Nisg̱a’a Urban Housing Grant

To be eligible for the Grant a Nisg̱a’a citizen must:

• be at least 19 years of age, reside in Canada but not on Nisg̱a’a Lands,
• be employed on a full time / part time basis,
• demonstrate that a financial institution has approved a mortgage for the purchase of the Property by the Nisg̱a’a citizen,
• never have previously owned their own Property, and
• not have previously received a Grant under the Program.

The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.

Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.

Grants are subject to the following limits and restrictions:

• the maximum Grant available is $10,000 per Property;
• the number of Grants available in any year will be contingent upon the Nisg̱a’a Urban Housing Program budget appropriation by Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a for that year;
• a Grant is only available for first time buyers who will be residing in and using the Property as their principle residence.

 
The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.

Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.

The Grant will be forgiven at the rate of $2,000 per year until the entire Grant has been forgiven, provided the Nisg̱a’a citizen receiving the Grant has not:

• sold the Property,
• ceased to reside in the Property, or
• breached the terms of any mortgage or other financing obtained to purchase the Property during the five year period after the Grant has been issued.

A Nisg̱a’a citizen who receives a Grant and who breaches any of the conditions in section 4.1 must repay the balance of the Grant not forgiven at the time of the breach, to the Nisg̱a’a Nation.

Before receiving the Grant, successful applicants must sign an Urban Housing Program Grant Agreement and provide an accepted unconditional offer to purchase a Property located outside of Nisg̱a’a Lands but within Canada.

Applicants must submit a letter of intent to the Capital Finance Commission c/o Capital Projects Coordinator, or such other individual as may be designated by the Capital Finance Commission.

Applicants must provide confirmation of mortgage approval for the purchase of the Property at the time that they submit their application.

When considering applications for a Grant, the applicant’s current household income and current living conditions are taken into consideration. Applications will only be considered in the fiscal year in which they are made. An applicant not receiving a Grant in the fiscal year they apply must re-apply for a Grant the following fiscal year.

All applicants will be advised in writing whether or not they have been awarded a Grant, within 2 – 4 weeks of delivering their application. Grant funds for successful applicants will be provided to the lawyer or notary public acting for the applicant on the purchase of the Property prior to the closing date of the purchase.

Download and fill out the Urban Housing Grant Program Application Form.

Download and fill out the Urban Housing Grant Agreement.

Learn more about Urban Housing Grant Policy.