June 10, 2025 • 28 mins
Brenda Knight of BC Indigenous Housing Society shares fond memories of being raised by her grandmother and the importance of intergenerational housing. That's why the society’s latest housing project at 1766 Frances St. in Vancouver (Chief Leonard George) will feature a dedicated space for grandparents ensuring that the wisdom and care of elders will be passed through the generations. The project will provide 81 affordable rental units for Indigenous individuals and families.
We will also highlight how this development not only addresses the urgent need for affordable housing but also supports the City’s sustainability goals and serves as a visual reminder of the historic cultural practices of the Indigenous Peoples who have called these lands home.
Guests: Brenda Knights, CEO, BC Indigenous Housing Society
Co-Host: Qwuy'um'aat Elliott, Development Manager, BC Housing
About:
The BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) is dedicated to providing safe, attainable housing for Indigenous individuals and families living in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
The BCIHS is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and employs approximately 100 people. Founded in 1984, they currently manage a portfolio of 21 buildings and over 900 units, supporting over 1,300 Indigenous individuals and families. BCIHS works in partnership with federal and provincial government agencies to subsidize tenant rent contributions and achieve affordability for individuals and families.
#podcast #housing
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
A home.
(00:01):
It's something we all need.
But for too many
having a safe place to makea home is out of reach.
The challenges can seeminsurmountable.
And yet each and every day people are coming together
to provide
safe quality and affordablehousing for those in need.
Welcome to Let's TalkHousing.
I'm your host Mita Naidu.
(00:23):
Join us as we listen toand learn
from people in BritishColumbia
who are creating strong inclusive communities
where everyone can thrive.
(00:45):
Hello and welcome toLet's Talk Housing.
I'm your host
Mita Naidu joined todayby co-host Qwuy’um’aat Elliott.
On today's episode
we talk about
intergenerational livingand housing
from an Indigenousperspective and voice.
Intergenerational livingis a cornerstone
of Indigenous culture
(01:05):
where wisdom traditionand stories
are passed down from eldersto younger generations.
A new housingdevelopment in Vancouver
will reflect these values creating spaces
where generations can livetogether
share experiencesand support one another.
It's more than housing.
(01:25):
It's a spacefor cultural exchange
mutual care and a deepersense of togetherness.
We're joinedfor this conversation by
Brenda Knights CEO of BC Indigenous Housing Society.
She'll discuss
how being raised by hergrandmother shaped her
teaching her the importanceof connection resilience
(01:47):
and belonging.
They'll discussan innovative pilot
which is part of
their sustainabilityand resiliency strategy.
Before we get underway
I'd like to acknowledgethat we are recording
today'ssession on the ancestral
and unceded territoriesof the Musqueam
Squamish Tsleil-Waututh and Kyuquot
First Nationsand the Cowichan
(02:07):
and Hul’q’umi’num’speaking peoples.
I express my gratitudeto their peoples past
and present.
Brenda is speaking to usfrom the ancestral
and unceded territory
of the Mississaugaof the Credit First Nation.
Also for transparency
we are recording thisepisode in November 2024
and the conversationreflects
(02:28):
the priorities of this time.
So I thought we'd startwith
just kind ofsetting the tone
and thinkingabout how your work, Brenda
reflects a needfor this deep connection
to community and family.
I also grew upin a multi-generational
and intergenerational home
(02:49):
and I live inone now as well.
Can you share for usa moment in your life
where you felt
the transformative powerof intergenerational wisdom?
Thank you, Mita.
Yeah.
So I grew up with a good portion
of my childhoodwith a single mother
and having that connectionto family, to community
(03:15):
I think made a bigdifference in my life.
It was really difficulton my mom.
She only had the opportunityto go to grade eight.
You know, dealing withintergenerational trauma
you know having
to take care of her siblingsat a young age.
So when my brother andI were born and my my dad
(03:37):
had left the home
you know I think
having that connectionto my grandma's home
you know, every Sunday
we had dinners with grandma all the cousins gathered.
I think that really madea difference in my life.
I didn't feel like I grew upin a single parent home.
I always felt likeI always had that connection
(03:59):
to my cousins and family.
My mom always maintainedthat strong connection
to our siblings and cousins
that really grew upalmost like siblings.
And so when when I had my children
and was going backin the workplace
my mom was very insistentthat she was going to take
(04:21):
care of the grandbabies.
And in my community, the elders
they want to take careof the grandbabies.
They don't want themgoing into care.
And so, that made it a lot
easier, the transition going back to work
having my childrenin a safe place with my mom.
But then
also they got the
(04:42):
opportunity to go to HeadStart in my community.
And so they got to learnabout the culture.
They got to learnthe language
drumming and singing.
So those extra supports I think for young people
especially having families
havingthat type of connection
I think instills a lotof confidence in our kids.
(05:03):
It teaches them about ourour culture.
They always feel likethey have a home.
And I think that's
really important for themas they go through life.
I very much agree.Thank you, Brenda.
Qwuy’um’aat, did you have
a follow up?
Yeah. Thank you.
Again, it's such an honourto connect with you, Brenda.
Recognizing your workin the sector
(05:25):
with community
with culturally alignedhousing land agreements.
