Dene Healthy Housing in Manitoba - new approaches for designing health equity

Sekuwe: My House. Dene First Nation's Perspectives on Health Housing

CMHC President's Medal Award

Housing Matters an Urban Institute Initiative

---

Radon Study

In 2015 Northlands Denesuline First Nation (NDFN) partnered with Sayisi Dene First Nation, the University of Manitoba and the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program to obtain funding from Health Canada for the First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program. The project  measured Radon levels in houses in the two Dene communities and plan for mitigation if necessary. 

• Houses in Northlands Denesuline First Nation and Sayisi Dene First Nation was tested for radon. 
• Members from each community were trained and certified in the Radon Certification Program. 
• Open seminars on radon, radon detection, data collection and research methods occurred during a “Radon Education Week”. 
• Community members were hired to install the radon detectors. The detectors were kept in people’s homes for up to 6 months and then sent for testing. 
• Letters were sent  (similar to the one located at the end of this information sheet) indicating the level of radon in the houses that were tested.