After months of waiting, there are finally some signs of progress in the rundown reserve of Attawapiskat, Ontario.
A severe housing crisis forced the community to declare a state of emergency this past fall. But now, foundations have been dug out for the installation of five new modular homes. The first house is expected to move onto a lot this week.
However, with only 22 structures being shipped in, the more than 90 residents who need a roof over their head are wondering who will win the home lottery - and who will be left out in the cold.
Theresa Spence, Attawapiskat's band council chief, says there's no question more homes are desperately needed. "Twenty-two is not enough. We're in crisis."
She adds 300 people are on the waiting list for new homes. "It's getting worse. We've been asking the government to provide more funding and really provide a better future for our housing."
"We need the government to come and help us out."
New housing isn't the only concern. Spence is in court fighting Ottawa's assignment of a third party to manage the reserve. She says an outsider isn't the answer to their problems.
"This is what the government needs to understand - when we ask for help, it's 'come and help us' - not to put a third party in our community."
Spence says, "When you put 'third party' in, it says, 'I'm taking away from you and I can do a better job.' That's not the solution."
"We don't have financial problems like the government said - that we mismanaged the money. We declared an emergency and we need to focus on the emergency. And we're glad these trailers are here and we're going to work with (the government) to get more (trailers), but we need the government's help. Not the third party's."
There is speculation Spence's common-law partner, who also helps look over Attawapiskat's finances, is in danger of losing his job because of the third party management. Spence declined to comment.
In an e-mail to Global News, Aboriginal Affairs says "The third party manager stands ready to pay all invoices with the costs associated for the site preparation."
In the meantime, Spence says she is proud of her community during this crisis. "These people are the true heroes - that live in these sheds... The government needs to recognize that...and the crisis we have in our community."
With files from Jennifer Tryon
© Shaw Media Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.