Retracing Pathways Home in Radeyili Ko: Towards a Resilient Homeownership Model for Northern Indigenous Communities ...

• Main Author: Derkowski, Kristel
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Graduate Studies 2024
• Subjects: Northern; Indigenous; Housing; Homeownership; Northwest Territories; Canada; Dene; Policy; Design; Social housing; Resilience; Architecture; FOS: Civil engineering; Fort Good Hope
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/prism/43258; https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/1880/118416

Systems of housing in the Northwest Territories have long been insufficiently resourced to meet the region’s urgent levels of housing need. Further complications arise from histories of ineffective policy. Housing indicators show a state of crisis that appears to be more extreme than ever, while complex systemic factors challenge the delivery of effective solutions. This research explores the housing system in the Dene community Rádeyı̨lı̨ Kǫ́ (Fort Good Hope), Northwest Territories, as a case study for a ‘non-market’ northern, remote, Indigenous community. The methodology uses qualitative and quantitative analysis, participatory action research, and a design thinking approach. A historical review of housing policy and outcomes identifies how the crisis has evolved, and is followed by a comparative analysis of current housing conditions and key contributing factors. A potential intervention is outlined, in terms of recommendations for a transitional model of homeownership that responds effectively to the ...