether Canada has legally enforceable duties toward class members regarding the provision or support of housing on reserve. Canada’s defense argued that no such legally enforceable duties existed. The Court rejected Canada’s position and confirmed that the duty does exist.

Stage 1 has determined that Canada owes these fiduciary duties, a common law duty of care, and that multiple Charter rights are engaged. Stage 2 will address the nature and extent of Canada’s breach of its duties.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca