A new affordable housing project is set to break ground in the Ucluelet First Nation community of hitac̓u.
NationTalk: Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News – A new affordable housing project is set to break ground in the Ucluelet First Nation community of hitac̓u.
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government has received funding to build 30 homes through a partnership between BC Housing and Indigenous non-profit housing providers.
“Like many rural and remote communities, Indigenous communities need more housing options, including sustainable and affordable on-reserve housing,” said Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne in a statement to the Westerly News.
“These 30 new homes in the community of hitac̓u (near Ucluelet) will make a real difference for elders and families and provide more opportunities for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens to return to live at home.”
Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government president Charles McCarthy told the Westerly that the successful funding application was bolstered by the nation’s collaboration with Wiser Projects.
“We have also been in leader-to-leader conversation with the District of Ucluelet on the proposed housing initiatives, ensuring impact to infrastructure and community growth is considered,” McCarthy said.
“While the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government continues to build housing for the community, we look forward to providing healthy homes for current residents, welcoming home off TSL [treaty settlement land] members, and assessing employment opportunities within the nation,” he said.
The provincial government’s Indigenous Housing Fund is a $1.7-billion program under BC Housing’s umbrella with an aim to deliver 3,500 homes for Indigenous families, elders, individuals and people with disabilities on and off reserve.
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government’s project was one of 41 projects announced on Sept. 10 that will create 1,662 affordable rental homes, including 667 on-reserve homes and 995 off-reserve homes for Indigenous people.
“Around 1,600 culturally appropriate 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 Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon through the announcement. “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 communities they call home. With collective support from partners, we are better able to deliver housing that meets people’s needs.”
The IHF was launched in 2018 and the recent announcement of 1,600 new rental apartments across the province means 3,200 houses are now either complete or underway.
“With each new home built through the Indigenous Housing Fund, we are taking meaningful action to address the critical need for culturally supportive shelter and foster a lasting vision of community and resilience for First Nations in British Columbia,” said BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “As the first of its kind fund in Canada to provide provincial investments for on-reserve housing, the Province of B.C. is leading by example on the collective effort needed to address this crisis which disproportionately impacts First Nations in British Columbia. By meeting the fundamental needs of families and Elders, both on and off reserve, we lay a strong foundation for people to thrive, while advancing our collective journey toward reconciliation.”
The announcement adds that BC Housing works closely with successful applicants throughout the development process.
“Indigenous leaders and organizations have long asked governments at all levels to help them take action to address the Indigenous housing crisis,” said Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin.
“In B.C., we are taking a unique approach and working in partnership to address this need, including funding housing on reserve and treaty land, something no other province is doing. Through provincial investments, we are helping support stronger communities and making real change in people’s lives.”
About the Author: Andrew Bailey
I arrived at the Westerly News as a reporter and photographer in January 2012.