Holmes tackles First Nations housing

A First Nations reserve will soon play host to the country's most famous home-renovator in an effort to overhaul housing conditions in that community.

The Assembly of First Nations announced Wednesday that a partnership agreement has been signed with Mike Holmes, star of the home-renovation show Holmes on Homes, and his company, The Holmes Group.

The AFN's agreement with Holmes establishes a pilot project to build energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes and other infrastructure in a select First Nation community.

Over the next month, the AFN and Holmes will choose which reserve community will become the site of the project, the AFN said.

"It's not about us anymore, it's about the kids, it's about the next generation — and if we don't do something about it we're going to have a big problem," Holmes told CBC News.

The agreement was announced at the AFN's annual general assembly taking place in Winnipeg.

"The neglect and poor conditions for housing found in many First Nations communities must be addressed immediately," Holmes said.

What happens during the pilot project will lead to the design of a community-planning document that other First Nations can use in the future.

A national centre will be created to provide guides, models and examples of best practices to any reserve in need.

Another key part of the partnership is developing work skills for people living on reserves, the AFN said.