Several ardent advocates for quality northern housing using local materials have worked with Frontiers Foundation to build a base of operations in Manitoba.
Frontiers Foundation in Manitoba has four key positions: The Manitoba Representative on the Frontiers Board and Chair of the Manitoba Advisory Committee is Nora Ross. She is a member of Berens River First Nation and a 43 year veteran of Frontiers Foundation. Our Projects Manager, Brian Monkman, is a Metis from Loon Straights and an experienced instructor, sawyer, builder and mechanic. Martin Strauss, is our contact with Strauss Association Management Service and comes to us with a wealth of project management and fund-raising experience. Our Regional Coordinator, Laurel Gardiner, is a teacher and a nurse specializing in Population Health Promotion.
From the earliest discussions, we realized this needed to be a multi-sectoral partnership between the communities, government, corporations and the non-profit/voluntary sector. We received start up funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, and Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corp. At the partners meetings and still pursuing funding on our behalf is Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Staff of these departments have actively participated in planning sessions to help us understand and work well with the existing housing and capital programs and now sit on our advisory committee. The Advisory Committee has had its first meeting on November 15, 2007 with much support and good recommendations to staff. We report to the Frontiers Foundation National Board through the Chair of our Advisory Committee, Nora Ross.
Log Cabin Course GraduatesChief Chris Baker and Mike Dumas from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation at South Indian Lake have modelled the “Standing Tree to Standing House†process of Frontiers. OPCN will be our first major Manitoba Project. We worked with South Indian Lake to train a group of men in chainsaw operation, harvesting, sawmilling and log cabin and timber frame construction. We were able to rough-in a log cabin and a timber-frame home. Four more communities have indicated strong interest in developing housing projects with us, but we need to establish ourselves first. Wasagamack is beginning to harvest for next construction year and will be using a Frontiers Foundation sawmill.
In addition to the work with South Indian Lake, Frontiers Foundation has located start-up funding, established financial and administrative structures, and formed an advisory committee. We are beginning to develop relations with local suppliers, corporations, churches, and other potential sources of volunteer and financial support. If you would like to volunteer with us or would like to discuss a possible housing project please give us a call.
Submitted by: Brian Monkman, Project Manager, Frontiers Foundation, Manitoba. (204) 926-8129