First Nations Affordable Housing Breaks Ground in Edmonton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025 – Treaty No. 6 Territory

First Nations Affordable Housing Breaks Ground in Edmonton

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Belvedere Affordable Housing Project

Edmonton, AB – The Yellowhead Tribal Council (YTC), together with our four member First Nations—O’Chiese First Nation, Sunchild First Nation, Alexander First Nation, and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation—is honoured to host the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Belvedere Affordable Housing Project on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. at 560 Belvedere Way, Edmonton.

The Belvedere Affordable Housing Project will provide 149 mixed-income units. This project will support First Nation families, seniors, individuals, and young adults transitioning out of care, women fleeing violence, and students living in Edmonton. It will also include space to support those visiting Edmonton for extended periods while seeking medical care.

About Yellowhead Tribal Council

The Yellowhead Tribal Council (YTC) was established in 1977 to foster collective action on political issues and to support the delivery of programs and services for its four member Nations: O’Chiese First Nation, Sunchild First Nation, Alexander First Nation, and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. YTC is dedicated to advancing economic development, infrastructure, housing, education, and cultural revitalization—all rooted in the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.

Quotes

“This project represents an important step in ensuring our members have access to safe, affordable, and culturally connected housing.”  

– Chief George Arcand Jr., of Alexander First Nation

“Through projects like Belvedere, we are proving that First Nations can be strong partners in real estate development. Our leadership is not only about meeting today’s needs, but about shaping a path for future growth and investment.” 

– Chief Tony Alexis, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

“(This project), without our people, we are nothing. Our people are the foundation of truth, strength, and resilience. Our students are our future, and we will achieve anything with education.” 

– Chief Joey Pete, Sunchild First Nation

“On behalf of the Yellowhead Tribal Council, the Belvedere Affordable Housing Project reflects our Nations’ commitment to building strong, culturally sensitive, supportive communities for future generations. Today we lay the foundation for housing, opportunity, connection, and growth for our people.” 

– Laverne Arcand, CEO of Yellowhead Tribal Council

"Alberta's government is proud to support the Belvedere Affordable Housing Project --  a project led by our Indigenous partners, and that will meet community needs with culturally appropriate supports. It's an example of the great things that can be accomplished when we work together to get shovels in the ground and roofs over Albertans’ heads.”

– Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

“Like many cities across Canada, houselessness is one of the greatest challenges facing Edmonton. The new affordable housing in Belvedere will help ensure that 84 people have access to a safe space to call home and a key to a better life. Over the last four years, this Council made a commitment to invest in housing and make it easier to build the type of housing our city needs, and we are on track to meet our ambitious updated goal of an additional 4,652 new or renovated affordable housing units by 2026.” 

– Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton

Partnerships

• O’Chiese First Nation
• Sunchild First Nation
• Alexander First Nation
• Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
• Shugarman Architecture and Design Inc
• Government of Alberta
• City of Edmonton
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
• Sage Development Advisors Inc. 
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Canada ICI: Commercial Real Estate Finance and Capital
• Ayre & Oxford Inc.: Professional Real Estate Management
• KEP Sustainable Consulting
• MNP
• MLT Aikins
• Fillmore Construction
• Align Cost and Project Management
• Revolve Engineering
• Elder Jerry Redbear of Sunchild First Nation 
• Alexander Business Centre LP

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Media Contact:
 Yellowhead Tribal Council
 Brittney Pastion – Communications Manager
 brittney.pastion@ytcadmin.ca

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