RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION
PAGE 97
that BC Housing is working closely with its Indigenous partners to determine what projects will look like.
“I have found that sometimes Indigenous communities are in shock when BC Housing asks them how they want the housing to be structured. There is still a process, but there are parts of it where we work collectively. We educate the Indigenous communities on what the process is and what it means to them. – BC Housing Staff Member
Why This Is Important Paternalistic tones are sometimes apparent when BC Housing staff are talking about Indigenous self-determination. This speaks to the need for BC Housing to build a deeper meaning and understanding of reconciliation and action it through supporting meaningful self-determination.
We also heard that BC Housing has shifted its approaches to project planning in recent years to allow more room for Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations to take control of the projects and lead decision-making processes. For example, staff emphasized that projects and proposals under the 2018 Indigenous Housing Fund were driven by community needs. As one staff member explained, “Indigenous communities are not being
Why This Is Important The concepts shared in relation to decision-making and control are important and fundamental to reconciliation. The approach needs to reflect Indigenous rights and Indigenous self- determination. It is not so much about making room but acknowledging and recognizing self-determination.
involved in BC Housing projects; BC Housing is being involved in Indigenous communities’ projects… We are not deciding that we need to build a project in a specific location. Nations are deciding that. – BC Housing Staff Member
7.3.2.4 Areas for Improvement We heard from several staff that BC Housing could be doing more to approach reconciliation from the perspective of Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. They suggested that BC Housing learn about the frameworks Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations operate under (e.g. decision-making and approval processes) and adapt their approaches to fit within these frameworks. A few staff also recommended that BC Housing recruit talent from within Indigenous communities where possible and take a strengths-based approach by
Why This Is Important There are many insights offered into understanding and supporting reconciliation. More exploration is needed regarding how BC Housing can undertake increased learning on an ongoing basis in order to meaningful adapt its decision-making and approval processes.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online