Success Stories
AHMA members are advancing building performance, efficiency, and sustainability. They are future-proofing and retrofitting projects to increase community resilience. The results are outstanding successes that prioritize culture and share wisdom.
Grand Opening of Chief Leonard George Building in East Vancouver
BC Indigenous Housing Society opened its new energy-efficient Passive House in East Vancouver, named the Chief Leonard George building. There are 81 units ranging in size from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom family units.
Grand Opening of Citaapi Mahtii Housing Apartment in Port Alberni
“This project represents more than just a building—it represents a vision of community, security, and belonging,” said the Citaapi Mahtii Housing Board. “We are honoured to open the doors and mark this important achievement.”
New Healing Space at VATJSS
Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society (VATJSS) celebrated the Grand Opening of their new healing space on October 15th. VATJSS was put into place as part of the national Indigenous Justice Program.
Dze L K’ant Housing Society Breaks Ground on 41-Unit Indigenous Housing Project in Houston, BC
The new building will offer a mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units to meet the urgent housing needs facing urban Indigenous people in the community.
AHMA and BCAAFC Sign Memorandum of Partnership
“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in uniting our voices for the benefit of Indigenous families and communities across the province,” said Margaret Pfoh, AHMA’s CEO. “By joining forces, we strengthen our ability to push for systemic change in housing and services.”
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association Video
FRAFCA provides a safe place of support, healing, and advocacy for individuals and families through their healing journey.
Indigenous leadership in climate action — heat pumps and housing resilience in B.C.
Nuutsumuut Lelum, a Passive House-certified townhouse complex in Nanaimo, is more than a pilot project, it’s a call to action. Indigenous communities are ready to build a climate-resilient future, and it’s time for B.C. to invest in that vision.
Health starts at home: Overcoming Indigenous housing challenges
“I’m a firm believer that health, both physical and mental, starts at home. In doing all of this, we’re able to address energy efficiency and culture together, creating a healthier, happier living space for Indigenous peoples living off-reserve across British Columbia.”
New affordable homes open for people in Courtenay
The Wachiay Friendship Centre Society owns the building and aims to create a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can gather, exchange traditions and learn from one another.
Province approves Northern Community Shuttle Program
Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society is set to get $73,050 for operating its community shuttle services in the communities of Smithers, Telkwa, Houston and Dease Lake.
How associations can benefit from TED’s localised climate strategy
The TED Foundation’s climate grant, when combined with other sources of funding, enabled AHMA to hire two new project managers and one development manager to electrify homes, improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing opens Chenkw Em̓út
Chenkw Em̓út is a 95-unit development and was created to provide safe, long-term rental homes for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Peoples. Priority is given to independent elders, youth, families, and people with disabilities.
New Complex Care Home Opens
Housing is healthcare. When people have access to safe, supportive housing, they have the chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive. AHMA, FRAFCA, and the Ministry of Health celebrated the opening of 10 new Complex Care Housing units in Surrey that offer integrated health, social, and cultural supports.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing opens Esḵéḵxwi7ch tl’a Sp’áḵw’us Place
Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’áḵw’us Place is a 27-unit development that provides support for vulnerable Sḵwxwú7mesh people. These homes are exclusively for Sḵwxwú7mesh people.
New affordable homes coming for Indigenous people in Smithers
Owned and operated by Dze L K’ant Housing Society, the three-storey building will consist of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, in recognition of the high need for housing for off-reserve Indigenous families and seniors in Smithers.
AHMA’s 2024 Year In Review
Throughout 2024, AHMA participated in a number of advocacy and engagement activities to further empower Urban Indigenous Peoples and advocate for greater autonomy and FIBI approaches to housing.
Fort St. John Native Housing Tenant Success – Including an NHL Draft!
Fort St. John Native Housing Society shared some wonderful success stories that have come out of their Urban Native Program.
M’akola Team Announcements 2024
M’akola is proud to announce the recently completed capital renewal projects at Robron, George Dowling complex, and Bevan Place.
Learn more about Robron, George Dowling art, George Dowling building and Bevan Place.
Nenanute K’et: Indigenous Youths preparing to live independently have new housing support in PG
AHMA member, Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) partners with Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), BC Housing, and Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Services (NBH) on a new housing support program for Indigenous youths to successfully transition into living independently.
