RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - UNDERSTANDING RECONCILIATION
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One person commented that language around reconciliation is often used in BC Housing’s program and project descriptions that have an Indigenous focus. However, they noted that reconciliation is not often used within non- Indigenous program descriptions, objectives, or purposes. This statement means that reconciliation is not necessarily viewed as a process for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Having said that, BC Housing needs to review how reconciliation is used and whether it is viewed as a process involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as well as a process between Indigenous people and government.
Why This Is Important BC Housing needs to use the term reconciliation and speak about what it means – understanding past harms and taking corrective action – and ensuring discriminatory practices do not occur now or in the future. This comment means that those interacting with BC Housing hear the words but do not see how what reconciliation stands for is actually being implemented.
A handful of people were not aware of ways that BC Housing supports reconciliation. We also heard from one person that BC Housing engages in conversations about reconciliation and TRC’s Calls to Action but does not support reconciliation through specific actions. They shared, “I feel [BC Housing] speaks a lot about [reconciliation] and the Truth and Reconciliation, but when it comes down to it, they don’t really back it up.” 4.3.1.3 Areas for Improvement Many Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations
Why This Is Important These comments regarding paternalism and decolonized approaches speak to the need for BC Housing to build a deeper meaning of
expressed that BC Housing’s past approaches to reconciliation have felt colonial or paternalistic. For example, some people mentioned that steps such as becoming PAR certified or devolving the Indigenous housing portfolio to AHMA seemed unauthentic or like BC Housing was trying to “tick a box” on a reconciliation checklist. We also heard from one respondent that the Indigenous Housing Fund is not fully reflective of a decolonized approach to reconciling with Indigenous peoples. They explained: “Indigenous organizations are vying for funding. It’s very colonized. The funding is like a carrot being dangled on a stick by the government and everyone is chasing the money. - Indigenous Housing Provider
reconciliation and demonstrate action
consistent with this meaning – understanding past harms caused to Indigenous people and supporting meaningful self-determination, equity and fairness.
Several people suggested that BC Housing needs to develop a deeper understanding of reconciliation and decolonize their approaches. We heard from multiple respondents that reconciliation is a long process and that it will take time to see progressive change within BC Housing.
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