Myself I have a backgroundin community
planning and housing.
So when I hadthe opportunity
to diveinto your rich background
I'm very keen on getting
to dive a bit deeperto conversation.
More specifically...
(05:45):
So recognizing you wereraised by your grandmother.
Again, very common within Indigenous communities.
I remember I think my fondest memory
is spending timewith my grandma
and my papa as well.
It was just so natural.
And I think as I heard inyour conversation or your
starting point there
(06:05):
the key lessonsthat you carry forward
from those experiences
and just moving forwardwith that connection.
Right.
And recognizing that we'repart of this larger system.
I'm curious... so what lessonsdo you carry forward?
Having spent timewith your grandma
in the workthat you do today?
I think because I've beenconnected with my nation
(06:29):
and I look atthe things that are positive
in community
that some of our urbanpopulation is detached from.
So I've often looked at inmy role now as the CEO of BC
Indigenous Housing Society.
How can I bring
some of those practicesinto the urban environment?
And whenI look back I always try to
(06:53):
think of things so
that they're simpleto remember
and there'ssort of four areas
that I think that make a a successful community.
If I look at nationsthat are doing well
I think they havestrong governance.
So there’s the stabilityand that brings the supports
to the membership.
(07:14):
And so when I look at thatin the urban environment
I think it's importantthat we do
as much as we canwith what we have
and we're responsiblewith that.
We have to have communityservices.
We are doing morethan housing for our people.
So in a nationenvironment
we're supporting peoplewith education.
(07:35):
We're supporting peoplewith supports for mental
health drug and alcohol addictions
anything that's going tohelp them to be successful.
You can go
into the band officeand get those supports
and you have that familyaround to support you to
be successful as well.
The other one is therehas to be a form of economy.
(07:57):
We all have toearn a living.
You know, since timeimmemorial
we all had roles and giftsthat we brought
to make community and that was our survival.
And so, in today'scontext
our tenants need to havea form of economy.
And so we're tryingto connect them with
(08:20):
like we have a lot ofartisans
in our community, for example.
So we have TVsin our buildings.
So keeping them informedabout what's going on
in their community,where can they participate.
And different marketplacesor special events
where they can sellsome of their artisans.
And then the last oneis culture.
(08:43):
And I think that’s sometimes
forgottenabout in today's society
how important culture is forme, it’s
what's helped meto stay grounded.
And I thinkabout the teachings that
my grandmotherpassed on, family
first, you know we're there for one another.
My grandmother would defendher grandchildren
(09:06):
no matter what.
You know, we might
internally give each othera slap on the hand
when we're off track.
But to anyone else externally.
My grandmother she always had your back.
She always had your...
You always hadthe support of her.
And so again, I think thathelped with my confidence
(09:27):
growing up knowing that
I always had somebodythat loved and supported me.
But other teachingsthat were passed along.
In my community of Kwantlen,we talk about
the importanceof living by the seven laws
health, happiness, humbleness, generation,
generosity, forgiveness, and understanding.
(09:48):
My grandmother didn'tarticulate it in that way
but throughher actions she instilled
that type of conduct inus and expected that of us.
And then as well my mother as well
lives that way.
And so I think we werejust taught to be that way.
And it wasn't until older
that I got connectedwith my community.
(10:11):
And when I heard the SevenLaws, I thought, yeah, that
that resonates.
That makes a lot of sense.
And so in our organization today
in an urban environment we're teaching our employees
to liveby those seven laws.
And so when it comes to
caring for our tenantscome with a mindset
(10:32):
of forgivenessand understanding.
When you thinkabout the word generations
in the Seven Laws we're here to
make it betterfor future generations
but alsotake care of our elders.
In my community, I look at
our elders
and what they and
I think about what
they've seen in theirlifetime and
(10:55):
I'm amazed sometimes
at how overcome with emotion
they are when they see theirgrandbabies doing so well.
And it's a reminderthat
they've gone
througha lot in their lifetime
and they just want their
grandbabies to have itbetter than they had it.
And so it's thosekinds of teachings that
(11:15):
I think I really want to try
and bring backto the urban environment
and connect our people because many have been
disenfranchizedfrom their communities
so they don't havethat access to culture.
When I say bring it back,it's not necessarily
me. We have many culturalleaders in our community
that can be invited into speak to our tenants.
(11:37):
And so we're lookingfor those opportunities
to have them come and bepart of our community.
Very beautiful and rich.
I find there's so many
threads to pull together and I find that there's
some fluidness andthe holistic connections.
And we all have a role
(11:58):
within family, community, housing,
generations, connectinggenerations together
when there's
not necessarily a frameworkor a structure.
It's intuitive and holisticof when the roles shape.
Right.
And our role
within organizations within community.
I want to takea bit of a jump and explore
(12:21):
how this translatesinto place and space.
And then perhaps
making the connection
to the ChiefLeonard George Place.
And how does this dedicatedspace uplift
everything
it kind of sharedor how does it
weave togetherfor you?
Sure.
So we're very excited about
(12:44):
the ChiefLeonard George project.
For one, it's a mass timber,universally designed
passive home.
And so we know from our communities
that the environmentyou're in
it affectsyour mental health.
