New research highlights importance of climate resilient Indigenous housing – The Environment Journal
December 4, 2025
Current measures to close the housing gap fall short due to siloed, complex policies that favour short-term solutions over long-term resilience, according to new research from the Canadian Climate Institute and Indigenous Clean Energy. A new report, entitled “Building Strength Through Shelter: Policy prescriptions for Indigenous Healthy Energy Homes,” recommends governments adopt a new approach to prioritize the development of Indigenous housing that’s energy efficient, resilient to climate-related threats, and supports overall well-being.
“This report shows that improving Indigenous housing policy won’t just lead to better shelter, it will prevent hospital visits, save on energy bills, improve mental health, and support community resilience in the face of climate impacts. Put simply, governments will save money and lives if they adopt these policy changes swiftly,” said Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute.
