RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
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“We find our current situation to be like a forced relationship. We weren’t asked to be a part of the Aboriginal Management Housing Association (AHMA). It was forced upon us. – Indigenous Housing Provider However, we also heard that BC Housing’s efforts to enhance its Indigenous-focused positions internally has created confusion for Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations and that it is not clear to them who they should turn to for different issues. They also suggested that this could potentially be contributing to tension or a sense of competition between BC Housing and AHMA because there is a duplication of services. In response to the idea that AHMA does not represent a government-to-government relationship, some respondents urged BC Housing to go beyond the UNDRIP definitions of only acknowledging government-to- government relationships to include the perspectives of the urban Indigenous population, which make up nearly eighty percent of the Indigenous population. Inherent Structural Barriers About one fifth (9 out of 44) of the respondents raised the issue of inherent structural barriers within BC Housing such as limited organizational capacity and ‘staff being on different pages.’ Six of the respondents (14 percent) mentioned that there is currently not enough internal capacity within BC Housing to build, maintain and enhance its Indigenous relationships. Specifically, we heard from a couple of people that Indigenous Relations within BC Housing is supported by only one individual, which not only places pressure on that staff member, but also presents challenges in terms of being able to build close relationships with the vast amount of Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations across the province. We also heard that staff in other areas of the organization (e.g., Women’s Transition Housing and Supports) need additional support as well. “With folks like BC Hydro, you see them at every Indigenous conference, and you start to build a relationship with them. You learn about their new programs coming out that will reach the communities. – Indigenous Nation
A few respondents said that because there are varying levels of understanding reconciliation within BC Housing, it sometimes leads to problems with respect to BC Housing’s relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. A couple of people noted that there is a strong level of understanding and intent at the executive and leadership level of BC Housing, but that the level of understanding decreases as you go further down the organization’s internal structure.
Why This Is Important This is a useful and important observation and perspective for BC Housing to learn. Further education, training and discussion within BC Housing will be important to help build and sustain positive relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations.
“Because the BC Housing CEO’s intent doesn’t always translate down to his staff in trying to understand reconciliation, they end up throwing their hands up and walking away, instead of
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