And so being able to stay
in such a beautiful building
I think it's going to befantastic for our tenants.
(13:07):
Now some of our tenantsthat are returning to
this location,they experienced a fire.
We had a totalloss of our building
a couple days afterChristmas back in 2017
and so many had to scatterand be displaced
into new buildings
but are looking forwardto coming home
that lived therefor a long time.
(13:28):
So we're looking forwardto welcoming them back.
What this opportunity did though is it also offered
the opportunityto build more units.
And so with those new units
taking some of the teachings
of living intergenerationalgenerationally
one of the challengeswe run into
especially inthe city of Vancouver
(13:50):
is the economicsof a building
having multiple rooms.
And many of our peoplea 1 or 2 bedroom
isn't going to cut it.
We have familieswith children.
They need larger spaces.
At the same time
we have to managethe economics of that space.
And so how can we bringfamilies together?
(14:12):
Well, the way we can bring
families together is byprioritizing applications.
So what I meanby prioritizing
applications if we have a family
that's in a two bedroom unit
and grandparents
can be in the same building
while they're notin the same unit
at least they'rethey're in close proximity
to provide thosesupports to the family.
(14:35):
The other thing we're reallyproud of with the Chief
Leonard George building is
we are going to have a HeadStart in the building
and so the childrencan go to Head Start right
close to home which helpsparents to go out
and workor do what they need to do.
And at Head Start, it'sreally a gathering place
(14:56):
in my community.
My aunt is the HeadStart instructor
my mom is actually the elderthat works at Head Start
and they've been there sinceinception over 20 years
and many of the kidsthat have since graduated
is still come by and visit.
They always have that safeplace to go to.
And my kids having attended
(15:19):
they were able to learnfrom cultural teachers.
They were able to learnabout drumming and singing.
They were learningthe language
even just elders comingand spending time with them
and just having
that safe placeoutside of the home.
I think that's so importantfor kids to have
(15:39):
that placethat they can go to
and talk to somebody if theyneed to talk to somebody.
So we'resuper excited about that
and we're looking forwardto future buildings.
Also having a HeadStart program
that can support theresidents in the building.
And that'sall part of the family
and communal living.
I can see it buildingoff of the Seven Laws
(16:01):
in which you shared
and the core teachings
and the concept of familyand community.
Is there a specific legacyChief Leonard
George plays in the vision
of the development
or is there connectionto that as well?
Well I think the most exciting
thing about this building
is that it is a passive homeand universally designed.
(16:23):
So when I sayuniversally designed
when we have eldersin the building
we want them be able
to stay and age in placeand not have to be displaced
from their families.
A lot of unitsthat were built in the past
don't actually haveaccessibility for people
that are in wheelchairsor need better access
(16:44):
you know
just even thenin the bathroom
or around the kitchen
being ableto be more mobile
should they find themselves
in say a wheelchairin the future.
And that'salways challenging.
Then when you have to removesomebody from their home.
But having universallydesigned hallways
you know putting in place bathrooms
(17:04):
that are universally
designed can allow a person
to stay in their homefor life.
So that's exciting to me.
The pieceabout it being passive
you know andI mentioned the Seven Laws
and we talk about generations
we have a responsibility
to leave this planet betterfor future generations.
(17:26):
And the amount of pollution
that's comingfrom our buildings
from greenhousegas emissions.
As an Indigenousorganization
we want to do our part
to ensure that our buildingsaren’t polluting
the environment.
And with Chief
Leonard George, with itbeing passive mass timber
we actually will also reduce
(17:47):
hydro costsin that building
as a result of itbeing passive.
But we're not puttinggreenhouse gas emissions
into our planet.
And so I hope that
future buildings we can do the same thing.
So that's the piece
that really excites meabout that building.
That's beautiful.
And who was ChiefLeonard George?
(18:09):
Chief Leonard George...
Everybody seemsto know Chief Dan George.
Chief Leonard Georgewas his brother and
he was from Tsleil-Waututh. Ourorganization previously...
some of the namesof buildings were
not reflecting our communityand our culture and
(18:31):
and we really want to tryand honour people that maybe
perhapspeople in our community
may have heard may not have heard about.
But Chief Leonard George how he came about
was because so he was fromTsleil-Waututh Nation.
So we're on the traditionallands of the Tsleil-Waututh
Nation Squamish and Musqueam.
(18:54):
So when we approachedthe family
and asked about naming itafter him, had a chance
to learn about him.
He was instrumentalin helping get
economic developmentgoing with that nation.
A real leaderin that community.
And that's whowe want to honour
with our building, is those unsung heroes
that we don't necessarilyhear about
(19:15):
that inspire the peopleliving in the building.
Those are the peoplethat should be...
When we talkabout humbleness
and our Seven Laws
he was an individualthat lived humbly
wasn'tlooking for the spotlight
but absolutelyshould be highlighted
for what he achieved in
his lifetime and what he didfor Indigenous people.
So we're very honouredthat the family agreed
(19:36):
to let us put his nameon the building.
And there will be a ceremonycoming up at the opening
with the family.
Wonderful.
I feel like it's a comingtogether of so many pieces.
I can see how this spacecan really be
a stepping stoneand pivotal in healing.
