RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
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This means undertaking engagement and relationship-building with more Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations to diversify input and dialogue on housing issues. A couple of staff members explained that BC Housing needs to practice transparency and share information more openly with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. For example, before an Indigenous Nation, community or organization enters into an MOU or agreement with BC Housing, BC Housing should clearly explain their intent and what the expectations are once the agreement is signed. Hiring Indigenous staff and recruiting Board members that represent the individuals BC Housing is trying to build relationships with is important. One staff member suggested that BC Housing look to the YVR Airport for a best practice in this regard, explaining how YVR has a policy that all self-identifying Indigenous people are automatically qualified for an interview. “Sometimes the engagement doesn’t seem authentic or that it’s more about our image or the individuals involved and where they are coming from (guilt). Well intentioned and wanting to help, but not necessarily allowing Indigenous communities to lead. – BC Housing Staff Member “How and when we choose/select to invite different people to the table says a lot about our focus and mandate. So, when I see people that don’t have a voice or a space at the table that’s really problematic for me. I think that that is a vibe that is felt across the various Indigenous-serving community groups and Indigenous communities and hasn’t gone unrecognized. – BC Housing Staff Member BC HOUSING BOARD 6.3.3.1 Nature of BC Housing’s Relationships
Overall, the Board described BC Housing’s relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations as positive. Their understanding is that BC Housing is available to assist and provide support to Indigenous housing providers in the form of funding. Board members noted that BC Housing works collaboratively with AHMA. In the past, the Board has worked with AHMA to co-develop training materials for housing providers to ensure cultural sensitivity within housing provision. However, we also heard that there may be room to improve the ways in which AHMA and BC Housing work together. The relationship between BC Housing’s Board and Indigenous organizations is still relatively new and being explored. Several members mentioned that the Board is taking small steps to pursue relationships, including
Why This Is Important The Board’s perspective is that BC Housing has a positive relationship foundation between BC Housing and Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. However, supporting Indigenous communities and organizations is primarily through funding. The Board noted that there can be improvements and that members are interested in exploring their role in building these relationships.
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