RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION
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Streamlining the Process Several people commented that there seems to be a disconnect between municipal, provincial, and federal housing policy processes. They indicated that there needs to be more collaboration between BC Housing and other governing bodies such as ISC, Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and local municipalities in order to streamline the housing model and processes for Indigenous Nations and communities. Importantly, these conversations should involve Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations as equal partners. Taking a Holistic Approach
Why This Is Important This section is important because it speaks to the need to take a comprehensive approach to understanding the mechanisms and pathways to support more collaboration between agencies and Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. In addition, this collaboration needs to explore advancing Indigenous self-determination within the housing development and management context.
Respondents also emphasized the connection between housing and health and the need to address other social determinants of health in order to meet Indigenous housing needs. Several people spoke to the importance of offering supportive services to tenants, particularly in life skills and healing from trauma. Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations urged BC Housing to collaborate with governing bodies and organizations outside of housing (e.g., the health sector). They suggested that BC Housing enhance their partnerships with the Ministry of Health, First Nations Health Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health, and other health agencies. “… We pushed the fact that it is not just about housing, but that it is about meeting the educational needs, the food security needs, tenant support, and mental health issues. – Indigenous Housing Provider “[BC Housing] has an opportunity to say Housing First approaches need to also incorporate spiritual and cultural supports for healing trauma. – Organization
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