(19:58):
Right?
The the aspectsof community connection.
Do you believe that
theme will carry forwardwithin this space
the intergenerationalaspects
of healingand transformation?
How do you see that taking
shapeas you continue forward?
You mentioned a ceremonyto acknowledge and uplift
(20:18):
the legacy.
Is there other aspectsthat will be carried out?
What we're trying to do
is really focus
on how we can fundraiseto bring in
cultural presenters.
So if we could be teachingcedar basket weaving
drumming and singing bringing elders in.
And so we have a groupfrom our organization
(20:40):
that are regularlylooking for grants
that they can bring peoplein to the...
and be part of that communityas a gathering space.
The other exciting thingthat our organization
and our board passed
this past yearwas an ESG policy.
So that standsfor environmental
social and governance.
(21:01):
I know you knowthat from the work you do.
But with the
ESG policy, we're looking to have
a committee that includestenants that can contribute
to ways that we can ensurethat we're
being held accountable but also as a community.
How can we improvethe environment
(21:22):
from the social perspective?
How do we improve thingsfrom a social perspective
and how do we ensure thatwe have good governance?
And so I havea responsibility to ensure
that I have the respect
of my tenantsbecause they look to me to
help them and support themin an urban environment.
(21:43):
And so I have to gaintheir trust,
gain their respect.
I'm grateful
that the board selected me
but we have work to do withour tenants and to get to
that place where they feelthat they have that trust.
You're doing suchextraordinary work
in that space.
What would your grandmother
have to say?
(22:04):
You know my grandmother
wasn't somebodywith a lot of words.
And I do think that it is a...
she was a productof intergenerational
trauma.
You know whatshe went through...
Many of our eldersonly recently have felt that
they can have a voice but I think she would be proud.
(22:27):
But I also
I'm very careful not to
again, one of thethe laws being humble.
I am in a leadershipposition
but I do see myselfas a servant leader in that
it's the entire organization.
(22:47):
It's not me sitting at the top
and directing everybodywhat to do.
I recognize that I have a gift to bring.
And my gift is leadership.
I'm the conductorof the orchestra.
But if I don't have the
rest of my staff...I have amazing staff.
I have people that
(23:08):
have worked in supportivehousing for years
and understandhow to advocate
and get peoplethe supports that they need.
We have people working infinance and HR
we have an all Indigenousboard and it's collectively
that we are able to moveforward and be successful.
(23:29):
It's not just one personthat makes the organization
successful.
And I thinkmy grandmother
that's how she was
she was very humble didn't want any recognition.
She got involvedin community
and just did her part.
And when I think about how
my communitylived in long houses and
(23:51):
at leastin the winter months
we were hunter gatherers.
And then we moved in thewinter to our long houses
and we all had gifts.
If you didn'thave the medicine teachers
and you might needa plant to die
so you needed the peoplethat had the plant medicine.
You needed the huntergatherers, you needed the
the people that cookthe meals.
(24:11):
We, again, we all hadthose roles to play.
So, I think my part is...
I oftenthink is very simple.
And in terms ofjust having to
to lead and and bring that vision.
But I also recognize that
those are from teachingsthat have been passed on in
(24:31):
my communityand passed on from my elders.
So I'm reallyjust grateful for that.
Thank you so much Brenda and please let us know...
Let the listeners know.
How can we supportyour organization
especially those innon-Indigenous communities?
What can we do?
I just suggest that
there's a lot of discussionhappening on truth
(24:54):
and reconciliation,which is wonderful
especially inour schools.
But, ask yourselfhow you can
truly put reconciliationinto action
because it's one thingto talk about.
It's another thing toactually make a difference.
And there's many ways thatyou can get involved.
You can reach outto your local community.
(25:17):
There's lots of volunteeropportunities.
There's opportunities for donations
with organizationsthat support programing.
Really just
you've just got to step inand get involved.
And I know it's not easy
when we're all busy but ask yourself
what gifts you haveand how you can support
(25:39):
and make a difference
to somebody elsethat... as we say
it's going to takeseven generations
to create change.
And so... I didn't tell you,my great great granddad
was Grand Chief Wattlekanium
who met the Simon Fraserexpedition.
And that's in present day
New Westminsterwhen first settlers arrived.
Well my daughter is theseventh generation from him
(26:03):
and so that'sfrom the late 1700s.
And you think aboutwhat's happened
in that time period.
So we still havea lot of work to do.
So just, get involved do what you can.
It's welcomed.
We havepeople on healing journeys
so don't be discouragedif you don't
get the responseyou're looking for.
We have some peoplethat are hurting
(26:25):
and it takes timefor them to trust.
And soyou just have to be patient.
But I find that
when you're patientand you just lend an ear
people will be very graciousto have that support.
Well thank you so much, Brenda.
I've learneda lot from you
and I've listenedto your words and
(26:45):
your valuesand your beliefs...
have shonethrough in this interview
and really just so gratefulthat you could spend this
time with us.
And thank you Qwuy’um’aat for beingan amazing co-host.
And the conversationwas wonderful.
I really appreciate it.
I want to build onthat as well.
(27:06):
And thank you for sharingspace with us today.
