Learning together: Building local construction capacity through distance education

In 2022, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs-in-Assembly approved a new Housing Strategy to address the ongoing shortage and inadequacy of housing across its 49 First Nations communities in northern Ontario. Developed in partnership with Together Design Lab, under the leadership of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) professor Shelagh McCartney from the School of Urban and Regional Planning, the strategy was shaped through engagement with more than 400 NAN members over four years.

During the development of the Housing Strategy, a series of community priorities were identified. These included a need for increased local capacity development and training to support housing construction. In response, two innovative distance learning courses were launched in early 2025. 

“The development of these courses has been years in the making,” said professor McCartney. “We have heard repeatedly from NAN community members who want to learn more about housing construction and project management to better serve their communities. We are excited to be able to support their learning through the launch of these courses.”

A course designed for NAN housing professionals

The Introduction to Construction Project Management for Housing in NAN Communities and Introduction to Tendering and Procurement for Housing in NAN Communities courses were developed for distance-learning and are available asynchronously, meaning there is no set class schedule, so students can participate at their convenience. Focused on the roles, issues and needs of housing professionals in NAN territory, the courses equip learners with foundational knowledge to manage local construction projects. The aim is to reduce reliance on external contractors and support housing “by First Nations, for First Nations.” 

Insights from housing experts were combined with case studies relevant to NAN communities, such as the impact of winter road access and climate change on the scheduling and availability of materials. These case studies provide grounded examples to help learners better understand the construction process and begin to apply project management principles, such as risk assessment and monitoring, to their own practice and communities.

In February and June 2025, the courses were successfully piloted over eight-weeks through live-streamed lectures and discussions offered by Wahsa Distance Education Centre, an experienced and trusted provider of distance education in the North.

“We offered the pilot courses live because we want to create a cohort of people that could come together in a live setting,” said professor McCartney. “We're hoping they will tell other people who will join the asynchronous courses and continue community discussions.”

Freely available to NAN housing professionals and community members, the pilot courses were completed by housing managers, landscape contractors, Chiefs, community members and economic development staff from 15 different First Nations. Communities represented in both cohorts included Mattagami First Nation, Webequie First Nation, Weenusk First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Aroland First Nation, Matachewan First Nation, Fort Severn First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation and Bearskin Lake First Nation.

New tools for community-driven housing

Feedback gathered during the pilot courses helped refine the asynchronous versions, now available as open-access, pre-recorded video modules. Both courses were developed through a partnership between NAN, Together Design Lab, Wahsa Distance Education Centre and TMU’s Faculty of Community Services. 

Learn more about Nishnawbe Aski Nation. (external link) 

Learn more about Together Design Lab at TMU. (external link) 

Learn more about the Wahsa Distance Education Center. (external link)