RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION
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Building Capacity Many respondents expressed that BC
Why This Is Important Article 21 of UNDRIP calls upon governments to take action in supporting Indigenous people’s pursuit of economic and social well-being, including housing. UNDRIP emphasizes that special attention should be given to satisfying rights and needs of Indigenous Elders, women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities (UNDRIP). The comment that BC Housing support for Indigenous housing is primarily financial reflects a transactional relationship with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations. The concept of a transactional relationship reflects a more colonial approach - an approach that lacks in cultural understanding, doesn't focus on building capacity and is prescriptive.
Housing’s current approach to addressing Indigenous housing needs is often in the form of financial support. They suggested that this approach does not help Indigenous Nations, communities, or organizations that do not yet have the capacity to develop housing within their communities.
“In terms of keeping it maintained, Nations could use some help there. You’d have to approach that delicately though. You don’t want to come in and make assumptions that they can’t manage the property, but it could be done in the form of educational resources to support Nations with construction standards and managing rental homes. – Indigenous Nation
Several people mentioned that Indigenous peoples are looking for a “hand up,” as opposed to a “handout.” They emphasized needing support with enhancing/enforcing
policy and developing long-term housing strategies and plans. We also heard that sharing information about BC Housing program processes would help Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations understand the processes better. One respondent also explained that lack of clarity and transparency from government bodies about program processes perpetuates a paternalistic relationship. They suggested that BC Housing communicate details about the program process such as the length of the Ministerial Loan Guarantees (MLGs) and the number of MLGs that Indigenous Services Canada can provide each year. Another respondent shared, “If there could have been some more discussion or if they could have provided a flowchart showing the different stages of the approval process that would have been helpful. – Indigenous Nation Another common suggestion for improvement was to create a mentorship network and to connect Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations with each other to share resources about the development process and lessons learned. Particularly with the Indigenous Housing Fund, respondents commented that it would be helpful if BC Housing could support relationship-building between Nations and communities going through the process. A couple of respondents emphasized that if BC Housing played a role in the facilitation of relationship- building between Indigenous organizations, it would demonstrate a shift from a ‘handout approach’ to a ‘hand up approach.’
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