It's through conversationslike this we're able
to honour connections
and stories and resilienceof our communities.
I know I'm able to say thatlike these teaching
also kind of
be carry forward and informmy practice of respect
reciprocity and strengthand humble leadership. So
(27:27):
hay cxʷ q̓ə Brenda and thank you so much.
Hay cxʷ q̓ə
To learn more about BCHousing, including
how to apply for subsidized
housing in British Columbia,
visit www.bchousing.org.
You can also find us
on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
(27:50):
If you enjoyed this episode give us a rating.
This will help others find
Let's Talk Housing and jointhe conversation.
You can subscribeto Let's Talk
Housing on Apple, Spotify,or wherever you listen
to your podcasts.
A home.
(00:01):
It's something we all need.
But for too many
having a safe place to makea home is out of reach.
The challenges can seeminsurmountable.
And yet each and every day people are coming together
to provide
safe quality and affordablehousing for those in need.
Welcome to Let's TalkHousing.
I'm your host Mita Naidu.
(00:23):
Join us as we listen toand learn
from people in BritishColumbia
who are creating strong inclusive communities
where everyone can thrive.
(00:45):
Hello and welcome toLet's Talk Housing.
I'm your host
Mita Naidu joined todayby co-host Qwuy’um’aat Elliott.
On today's episode
we talk about
intergenerational livingand housing
from an Indigenousperspective and voice.
Intergenerational livingis a cornerstone
of Indigenous culture
(01:05):
where wisdom traditionand stories
are passed down from eldersto younger generations.
A new housingdevelopment in Vancouver
will reflect these values creating spaces
where generations can livetogether
share experiencesand support one another.
It's more than housing.
(01:25):
It's a spacefor cultural exchange
mutual care and a deepersense of togetherness.
We're joinedfor this conversation by
Brenda Knights CEO of BC Indigenous Housing Society.
She'll discuss
how being raised by hergrandmother shaped her
teaching her the importanceof connection resilience
(01:47):
and belonging.
They'll discussan innovative pilot
which is part of
their sustainabilityand resiliency strategy.
Before we get underway
I'd like to acknowledgethat we are recording
today'ssession on the ancestral
and unceded territoriesof the Musqueam
Squamish Tsleil-Waututh and Kyuquot
First Nationsand the Cowichan
(02:07):
and Hul’q’umi’num’speaking peoples.
I express my gratitudeto their peoples past
and present.
Brenda is speaking to usfrom the ancestral
and unceded territory
of the Mississaugaof the Credit First Nation.
Also for transparency
we are recording thisepisode in November 2024
and the conversationreflects
(02:28):
the priorities of this time.
So I thought we'd startwith
just kind ofsetting the tone
and thinkingabout how your work, Brenda
reflects a needfor this deep connection
to community and family.
I also grew upin a multi-generational
and intergenerational home
(02:49):
and I live inone now as well.
Can you share for usa moment in your life
where you felt
the transformative powerof intergenerational wisdom?
Thank you, Mita.
Yeah.
So I grew up with a good portion
of my childhoodwith a single mother
and having that connectionto family, to community
(03:15):
I think made a bigdifference in my life.
It was really difficulton my mom.
She only had the opportunityto go to grade eight.
You know, dealing withintergenerational trauma
you know having
to take care of her siblingsat a young age.
So when my brother andI were born and my my dad
(03:37):
had left the home
you know I think
having that connectionto my grandma's home
you know, every Sunday
we had dinners with grandma all the cousins gathered.
I think that really madea difference in my life.
I didn't feel like I grew upin a single parent home.
I always felt likeI always had that connection
(03:59):
to my cousins and family.
My mom always maintainedthat strong connection
to our siblings and cousins
that really grew upalmost like siblings.
And so when when I had my children
and was going backin the workplace
my mom was very insistentthat she was going to take
(04:21):
care of the grandbabies.
And in my community, the elders
they want to take careof the grandbabies.
They don't want themgoing into care.
And so, that made it a lot
easier, the transition going back to work
having my childrenin a safe place with my mom.
But then
also they got the
(04:42):
opportunity to go to HeadStart in my community.
And so they got to learnabout the culture.
They got to learnthe language
drumming and singing.
So those extra supports I think for young people
especially having families
havingthat type of connection
I think instills a lotof confidence in our kids.
(05:03):
It teaches them about ourour culture.
They always feel likethey have a home.
And I think that's
really important for themas they go through life.
I very much agree.Thank you, Brenda.
Qwuy’um’aat, did you have
a follow up?
Yeah. Thank you.
Again, it's such an honourto connect with you, Brenda.
Recognizing your workin the sector
(05:25):
with community
with culturally alignedhousing land agreements.
Myself I have a backgroundin community
planning and housing.
So when I hadthe opportunity
to diveinto your rich background
I'm very keen on getting
to dive a bit deeperto conversation.
More specifically...
(05:45):
So recognizing you wereraised by your grandmother.
Again, very common within Indigenous communities.
I remember I think my fondest memory
is spending timewith my grandma
and my papa as well.
It was just so natural.
And I think as I heard inyour conversation or your
starting point there
(06:05):
the key lessonsthat you carry forward
from those experiences
and just moving forwardwith that connection.
