Back row left-right: Gary Boostrom, Kelly Myers, Trudie-Ann Plamondon, Peter Hansen, Cindy Punko, Leonard Hansen
Front row: Henry Hunter, Gail Gallupe
This week’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the McMurray Métis marks the fourth in a series of collaborations between Wood Buffalo Housing and local Métis groups.
“Affordable housing is a major concern in our region, which is why we are working with our local Métis groups to find long-term sustainable solutions that will benefit their communities,” says Henry Hunter, President and CEO of Wood Buffalo Housing.
“One of the things we’ve been hearing in our discussions is that there is a shortage of housing in these communities,” said Hunter. “Whether it’s long term or emergency housing, these collaborations will help us get a better picture of where the gaps are and where we can possibly partner with them on new initiatives.”
“This new relationship we are establishing with Wood Buffalo Housing is a positive step for our members,” says Gail Gallupe, President of the McMurray Métis. “Together we will complete our housing needs assessment to address gaps in program and service delivery, and bring these issues forward to the municipality, the province, and other groups associated with safe and affordable housing for the Métis community.”
Among the next steps for the groups is to create an Affordable Housing Action Plan which will outline short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions required to address affordable housing in Fort McMurray.
About Wood Buffalo Housing
Founded in 2001, Wood Buffalo Housing is the lead non-profit housing agency in our region. We collaborate with our many stakeholders, including tenants, community groups, non-profits, industry and government to pursue safe and sustainable housing solutions for all of the people of our community. Since 2001, we’ve helped more than 7,000 people — those new to our community and those making a new start — find the right apartment, the right townhouse, and the right way to achieve home ownership.
About McMurray Métis Local 1935
Founded in 1987 and governed under the bylaws of the Métis Nation of Alberta by an elected Local Council, the McMurray Métis is accountable to its membership with a mandate to pursue the advancement of the Métis people of Fort McMurray and northeastern Alberta. Achieving this requires the ongoing promotion, pursuit, and defense of the Indigenous constitutional rights. This occurs through engagement with governments, regulatory agencies, stakeholder organizations, and in the courts when necessary.
Media contact info
Wood Buffalo Housing
Therese Greenwood
Chief Relationship Officer
Phone: 780-799-4027
E-mail: therese@wbhadc.ca
McMurray Métis
Corey Hobbs
Communications Manager
Phone: 780-743-2659
Email: corey.hobbs@mcmurraymetis.org
