“Solutions for Indigenous Peoples must be led by Indigenous Peoples. This is the foundation of AHMA’s call for true reconciliation.”
Indigenous Housing Fund recipients announced in BC
British Columbia: the unceded traditional territory of 200+ distinct First Nations, Sept. 10, 2024 – Indigenous housing providers are celebrating today across BC as the latest recipients of the Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF) are announced.
“There is a growing need for culturally supportive housing both on and off reserve throughout BC,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). “The IHF allows AHMA members and First Nations to continue the critically important work of providing housing and services for those most in need of a safe place to call home.”
In 2018, BC became the first province in Canada to invest in First Nations’ housing on reserve, which is typically federal jurisdiction. To date, more than 1,500 IHF homes are open or underway throughout BC. The latest selection of 41 projects brings the total number to more than 3,220 new affordable rental homes supported through IHF and operated by Indigenous non-profit housing providers.
“AHMA was the inspiration behind the development of the Indigenous Housing Fund’s unique model,” commented Pfoh. “We are proud of the collaborative work we have done with the Province and BC Housing to establish this support for all Indigenous people in BC, regardless of whether they live on or off reserve.”
“These homes will soon become places of comfort and stability for many Indigenous people throughout B.C. who face a greater need for affordable housing,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “These additional homes are part of our ongoing reconciliation work to ensure that Indigenous people are provided the resources and services to thrive in the community they call home.”
Through the Indigenous Social Housing Management Agreement, operating agreements with off-reserve Indigenous non-profit housing organizations are administered by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). AHMA is the first For Indigenous, By Indigenous housing authority established in Canada and its members manage over 95% of all Indigenous-housing units located off-reserve in BC.
“It is welcome news that 12 AHMA members will receive IHF funding to support their housing projects,” Pfoh added. “Indigenous housing and service providers play an incredibly important role in our society – they strengthen our communities by creating a sense of belonging and well-being for individuals, families, Elders, and youth.
We raise our hands in gratitude for their many decades of community service.”
