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But eight years on, Breaker’s home is the first to be built in Alberta and is among less than 200 houses that have been constructed on reserves across the country with help from the fund.

Photo by Leah Hennel / Calgary Herald

The balance in the fund has grown during that period to over $340 million through non-housing investments, and the income covers about $3.6 million a year in administrative expenses.

But John Beaucage, chair of the fund’s board of trustees, admitted progress in getting houses built has been slow.

Speaking before a ceremony Friday to celebrate the start of building on Breaker’s home, Beaucage said reserves have to show they have their finances and governance structures in order before the fund will agree to stand behind a band council’s guarantee to a bank on behalf of its members.

“There are so many things that have to be done before we get to pouring a foundation,” he said.

“A First Nation has to be tenacious.”

While the fund’s kitty could have been used to pay for the construction of about 2,500 homes by now, Beaucage believes the money is better used to lever the building of thousands more even if it takes longer to accomplish.

Photo by Leah Hennel / Calgary Herald

“We’ve had 100 years of Indian Affairs giving away ‘cracker box’ houses that didn’t last very long,” he said.

“Now, we’re saying let’s let people decide what they want to build themselves, pay for it, be proud of it, look after it.”

With over 500 families on the waiting list for homes on the Siksika Nation, Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman said the fund can help solve some of that shortage.