Students at Hammarskjold high school earn their credits building tiny homes

KZ Lodge students at Hammarskjold high school in Thunder Bay are showing off a tiny home they built themselves throughout the school year. 

The homes, despite their size, feature a compact yet cozy living room, kitchen, restroom, and bedroom.

First Nations students in Grades 10 to 12  built the home over the past year through the Indigenous Skills Training program and earned school credit. 

Tim Aylward, an outdoor instructor at Hammarskjold, described the program as a great opportunity for Indigenous youth to gain experience in the trades. 

He praised the teamwork and success earned from the students' hard work.

"I love working with these kids. They are absolutely amazing day in, day out. They're here ready to work. They're always happy, and it's a great opportunity for them," Aylward said. 

Leland Waboose, a student at the high school from Eabametoong First Nation, known in English as Fort Hope, reflected on similar sentiments. He expressed his fulfillment in seeing the class project come to fruition, along with the rewarding knowledge that comes with it.

"That's teamwork right there," he said. "We're all getting to know each other as a classmate too. And … it's for everyone to learn and express their leadership skills and what they know."

Alyssa Moonias, another student at Hammarskjold from Marten Falls First Nation, says that after the current home was completed, she gained interest in pursuing a career in the field. 

"I really enjoyed working on painting the walls, like putting like the cement up," Moonias said. "Basically just like the finishing touches, making it look all nice."

One way to tackle the housing crisis 

Project leaders say they hope the homes being built can help address the need for housing – not only in Thunder Bay, but also in other northwestern Ontario communities. 

Bonnie Krysowaty is co-ordinator of the Lakehead Social Planning Council's poverty reduction strategy, and is involved with the Thunder Bay Tiny Homes committee.

Krysowaty voiced the importance of the school's project, not only for the Indigenous students to gain skills, but to also address poverty and housing issues within the region at the same time. 

"We want people to know that it's important for youth to learn skills and trades as a poverty reduction method. There's so much involved here," she said. 

"These homes are easy to pick up and transport. The one here is going to Ginoogaming First Nation," Krysowaty said.

"We know about the housing crisis in Thunder Bay, but on reserve, it can be even more dire. So there's that, but also, too, just people understanding that tiny homes can be built in many different ways and that they really are an amazing option."