RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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MESSAGE FROM BC HOUSING This report, along with ongoing dialogue, will inform how BC Housing moves forward in supporting reconciliation through a strategy and a plan developed collaboratively with interested Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. BC Housing understands that doing this work needs to reflect the principles inherent to reconciliation and embrace meaningful action. BC Housing will continue to build relationships and plan the next phase of engagement on reconciliation in partnership with individuals and organizations interested in further engagement on the development of the Reconciliation Strategy. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In September 2019, BC Housing initiated the first step in developing a Reconciliation Strategy. This involved initial engagement with BC Housing’s staff, Board of Commissioners, and Indigenous partners on what they would like to see reflected in the Reconciliation Strategy and ideas for next steps in developing the Strategy. Once developed, the Reconciliation Strategy will serve as a roadmap for how BC Housing approaches reconciliation. It will include clear goals, objectives, and actions that align with Indigenous perspectives and documents such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. BC Housing commissioned Two Worlds Consulting (TWC) to lead discussions with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations, BC Housing staff, and BC Housing’s Board of Commissioners regarding how to develop a Reconciliation Strategy. Engagement occurred between December 2019 and June 2020 and included organizations with whom BC Housing has a business relationship. The engagement activities included: • Twenty-three phone interviews with BC Housing staff; • Seven phone interviews with BC Housing Board members; and, • Thirty-nine phone discussions and five written submissions from representatives of Indigenous housing providers and organizations, Indigenous non-housing organizations, and Nations with whom BC Housing had an existing relationship. A large portion of this engagement took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed increased pressure on BC Housing and Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations as they addressed COVID-related matters and emergencies. Although TWC’s engagement plan was not significantly impacted by the pandemic, COVID-19 health and safety requirements have implications for BC Housing and the Reconciliation Steering Committee as they continue to advance work on developing the Reconciliation Strategy. The “Reconciliation: Moving Forward Together” Report (the Report) captures the perspectives of all participants on how BC Housing can act on a collaborative basis with their partners to support reconciliation. Key topic areas include understanding reconciliation, transforming organizational culture, building relationships, supporting reconciliation, and measuring success. The Report includes ideas and opinions on reconciliation, including their personal
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