Right.
And recognizing that we'repart of this larger system.
I'm curious... so what lessonsdo you carry forward?
Having spent timewith your grandma
in the workthat you do today?
I think because I've beenconnected with my nation
(06:29):
and I look atthe things that are positive
in community
that some of our urbanpopulation is detached from.
So I've often looked at inmy role now as the CEO of BC
Indigenous Housing Society.
How can I bring
some of those practicesinto the urban environment?
And whenI look back I always try to
(06:53):
think of things so
that they're simpleto remember
and there'ssort of four areas
that I think that make a a successful community.
If I look at nationsthat are doing well
I think they havestrong governance.
So there’s the stabilityand that brings the supports
to the membership.
(07:14):
And so when I look at thatin the urban environment
I think it's importantthat we do
as much as we canwith what we have
and we're responsiblewith that.
We have to have communityservices.
We are doing morethan housing for our people.
So in a nationenvironment
we're supporting peoplewith education.
(07:35):
We're supporting peoplewith supports for mental
health drug and alcohol addictions
anything that's going tohelp them to be successful.
You can go
into the band officeand get those supports
and you have that familyaround to support you to
be successful as well.
The other one is therehas to be a form of economy.
(07:57):
We all have toearn a living.
You know, since timeimmemorial
we all had roles and giftsthat we brought
to make community and that was our survival.
And so, in today'scontext
our tenants need to havea form of economy.
And so we're tryingto connect them with
(08:20):
like we have a lot ofartisans
in our community, for example.
So we have TVsin our buildings.
So keeping them informedabout what's going on
in their community,where can they participate.
And different marketplacesor special events
where they can sellsome of their artisans.
And then the last oneis culture.
(08:43):
And I think that’s sometimes
forgottenabout in today's society
how important culture is forme, it’s
what's helped meto stay grounded.
And I thinkabout the teachings that
my grandmotherpassed on, family
first, you know we're there for one another.
My grandmother would defendher grandchildren
(09:06):
no matter what.
You know, we might
internally give each othera slap on the hand
when we're off track.
But to anyone else externally.
My grandmother she always had your back.
She always had your...
You always hadthe support of her.
And so again, I think thathelped with my confidence
(09:27):
growing up knowing that
I always had somebodythat loved and supported me.
But other teachingsthat were passed along.
In my community of Kwantlen,we talk about
the importanceof living by the seven laws
health, happiness, humbleness, generation,
generosity, forgiveness, and understanding.
(09:48):
My grandmother didn'tarticulate it in that way
but throughher actions she instilled
that type of conduct inus and expected that of us.
And then as well my mother as well
lives that way.
And so I think we werejust taught to be that way.
And it wasn't until older
that I got connectedwith my community.
(10:11):
And when I heard the SevenLaws, I thought, yeah, that
that resonates.
That makes a lot of sense.
And so in our organization today
in an urban environment we're teaching our employees
to liveby those seven laws.
And so when it comes to
caring for our tenantscome with a mindset
(10:32):
of forgivenessand understanding.
When you thinkabout the word generations
in the Seven Laws we're here to
make it betterfor future generations
but alsotake care of our elders.
In my community, I look at
our elders
and what they and
I think about what
they've seen in theirlifetime and
(10:55):
I'm amazed sometimes
at how overcome with emotion
they are when they see theirgrandbabies doing so well.
And it's a reminderthat
they've gone
througha lot in their lifetime
and they just want their
grandbabies to have itbetter than they had it.
And so it's thosekinds of teachings that
(11:15):
I think I really want to try
and bring backto the urban environment
and connect our people because many have been
disenfranchizedfrom their communities
so they don't havethat access to culture.
When I say bring it back,it's not necessarily
me. We have many culturalleaders in our community
that can be invited into speak to our tenants.
(11:37):
And so we're lookingfor those opportunities
to have them come and bepart of our community.
Very beautiful and rich.
I find there's so many
threads to pull together and I find that there's
some fluidness andthe holistic connections.
And we all have a role
(11:58):
within family, community, housing,
generations, connectinggenerations together
when there's
not necessarily a frameworkor a structure.
It's intuitive and holisticof when the roles shape.
Right.
And our role
within organizations within community.
I want to takea bit of a jump and explore
(12:21):
how this translatesinto place and space.
And then perhaps
making the connection
to the ChiefLeonard George Place.
And how does this dedicatedspace uplift
everything
it kind of sharedor how does it
weave togetherfor you?
Sure.
So we're very excited about
(12:44):
the ChiefLeonard George project.
For one, it's a mass timber,universally designed
passive home.
And so we know from our communities
that the environmentyou're in
it affectsyour mental health.
And so being able to stay
in such a beautiful building
I think it's going to befantastic for our tenants.
(13:07):
Now some of our tenantsthat are returning to
this location,they experienced a fire.
We had a totalloss of our building
a couple days afterChristmas back in 2017
and so many had to scatterand be displaced
into new buildings
but are looking forwardto coming home
that lived therefor a long time.
(13:28):
So we're looking forwardto welcoming them back.
What this opportunity did though is it also offered
the opportunityto build more units.
