Many government-built settlements for Canada's indigenous communities have been compared to Third World situations.  The adequacy and quantity of housing are often lacking, as are basic municipal services such as fire-fighting and clean drinking water.  These settlements are frequently affected by preventable natural disasters, such as seasonal flooding.  Spaces and structures that support traditional cultural practices, and, therefore, indigenous identity, are seldom provided. It is the position of the RAIC that the correction of these conditions is integral to the effort to achieve reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous communities/peoples and that the indigenous peoples themselves must lead the discussion.

Presented by various experts on behalf of Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).