ABOUT THE IMAGINE BUILD
Working closely with Oneida Nation of the Thames we are building bridges between communities and walking this journey together to build accessible homes for families.
It started as a conversation to build one home for Ray John Jr, Knowledge Sharer, Oneida Nation of the Thames and his family, Ray shared how deep the housing crisis on Oneida is. After countless meetings and teachings from Ray on the importance of gaining trust and the two communities working together, the Imagine Build project was born. We are so thrilled that by working alongside Oneida Administration and Oneida Council more families will receive affordable accessible homes of their own.
Since January 2021, we have imagined ways to support Oneida Nation of the Thames. Sometimes bringing a new partner to the table or supporting their local Lacrosse team, we know that if we imagine a way forward we will get there.
Established in 1840, as the “Oneida Settlement” the evolution of this great Nation transforming from an agricultural society into a modern and versatile Iroquois community.
The Oneida Nation of the Thames is home to 2,172 residents and has a total membership of 6,270. Located in picturesque southwestern Ontario, the Oneida Nation Settlement borders lush and fertile agricultural lands and is nestled along the eastern shore of the Thames River 30 kilometers south of the City of London. The Oneida Nation of the Thames is close neighbour and friend to the Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation, respectively.
The Oneida people are known within the Iroquois Confederacy as Onyota’a:ka, “People of the Standing Stone.” Much like their ancestors, the Oneida peoples of today, maintain a deeply rooted connection to the land and to their Iroquois culture and traditions.
JOIN US IN RECONCILIATION
Section 89(1) of the Indian Act protects property on reserves so it cannot be mortgaged and used as collateral by a non-First Nation person. Therefore, the process is designed so it is very difficult to own your own home if you are living on a Settlement or Reservation.
Ask yourself, when you bought your first home did you have the full sum to purchase or only need 10% down payment?
This is the difference - sit with this and Imagine a way forward to create a new process built from dignity, understanding and success.
To understand more read:
“You Can Build A House, Not A Home. It Is My Vision To Begin The Long Overdue Process Of Bringing Our People Home.”
— Former Elected Chief, Adrian Chrisjohn