RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - BACKGROUND
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Training Opportunity
Details
Description
Annual Diversity and Inclusion Forums
Optional; open to all staff
BC Housing’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee host this optional forum that serves as a safe and open space for BC Housing staff to discuss diversity and inclusion within the organization.
Source: BC Housing Document Review, 2019.
3.1.1.3 Policies and Planning BC Housing has developed policies to increase its collaboration with Indigenous Nations and promote culturally sensitive approaches. While the organization is developing goals and objectives that align with equity and reconciliation, based on the evidence and results of the document review, it remains unclear whether the organization is effectively implementing them or if they remain aspirational. We heard from multiple respondents that the intents of BC Housing’s CEO and leadership team do not always translate down to other staff in the organization, and that this is a gap that needs to be addressed. This section provides a review and analysis of only the existing policies and plans in BC Housing. As mentioned above, TWC recommends that BC Housing commission a comprehensive review of its business practices and policies, including a gap analysis to identify policies that might be missing (e.g., anti-racism), and an assessment of existing policies to determine if they are effective, current and consistent with reconciliation. Moreover, the gaps in BC Housing’s policies and practices will be more clearly identified through further engagement with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations on the development of a Reconciliation Strategy. The Indigenous Procurement Policy uses procurement practices to support Indigenous business development. BC Housing sets aside 10% of procurement for Indigenous businesses and in some cases, sets aside procurement exclusively for Indigenous businesses. 35 In 2018, the organization actively worked with 19 Indigenous-led vendors on new projects and led outreach in Prince George and Kamloops. 36 BC Housing’s procurement initiatives have also led to the employment of Indigenous youth through internship opportunities and programs such as BladeRunners and Tradeworks. However, BC Housing does not set specific targets in this area, 37 which might make it challenging to achieve sustainable outcomes in Indigenous youth employment. In 2016, BC Housing adopted an Indigenous Strategy that provides a clearer direction for enhancing their Indigenous partnerships. This strategy is embedded within the organization’s annual service plans and is intended to help address housing issues such as “over
35 BC Housing Policy: Indigenous Procurement Policy 2018. 36 BC Housing PAR Submission 2018. 37 Ibid.
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