RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - APPENDICES
F-4
2. Do you have any changes or additions to the What We Heard section regarding Understanding Reconciliation? There is discussion about 'On Reserve' housing through the IHF. This does not align with Métis needs as we are a non-land based Nation in that we do not have Reserves. It seems like you need to make this point more clearly as it looks as though BC Housing is only looking to develop housing On Reserve. If this is the case it actively works against the Métis. No. I like the approach to include all voices and utilize an approach that valued all voices. The work of reconciliation, at the local community level, cannot fall on the indigenous communities alone. The BC Housing reconciliation document and recommendations focusses largely on engagement with Indigenous communities. It is important that Non-Indigenous Organizations, who are already providing housing via provincial BC Housing funding, are educated on the importance of reconciliation, are well versed in BC Housing’s Reconciliation strategy and are required/mandated by BC Housing to do better - to dramatically change and become accountable to key principles of Reconciliation. Having the BC Housing employees, especially the front-line staff have a better understanding of what Reconciliation is, and why there is reconciliation in place for the Indigenous people. Does this include the organizations that are accepted with the grants that BC Housing gives; as they represent BC Housing. Many organizations that are granted with funds, do they an understanding of reconciliation? Table F-2: Feedback on Section 5 Transforming Organization Culture 1. Do you have any changes or additions to the Transforming Organization Culture Recommendations? Ensure that the specific needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are differentiated so as not to lump all three cultural groups into one 'Indigenous' category. One area that appears to be missing from the report and the recommendations, is the current reality of housing provision for Indigenous peoples off reserve. In many, many communities, non-indigenous organizations, with not even one Indigenous board member, are managing housing where the vast majority of tenants are Indigenous people living off reserve. Meanwhile, Indigenous organization are working hard to build capacity to develop and run housing for Indigenous peoples with very little support or funding. Knowingly or unknowingly, many non-Indigenous organizations, are continuing to perpetuate colonial structures, inequity and systemic racism in their management approaches, at every level, including board, management and frontline staff. In the short-term, there needs to be an entire section of your strategy dedicated to off reserve housing challenges for Indigenous Peoples. This section must be focused on ensuring organizations who are funded by BC housing throughout the province, particularly those who
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