RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - APPENDICES
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Culturally appropriate and creative responses, that do not feel colonial or institutional need to be considered to recognize that there is no quick fix for trauma, cultural connection and approaches to housing and homelessness supports can begin this journey, save and transform lives. Perhaps there should be a mandatory cultural sensitivity course on the Indigenous History, for all employees that work for BC Housing. The reconciliation has to be within the organization. In order to do your best, with Indigenous people, you would have to understand the history. As stated above there are multiple barriers that the Indigenous people have to maintain stable housing. The well-being, Mental Health, Addictions, and the trauma; this is a ripple affect from Residential school, the 60 scoop. A culture sensitive course will be beneficial to the BC Housing staff. As the employees would have a better understanding to why the Indigenous people face these barriers, and understand that there are such diversity and multiple cultures within the Indigenous peoples of BC. As stated in the Drafting report page 41 “A few people commented that reconciliation is about building healthy communities. This includes creating a sense of belonging, as well as addressing issues within communities to support the well-being of the collective membership.” In order to work with the Indigenous population, the inclusion of the Indigenous people should be heard. Having an Indigenous person to be a represent on the board, or people that are well educated with the Indigenous culture. There should be a representative person(s). This would be such a great pivotal move within the BC Housing organization. On Page 51; follow through with the suggestions made to have a representation of Indigenous peoples within the organization, and the board. Showing the Indigenous people that they are heard. Reconciliation of the two worlds. The Indigenous world, and the Western ways. Incorporating both worlds would be a great foundation towards working with the Indigenous people. The Indigenous Culture, the Identity of the Indigenous people, creating opportunity for both worlds to collide within the organization. In the draft it says that BC housing supports reconciliation. It does not give the details of what BC housing does in these supports. The collaboration with Indigenous communities and organization is a step in the right direction to Reconciliation. With that being said, the barriers that are faced with the indigenous people are the mental health and addictions. There are multiple barriers that are faced with Indigenous people that prevents them from staying housed. Lack of resources, lack of cultural identity. The housing complexes, apartments, are they close to resources? Do some of the complexes take the housing first approach, with all the resources under one roof ( Resources in the same building of these homes/complexes/apartments). What collaborations does BC Housing have with the reserves? When it comes to the BC Housing staff showing commitment by being readily available, and attentive to their needs; are they culturally sensitive? Page 42.
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