The FNHIC-BC Begins Engagement Outreach

January 5, 2018

SHARE

HIC has begun engagement outreach to gain input as it works to develop proposed delivery models for a First Nations-controlled Housing & Infrastructure Authority in BC. To ensure the delivery model meets the needs of First Nations, HIC will be engaging government, First Nations, associations, agencies, organizations, related service providers and any others who can contribute towards its mandate.

HIC Begins Engagement Outreach

The Council will be holding outreach sessions across the province to gain local perspectives into existing procedures, services and programs offered. The Council is also creating a website to support engagement outreach, house information about the initiative, keep people informed, and enable interested parties to provide input.

​Creation of an Authority is a step towards indigenous self-government and the goals of First Nations and government for housing reform under the Assembly of First Nations’ National Indigenous Housing Strategy and the Government of Canada’s directive to transfer its delivery of First Nations services to First Nations control. Once established, the Authority will transfer responsibility for First Nations housing and infrastructure program delivery and associated housing services in BC.

​Extensive engagement, consultation and collaboration with the housing community is essential to achieving success. Being community-driven is fundamental to the successful creation of the delivery model. There are no pre-determined outcomes on the final delivery model. All input is valuable during this stage and will be used by the Council to develop delivery model options.

Design Model

Many important design questions must be addressed during the delivery model option development process. Details such as organizational structure, programs, services, roles and responsibilities (provincial, regional, communities) and supporting providers will be determined through the engagement process. The delivery model will be designed to reflect the needs of First Nations people, incorporate cultural sensitivities, address regional and geographical considerations, and address capacity needs and other challenges. The structure and other elements of the delivery model will become more solidified as the Council moves through the development process and formalizes the Authority.

HIC maintains a close working relationship with the national housing & infrastructure initiative through the Assembly of First Nations National Chiefs Council on Housing & Infrastructure, national and regional Assembly of First Nations policy staff, Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) management and housing & infrastructure staff and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) housing staff.