Ken’ulh K’it Yikh, Smithers’ first Indigenous housing venture
Ken’ulh K’it Yikh, is an affordable Indigenous housing venture in Smithers, led by our member Dze L̲ K’ant Housing Society. Nearly 50 years in the making, and years of hard work have been put in by many people to get this project off the ground.
Sohkeyah development – phase 2
AHMA and Kekinow Native Housing Society celebrate the opening of 104 affordable houses for Indigenous families and individuals in the Sohkeyah development. AHMA CEO Margaret Pfoh said, “These homes come at a critical time to support those at risk of homelessness. We raise our hands to Kekinow for their great work over the last four decades and to our Province for investing in urban Indigenous housing.”
AHMA member, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, celebrates 50 years!
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society offers wrap-around services to Kelowna’s urban Indigenous community. With programs ranging from cultural education, Elders, family, holistic wellness, to tax advocacy, housing, and English language classes they strive to meet people where they are and recognize the importance of culture in one’s sense of identity and well-being.
Bevan Place Unveiling
AHMA, alongside member organization M’akola Housing Society, had the honour to unveil a new revamped affordable housing complex on Tetrault Street in Terrace on June 11th. The unveiling also showcased the artwork done by Stan Bevan and Shawna Kiesman. The complex has been given the name Bevan Place, after Mel Bevan who was a strong voice for Indigenous housing.
Thirty-five new homes open for Indigenous people in Vernon
Thunderbird Manor – Phase 2 is owned and operated by Vernon Native Housing Society through the Indigenous Housing Fund. It is a new five-storey building provides one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom homes for Indigenous Peoples with moderate and low incomes.
More than 325 new below-market homes underway in Port Moody
A partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Edgar Development, the City of Port Moody, M’akola Housing Society and the Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society sees the creation of 328 below-market homes
Indigenous people in Sooke get access to 170 below-market homes
This development, owned and operated by the Capital Regional District and M’akola Housing Society, contains two identical five-storey wood-frame buildings, which include 170 homes, 34 of which have been reserved for people with very low incomes and will be rented at the shelter rate of $500 a month. This ensures they are affordable for those receiving social assistance, persons with disabilities, or on a basic seniors’ pension. The remaining units will be rented at below-market rates.
Dawn-Marie Hugh, Kekinow Native Housing Society
Kekinow Native Housing Society is an Indigenous non-profit housing provider and AHMA member. In 2023, with support from the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP), Kekinow completed energy assessments and energy efficiency upgrades in several units.
Draven Darkke, M’akola Housing Society
M’akola Housing Society is an Indigenous non-profit housing provider and AHMA member. M’akola completed energy efficiency upgrades at multiple sites with support from the Indigenous Communities Conservation Program (ICCP) in 2021-22.
Sandy White, North Okanagan Friendship Centre
Kekuli, North Okanagan Friendship Centre is an Indigenous non-profit housing provider and AHMA member in the City of Vernon, affiliated with the BC Association of Friendship Centres. Kekuli received support from the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) in 2020.
Alanna Cowan, Conayt Housing and Friendship Centre
Conayt is an Indigenous non-profit housing provider and AHMA member in Merritt, affiliated with the BC Association of Friendship Centres. Conayt received support from the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) in 2019-20.
EndoTherm Case Study at Milestone Manor, Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society (DQCHS)
Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society (DQCHS) is an Indigenous non-profit housing provider and AHMA member affiliated with the BC Association of Friendship Centres. DQCHS installed EndoTherm into the boiler system at Milestone Manor on November 2nd, 2020.
M’akola Case Study at George Dowling
M’akola completed a major envelope/exterior renewal project for a Port Alberni townhouse complex in 2023. The project transformed the homes, including energy efficiency upgrades and innovative art installations from local Indigenous artists.
Nuutsumuut Lelum (All in One House), Island Urban Indigenous Wellness Society, 2018
The Island Urban Indigenous Wellness Society partnered with BC Housing to construct culturally appropriate, affordable, energy-efficient housing for the Urban Indigenous community in Nanaimo.
Here are some more success stories as related by some of our partners:
- https://www.bchousing.org/indigenous
- https://www.bchousing.org/indigenous/off-reserve-housing
- https://www2.bchousing.org/research-centre/library/indigenous-peoples
- https://bcnpha.ca/events-learning/providing-homes-rooted-in-culture-a-national-indigenous-peoples-month-celebration/
- https://bcnpha.ca/resource/essential-reading/