RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - UNDERSTANDING RECONCILIATION
PAGE 46
Staff familiarity with UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action varied. While three-quarters of the staff respondents showed familiarity with these documents, eight indicated they had only some or little familiarity, and two indicated they had no familiarity. 59 A couple of respondents keep UNDRIP and TRC booklets (provided by BC Housing Human Resources) at their desks. There was a general sense that UNDRIP and TRC are important, but most respondents did not or could not describe relevant articles or sections. One respondent indicated that BC Housing did not encourage them to become familiar with the documents. When asked how they embrace and implement reconciliation within their work, most staff
Why This Is Important BC Housing needs to facilitate knowledge and understanding among staff throughout the organization on the key components and impacts of UNDRIP and TRC through engaging Indigenous speakers and knowledge holders. Providing booklets for staff to retain on their desks for reference is not sufficient to building a deep and meaningful understanding.
responded that they work to build respectful or collaborative relationships with Indigenous Nations. This includes responsive and ongoing communication, listening, building relationships
built on trust, and taking the time to understand Indigenous communities’ needs, frustrations, and how BC Housing can perform their work in response. “I keep in touch, follow up, and check in with communities. I want to keep the conversation going to build the relationship. I try and get to know people outside of the work bubble— I personally think that when we work with a community it is more than just work—you are building a friendship. – BC Housing Staff One third of respondents commented that they respect cultural diversity and the unique needs of Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations through their work. One example provided was being sensitive to the specific needs of Indigenous
Why This Is Important These perspectives indicate a wide range of understandings and views regarding reconciliation. Working to address disparities is important to reconciliation; however, this should be done with Indigenous people and not for Indigenous people. Understanding whether and how reconciliation applies to BC Housing’s work requires discussion and education among staff – how can BC Housing play a role in addressing past harms and ensure discrimination-free practices in their work.
peoples in the design of a shelter (e.g., programming and staffing) and cultural
considerations (e.g., layout). Staff expressed that they have a lot to learn with working on-Nation.
While there was an overall sense of respect for Indigenous peoples, colloquial language was sometimes used when discussing reconciliation. For example, terms and phrases such as ‘lifting them up’, ‘impoverished’, ‘training them how to do things in a more efficient way’ were used when describing Indigenous peoples or what BC Housing was doing for and with Indigenous
59 One respondent did not answer.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online