RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION
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Category
Housing Issues or Needs
• Housing design needs to respect and reflect the diversity of Indigenous cultures and adapt to the unique needs and values of each Nation and community. • Culturally appropriate spaces are important to Indigenous Nations and communities to gather with family, celebrate and mourn (e.g., outdoor spaces for people to connect with the land, larger kitchen sizes). • There is a need for larger living spaces and 4-5-bedroom homes to accommodate larger family sizes as well as smaller housing for individuals. • Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations commented on the importance of avoiding separating Elders from their families. One person proposed the option of ‘in-law’ suites within family homes, so that Elders can continue living in the same household. Another respondent indicated they receive many requests, particularly from seniors, to adapt their homes to their ageing needs. • There is a need to build the capacity of housing managers to be able to leverage funding opportunities and develop long-term housing strategies for their communities. • There is also a need to develop the skillsets of community members to enable them to maintain or repair their homes. • The quality of homes built under the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs in the 1950s was lacking, below standard, and has contributed to widespread issues for on-reserve housing such as mold, poor air ventilation, etc. o Although the federal government is beginning to provide funding for renovating these homes, it is not nearly enough. • We heard that housing is inherently connected to all other social determinants of health, and that it is therefore important to provide funding for support services in housing projects. • Respondents recognized that BC Housing’s mandate is primarily housing but pointed out that addressing the housing needs of Indigenous populations will require addressing needs related to health, education, employment, food security, etc. • Housing is needed to ensure the safety of women and children fleeing abusive situations. • Transitional housing for vulnerable populations dealing with homelessness or addictions is also needed. • Housing design should consider accessibility requirements for people with disabilities. • Consideration should be given to the ease of access to transportation and other services.
Incorporating Indigenous Culture and Needs
Building Capacity
Improving Housing Quality
Taking a Holistic Approach to Housing
Providing Safe and Accessible Housing
Most Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations agreed that BC Housing currently addresses Indigenous housing needs by providing funding and housing programs that support the Indigenous population. For example, we heard that BC Housing’s $550 million investment into the Indigenous Housing Fund has made a significant difference in the Indigenous housing sector and that many Nations and communities are taking advantage of the opportunity. One person pointed out that it has resulted in the province delivering more Indigenous housing units than anywhere else in Canada.
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