Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corporation

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1973 - 2023 Celebrating 50 Years

This year 2023, marks our 50th Anniversary of helping to house native families and Elders. Our housing program is the 2nd oldest Aboriginal housing provider in Ontario.

History

Persons of Native Ancestry routinely face discrimination when searching for rental accommodations in urban centers and many of them end up living in substandard, unsafe dwellings.

The Corporation was established as a Non-Profit Charitable Organization on February 26, 1972. Working together with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Urban Native Housing Program, the Ministry of Housing and the Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation, homes were purchased and subsequently rented to Indigenous families and Elders in 1973.

Since those early years, the Corporation has grown the housing program and as of 2022, it now owns and provides administration for a total of 242 housing units throughout the city of Thunder Bay, which includes an Elders complex of sixteen (16), one-bedroom apartments.

Besides the benefit of providing safe and affordable housing for the Native community, Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corporation (Urban Native Housing Program) fosters a greater cultural understanding between Native and Non-Native social housing programs.

Where available, many tenants take the opportunity to upgrade education and employment skills and the use of medical services while residing in rental housing.

The Urban Native Housing Program also allows Native tenants access to liaison services to assist with difficulties or concerns faced in a (sometimes unfamiliar) urban setting.

Administration

The Corporation is managed under the direction and guidance of a Board of Directors and the Housing Manager.

Board of Directors consists of:

President
Vice President
Treasurer/Secretary
Director

Administration Staff consists of:

Housing Manager
Finance Officer
Administrative Assistant
Tenant Co-Ordinator
Tenant Placement Worker
Two Tenant Relations Workers

Maintenance Staff consists of:

Supervisor
Clerk/Secretary
Lead Hand Worker
Two Maintenance Workers

These key personnel ensure the smooth operation and upkeep of both the office practices and rental unit maintenance.

Mission Statement

The Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corporation is committed to providing safe and affordable housing to Anishinabek families and Elders living in the City of Thunder Bay.

Its mandate is to purchase or construct, maintain and rent homes and apartments to Anishinabek families and Seniors (Elders).

The Housing Program has only single family dwellings and does not currently house single people, with exception of the Corporation’s Elders complex.

Aims and Objectives

To promote the economic and social welfare of low-income persons of Native Ancestry.

To establish, maintain and operate affordable housing for people of low-income as defined by the National Housing Act.

To inform the public of the (continuing) need for safe and affordable housing.

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

Call the office at 807-343-9401 to ask about eligibility requirements, open positions and dates of upcoming elections.

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Joining our Team

Watch our website for external job postings and employment opportunities.

230 Van Norman Street - Thunder Bay - Ontario - (807) 343-9401