NorthSalt River First Nation celebrated the grand opening of its new subdivision in Fort Smith, N.W.T., last week. Five modular homes are already in place with longer-term plans for over 200 new homes.Chief Toni Heron says project marks a turning point for housing in her communityCarla Ulrich · CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2025 6:19 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 17Salt River First Nation Chief Toni Heron with N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson cutting the ribbon last week on the First Nation’s new housing subdivision in Fort Smith. The long-awaited housing project represents a milestone, says Heron. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)Salt River First Nation (SRFN) held a grand opening last week for its new subdivision in Fort Smith, N.W.T.Four modular homes have gone up this year, with plans to add single elder units by next year.Roadwork for the neighbourhood began in 2022 after the First Nation was granted $16.8 million in federal funding in August 2020.Chief Toni Heron said the grand opening honoured both the resilience of Salt River First Nation and its deep ties to Treaty 8, which was intended to open the North to settlement and resource development.”It’s a story about the promises made,” she said. “Which tested our resilience, and today a successful future built on the foundation of a landmark agreement — our treaty.”Heron said the grand opening honoured both the resilience of Salt River First Nation and its deep ties to Treaty 8. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)The ceremony was held at the new subdivision. Heron joined Fort Smith residents, SRFN members and former chiefs, dignitaries, and local leaders and officials from the Thebacha Leadership Council to cut a yellow ribbon.The long-awaited housing project represents a milestone, says Heron. It marks a turning point for the First Nation and an invitation for members to return home.”When we look at what we have achieved,” she said, “we see houses that are on the ground, we see a beautiful road that goes through here, and it’s just going to continue.”While the First Nation has faced challenges in the past, Heron said the ceremony was about highlighting the progress being made toward a stronger future.Andon Macdonald, left, and Henry Heron were among those invited to tour the houses after the ceremony last week. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)Families are expected to move in to the new subdivision homes within the next month or so, once water hookups are complete and a selection committee makes final decisions about who gets the new homes.N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson, who spoke at the event, said the project is a powerful example of what First Nations can achieve with community development in the North.”This is what we’re working towards in the North,” he said. “This is an example of a First Nation exercising their rights, using their land, and exercising self-determination.”Simpson said Salt River’s treaty land entitlement provided the foundation for growth, enabling projects like the subdivision. He said the development addresses a critical need for housing and offers hope for future generations.Simpson, who spoke at the event, said the project is a powerful example of what First Nations can achieve with community development in the North. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)”Seeing these housing units here, seeing this development, is going to give people that hope that they need to come back,” he said. “And so I think that this is very valuable.”Heron said the subdivision is being built in phases with several larger family homes planned for the future. The site is zoned for 120 houses, with room to expand further.During the opening ceremony, the First Nation unveiled civic addresses for the future homes. Streets in the new neighbourhood are named after past leaders, including Chief Beaver Road, Chief Squirrel Avenue, and Chief Schaefer Road.The housing project is only the beginning, said Heron. An Enrichment Centre will be built on McDougall Road and is expected to open next year. It will focus on programming for children and youth.The site is zoned for 120 houses, with room to expand further. Streets in the new neighbourhood are named after past leaders, including Chief Beaver Road, Chief Squirrel Avenue, and Chief Schaefer Road. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)Plans are also underway to convert the former men’s jail into a wellness centre, with renovations to begin soon. The centre will serve members awaiting treatment or returning from programs outside the territory.”We want to encourage our members [to] come on home,” she said. “I would love to see our young people really prosper, not only in their education, in every way possible.”Heron hopes the momentum continues even after the First Nation’s next election in November.ABOUT THE AUTHORCarla Ulrich is a video journalist with CBC North in Fort Smith, N.W.T. Reach her at carla.ulrich@cbc.ca.
‘Come on home’: Salt River First Nation celebrates long-awaited subdivision development in Fort Smith, N.W.T.
