The First Nations Housing Professionals Association (FNHPA) is dedicated to enhancing housing management capacity for First Nations organizations. As a national professional association, FNHPA exclusively serves individuals working in or aspiring to roles within First Nations housing, offering training, certification, and professional development opportunities. FNHPA leads in housing management by establishing quality standards, practices, and certification, empowering members, and organizations to optimize resources, improve decision-making, and deliver high-quality programs. Through knowledge sharing and professional programs leading to certification, FNHPA facilitates growth and strategic planning for housing managers, advancing the capabilities of First Nations organizations across Canada.
In addition to our Housing and Wellness Program, we provide additional services that help support our mission to deliver education & certification programs and facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing.
Certification Course Path
One of the services we provide is a pathway to achieving the designation of a First Nations Housing Professional (FNHP). An FNHP is a highly skilled individual dedicated to personal career growth, upholding ethical standards, and proficient housing management. FNHPs play a pivotal role in formulating strategies, executing housing business plans and ensuring every resident has access to safe, secure, and dignified housing. Those who hold the FNHP designation are acknowledged as exceptionally qualified housing management professionals, equipped with the competencies sought after by First Nations organizations. Obtaining this designation can bolster your aspirations for a dynamic and successful career.
To become an FNHP, the following criteria must be met:
- Completion of the requirements of the First Nations Housing Professionals Program.
- Successful completion of the Professional Examination.
- Two years of verified practical work experience.
- Agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Conduct.
Individuals with at least seven years of experience in First Nations housing management may be eligible to challenge the certification process by constructing a professional portfolio that demonstrates their experience and education aligned with the required competencies. For those with less than seven years of experience, the First Nations Housing Professionals Program, comprising five courses, is available. These courses are conveniently offered online and, where feasible, as intensive sessions. Exemptions for certain courses may be granted for equivalent courses meeting competency standards recognized by FNHPA.
The certification process not only enhances your expertise but also identifies your strengths and areas for improvement in First Nations housing management. Furthermore, it opens doors to new career prospects and garners respect from your peers.
For more information on the paths to earn your certification, visit Paths to Becoming Certified - FNHPA.
Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Program
We are also pleased to offer our newest initiative, the FNHPA Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Program. This program is designed to be the premier source for education and training for First Nation Lands individuals and Housing Staff. Our aim is to provide Housing Professionals and First Nation communities with comprehensive resources to effectively educate their members about MRP and The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights (FHRMIRA) legislation.
To advance this objective, we initiated a nationwide media campaign in the latter part of the 2023/2024 fiscal year. These announcements were disseminated across Canada to all First Nation communities, Tribal Councils, and Housing and Lands Departments. FNHPA has also integrated Centre of Excellence Matrimonial Real Properties (COEMRP) resources into our website, creating a new section dedicated to MRP information. You can now find resources including toolkits, videos, and legal documents, through the FNHPA website. We are also redesigning materials to cater specifically Housing Professionals so they can effectively implement MRP legislation in communities.
Four Regional Consultants also being recruited to support the planning, development, and execution of the MRP Program for First Nation communities in the regions of British Columbia/Yukon/Northwest Territories, Alberta/Saskatchewan, Manitoba/Ontario and Quebec/Atlantic.
Should you wish to delve deeper into MRP, will be hosting a pre-conference workshop on the subject during our 3rd Annual National Conference in November. You can also find more information on our website.
Membership
Additionally, we offer an annual membership that grants you access to various benefits, including networking opportunities, our comprehensive knowledge centre housing over 600 resources in English and 150 in French, career support services, and discounted rates for our annual conference and trade show.
To qualify as a candidate member of FNHPA, you must be employed in First Nations housing management or express an interest in joining this field, along with fulfilling the necessary membership fee payment. We offer several membership categories tailored to your preferences. If you require guidance on selecting the appropriate category, feel free to reach out to our Membership Department or visit our website.
At FNHPA, we are dedicated to empowering housing professionals throughout Canada. We endeavor to develop tools, resources, and programs that enhance the capabilities of both our members and First Nations organizations. We invite you to participate in our third annual National Conference, scheduled for Nov. 26-28, 2024, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Center in Toronto to discover more.