And so with those new units
taking some of the teachings
of living intergenerationalgenerationally
one of the challengeswe run into
especially inthe city of Vancouver
(13:50):
is the economicsof a building
having multiple rooms.
And many of our peoplea 1 or 2 bedroom
isn't going to cut it.
We have familieswith children.
They need larger spaces.
At the same time
we have to managethe economics of that space.
And so how can we bringfamilies together?
(14:12):
Well, the way we can bring
families together is byprioritizing applications.
So what I meanby prioritizing
applications if we have a family
that's in a two bedroom unit
and grandparents
can be in the same building
while they're notin the same unit
at least they'rethey're in close proximity
to provide thosesupports to the family.
(14:35):
The other thing we're reallyproud of with the Chief
Leonard George building is
we are going to have a HeadStart in the building
and so the childrencan go to Head Start right
close to home which helpsparents to go out
and workor do what they need to do.
And at Head Start, it'sreally a gathering place
(14:56):
in my community.
My aunt is the HeadStart instructor
my mom is actually the elderthat works at Head Start
and they've been there sinceinception over 20 years
and many of the kidsthat have since graduated
is still come by and visit.
They always have that safeplace to go to.
And my kids having attended
(15:19):
they were able to learnfrom cultural teachers.
They were able to learnabout drumming and singing.
They were learningthe language
even just elders comingand spending time with them
and just having
that safe placeoutside of the home.
I think that's so importantfor kids to have
(15:39):
that placethat they can go to
and talk to somebody if theyneed to talk to somebody.
So we'resuper excited about that
and we're looking forwardto future buildings.
Also having a HeadStart program
that can support theresidents in the building.
And that'sall part of the family
and communal living.
I can see it buildingoff of the Seven Laws
(16:01):
in which you shared
and the core teachings
and the concept of familyand community.
Is there a specific legacyChief Leonard
George plays in the vision
of the development
or is there connectionto that as well?
Well I think the most exciting
thing about this building
is that it is a passive homeand universally designed.
(16:23):
So when I sayuniversally designed
when we have eldersin the building
we want them be able
to stay and age in placeand not have to be displaced
from their families.
A lot of unitsthat were built in the past
don't actually haveaccessibility for people
that are in wheelchairsor need better access
(16:44):
you know
just even thenin the bathroom
or around the kitchen
being ableto be more mobile
should they find themselves
in say a wheelchairin the future.
And that'salways challenging.
Then when you have to removesomebody from their home.
But having universallydesigned hallways
you know putting in place bathrooms
(17:04):
that are universally
designed can allow a person
to stay in their homefor life.
So that's exciting to me.
The pieceabout it being passive
you know andI mentioned the Seven Laws
and we talk about generations
we have a responsibility
to leave this planet betterfor future generations.
(17:26):
And the amount of pollution
that's comingfrom our buildings
from greenhousegas emissions.
As an Indigenousorganization
we want to do our part
to ensure that our buildingsaren’t polluting
the environment.
And with Chief
Leonard George, with itbeing passive mass timber
we actually will also reduce
(17:47):
hydro costsin that building
as a result of itbeing passive.
But we're not puttinggreenhouse gas emissions
into our planet.
And so I hope that
future buildings we can do the same thing.
So that's the piece
that really excites meabout that building.
That's beautiful.
And who was ChiefLeonard George?
(18:09):
Chief Leonard George...
Everybody seemsto know Chief Dan George.
Chief Leonard Georgewas his brother and
he was from Tsleil-Waututh. Ourorganization previously...
some of the namesof buildings were
not reflecting our communityand our culture and
(18:31):
and we really want to tryand honour people that maybe
perhapspeople in our community
may have heard may not have heard about.
But Chief Leonard George how he came about
was because so he was fromTsleil-Waututh Nation.
So we're on the traditionallands of the Tsleil-Waututh
Nation Squamish and Musqueam.
(18:54):
So when we approachedthe family
and asked about naming itafter him, had a chance
to learn about him.
He was instrumentalin helping get
economic developmentgoing with that nation.
A real leaderin that community.
And that's whowe want to honour
with our building, is those unsung heroes
that we don't necessarilyhear about
(19:15):
that inspire the peopleliving in the building.
Those are the peoplethat should be...
When we talkabout humbleness
and our Seven Laws
he was an individualthat lived humbly
wasn'tlooking for the spotlight
but absolutelyshould be highlighted
for what he achieved in
his lifetime and what he didfor Indigenous people.
So we're very honouredthat the family agreed
(19:36):
to let us put his nameon the building.
And there will be a ceremonycoming up at the opening
with the family.
Wonderful.
I feel like it's a comingtogether of so many pieces.
I can see how this spacecan really be
a stepping stoneand pivotal in healing.
(19:58):
Right?
The the aspectsof community connection.
Do you believe that
theme will carry forwardwithin this space
the intergenerationalaspects
of healingand transformation?
How do you see that taking
shapeas you continue forward?
You mentioned a ceremonyto acknowledge and uplift
(20:18):
the legacy.
Is there other aspectsthat will be carried out?
What we're trying to do
is really focus
on how we can fundraiseto bring in
cultural presenters.
