RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION
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respect to how BC Housing can rectify past harm and use this knowledge to build reconciliation. A couple of people emphasized the need to hire or procure services directly from Nations and communities. One staff member explained that hiring someone from within a community is a more effective strategy than hiring external consultants since community members have knowledge and expertise about the community, as well as well-established relationships. BC HOUSING BOARD 7.3.3.1 Ways BC Housing Supports Reconciliation We heard from Board members that reconciliation is currently supported by BC Housing through collaborative relationships and funding opportunities. A few members commented on BC Housing’s partnerships with Indigenous communities. They highlighted the work that BC Housing and communities are doing to put relationship protocols in place. They also shared that they believe that BC Housing does a good job listening and asking communities what their needs are. A couple of people see AHMA as playing an essential role in BC Housing’s reconciliation journey. As one member explained, “…We really rely on organizations like AHMA. We indicate to them that they need to reach out to other organizations and communities and bring this feedback to BC Housing. That’s how the current process works. – BC Housing Board Member In terms of funding, members shared that BC Housing sets aside specific funding for Indigenous housing projects through AHMA and the Indigenous Housing Fund. 7.3.3.2 Areas for Improvement
Transparency and inclusion are important values of reconciliation. We heard that BC Housing could be doing more to enhance transparency and involve Indigenous groups in decision-making and planning processes. Board members stressed that Indigenous groups need to be informed about how or why a decision gets made, and also be given the opportunity to inform the decision- making processes (e.g., decisions such as the Indigenous Housing Fund).
Why This Is Important
The fundamental aspects of reconciliation are provided in these comments. These include open communication, supporting Indigenous autonomy, expanding relationships, ongoing dialogue, and broader engagement.
Some Board members further elaborated that the goal of reconciliation should be to support Indigenous autonomy and self-determination. From this perspective, BC Housing should be moving authority to Indigenous groups to lead the decision-making processes. One Board member suggested that this could take the form of an Indigenous advisory committee that
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