Indigenous groups welcome housing money, still await meaningful change

Jun 19, 2018 | 5:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Monday in Prince George, Premier John Horgan announced more than a half a billion dollars over the next decade earmarked to build housing for indigenous people across BC. The announcement is part of the province’s commitment to addressing the shortage of affordable housing in British Columbia, and while local indigenous leaders say the money can be put to a good use, they agree the funds don’t address the real issue facing many First Nations in BC.

For Aaron Sumexheltza, the Chief of the Lower Nicola Indian band, the money is certainly needed.

“I know in our community, and in other communities in the local area, we do suffer from inadequate housing,” Sumexheltza says. “It’s definitely a positive announcement.”

Premier Horgan said Monday the money will be available to address housing needs both on- and off-reservation, a move which surprised Sumexheltza.

“Traditionally, when it comes to on-reserve housing, it’s under federal jurisdiction, but we welcome the support of the province on addressing the issue,” Sumexheltza says.

While reaction to the announcement has been mostly positive from indigenous leaders and housing advocates, Skeetchestn Chief Ron Ignace said Monday the money doesn’t address the real issue facing First Nations across BC.

“The government is always giving out these kinds of programs that we continuously chase after,” Ignace said in a phone interview. “It’s like being on a gerbil wheel, and we need to get off of that.”

It’s a sentiment Sumexheltza agrees with.

“Ultimately what I would like to see is First Nations… be independent of government and not reliant on government for funds,” Sumexheltza says. “Access to justice is important. Support when it comes to health-related issues, skills training – these are important areas I believe government needs to look at so our community members can become more independent.”

It’s now up to BC Housing to identify potential partners for these projects. Sumexheltza says he sees possible needs in his community and his region where that money could be well spent.

“Here in the Nicola Valley, we have five bands. I think there’s a real opportunity for us to potentially work together.”