So if we could be teachingcedar basket weaving
drumming and singing bringing elders in.
And so we have a groupfrom our organization
(20:40):
that are regularlylooking for grants
that they can bring peoplein to the...
and be part of that communityas a gathering space.
The other exciting thingthat our organization
and our board passed
this past yearwas an ESG policy.
So that standsfor environmental
social and governance.
(21:01):
I know you knowthat from the work you do.
But with the
ESG policy, we're looking to have
a committee that includestenants that can contribute
to ways that we can ensurethat we're
being held accountable but also as a community.
How can we improvethe environment
(21:22):
from the social perspective?
How do we improve thingsfrom a social perspective
and how do we ensure thatwe have good governance?
And so I havea responsibility to ensure
that I have the respect
of my tenantsbecause they look to me to
help them and support themin an urban environment.
(21:43):
And so I have to gaintheir trust,
gain their respect.
I'm grateful
that the board selected me
but we have work to do withour tenants and to get to
that place where they feelthat they have that trust.
You're doing suchextraordinary work
in that space.
What would your grandmother
have to say?
(22:04):
You know my grandmother
wasn't somebodywith a lot of words.
And I do think that it is a...
she was a productof intergenerational
trauma.
You know whatshe went through...
Many of our eldersonly recently have felt that
they can have a voice but I think she would be proud.
(22:27):
But I also
I'm very careful not to
again, one of thethe laws being humble.
I am in a leadershipposition
but I do see myselfas a servant leader in that
it's the entire organization.
(22:47):
It's not me sitting at the top
and directing everybodywhat to do.
I recognize that I have a gift to bring.
And my gift is leadership.
I'm the conductorof the orchestra.
But if I don't have the
rest of my staff...I have amazing staff.
I have people that
(23:08):
have worked in supportivehousing for years
and understandhow to advocate
and get peoplethe supports that they need.
We have people working infinance and HR
we have an all Indigenousboard and it's collectively
that we are able to moveforward and be successful.
(23:29):
It's not just one personthat makes the organization
successful.
And I thinkmy grandmother
that's how she was
she was very humble didn't want any recognition.
She got involvedin community
and just did her part.
And when I think about how
my communitylived in long houses and
(23:51):
at leastin the winter months
we were hunter gatherers.
And then we moved in thewinter to our long houses
and we all had gifts.
If you didn'thave the medicine teachers
and you might needa plant to die
so you needed the peoplethat had the plant medicine.
You needed the huntergatherers, you needed the
the people that cookthe meals.
(24:11):
We, again, we all hadthose roles to play.
So, I think my part is...
I oftenthink is very simple.
And in terms ofjust having to
to lead and and bring that vision.
But I also recognize that
those are from teachingsthat have been passed on in
(24:31):
my communityand passed on from my elders.
So I'm reallyjust grateful for that.
Thank you so much Brenda and please let us know...
Let the listeners know.
How can we supportyour organization
especially those innon-Indigenous communities?
What can we do?
I just suggest that
there's a lot of discussionhappening on truth
(24:54):
and reconciliation,which is wonderful
especially inour schools.
But, ask yourselfhow you can
truly put reconciliationinto action
because it's one thingto talk about.
It's another thing toactually make a difference.
And there's many ways thatyou can get involved.
You can reach outto your local community.
(25:17):
There's lots of volunteeropportunities.
There's opportunities for donations
with organizationsthat support programing.
Really just
you've just got to step inand get involved.
And I know it's not easy
when we're all busy but ask yourself
what gifts you haveand how you can support
(25:39):
and make a difference
to somebody elsethat... as we say
it's going to takeseven generations
to create change.
And so... I didn't tell you,my great great granddad
was Grand Chief Wattlekanium
who met the Simon Fraserexpedition.
And that's in present day
New Westminsterwhen first settlers arrived.
Well my daughter is theseventh generation from him
(26:03):
and so that'sfrom the late 1700s.
And you think aboutwhat's happened
in that time period.
So we still havea lot of work to do.
So just, get involved do what you can.
It's welcomed.
We havepeople on healing journeys
so don't be discouragedif you don't
get the responseyou're looking for.
We have some peoplethat are hurting
(26:25):
and it takes timefor them to trust.
And soyou just have to be patient.
But I find that
when you're patientand you just lend an ear
people will be very graciousto have that support.
Well thank you so much, Brenda.
I've learneda lot from you
and I've listenedto your words and
(26:45):
your valuesand your beliefs...
have shonethrough in this interview
and really just so gratefulthat you could spend this
time with us.
And thank you Qwuy’um’aat for beingan amazing co-host.
And the conversationwas wonderful.
I really appreciate it.
I want to build onthat as well.
(27:06):
And thank you for sharingspace with us today.
It's through conversationslike this we're able
to honour connections
and stories and resilienceof our communities.
I know I'm able to say thatlike these teaching
also kind of
be carry forward and informmy practice of respect
reciprocity and strengthand humble leadership. So
(27:27):
hay cxʷ q̓ə Brenda and thank you so much.
Hay cxʷ q̓ə
To learn more about BCHousing, including
how to apply for subsidized
housing in British Columbia,
visit www.bchousing.org.
You can also find us
on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
(27:50):
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