Honouring Truth and Reconciliation: Indigenous Youth are Driving Innovation on Housing in British Columbia

Press Release

September 23, 2025

Unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Vancouver BC (September 23, 2025) – Ahead of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) highlights the leadership of Indigenous youth who are coming together to drive housing innovation.

“When young Indigenous people (YIPs) across BC are leaving their reserves for the first time, some are moving to cities for post-secondary studies, and many are experiencing homelessness,” said Bailey Waukey, AHMA Senior Policy Analyst. “This is happening right now, which is why AHMA recruited five Indigenous youth to form a steering committee to help develop our newly released Indigenous Youth Housing Strategy (IYHS).”

The IYHS is guided by a youth-centred research and engagement model called the Communal Approach to Policy (CAP). Through CAP, AHMA prioritizes mentoring YIPs in housing policy so they can take on leadership roles.

The Indigenous Youth Housing Strategy presents a suite of For Indigenous Youth, By Indigenous Youth (FIYBIY) housing models.

“We need to create culturally safe, supportive options for YIPs to live their best lives,” added Waukey. “The way to do this is by empowering young Indigenous people to be part of the process.”

Between July 2024 and March 2025, AHMA engaged more than 100 Indigenous youth through regional workshops, community events, mentorship, and training. The IYHS Steering Committee, co-designed housing models that reflect the diverse needs of their peers, including intergenerational housing, land-based rural programs, transitional support models, and culturally rooted shelter options.

Each member contributed a housing model based on lived experience. Noia McFetridge developed a design for youth facing unsafe housing due to violence or neglect. “We need safe

spaces with food, shelter, and support systems that understand where we’re coming from,” said McFetridge. “It’s not just about having a roof, it’s about having support to move forward.”

AHMA’s Communal Approach to Policy model is a trauma-informed framework rooted in six core values known as the Six Rs:

⦁ Respect – Focus on youth strengths rather than personal trauma.

⦁ Relationship – Emphasize building trust before requesting input.

⦁ Reciprocity – Ensure youth are fairly compensated for their time and knowledge.

⦁ Relevance – Offer personalized mentorship and learning opportunities.

⦁ Risk-taking – Create safe spaces for experimentation and growth.

⦁ Rooted – Keep the work grounded in community and Indigenous leadership.

“Our engagement process created a new standard for how Indigenous youth want to be involved,” said Waukey. “We built a framework that others can use to improve how youth are included in housing policy and program development.”

IYHS Steering Committee member, Matthew Morin, transitioned into paid positions with AHMA through internships. “I wanted youth voices heard when it comes to housing,” said Morin. “Working with AHMA improved my mental health, my job skills, and my life. It’s real support with real outcomes.”

AHMA’s youth-focused research revealed critical gaps in housing systems, including a lack of Indigenous-specific youth housing providers, unclear eligibility criteria, and an over-reliance on emergency shelters that lack cultural safety and long-term supports. The FIYBIY housing models respond directly to these needs.

Today, and in support of reconciliACTION, AHMA calls on governments, funders, and sector partners to invest in Indigenous youth–designed housing and services; adopt trauma-informed engagement frameworks like CAP; prioritize Indigenous-led delivery of supports for youth at risk; and fund long-term, culturally safe housing options specifically for Indigenous youth.

“When Indigenous youth are engaged early and given leadership roles, they build effective, culturally grounded solutions,” said Waukey. “AHMA is committed to walking alongside youth and building capacity that lasts.”

Read the full strategy here: https://ahma-bc.org/resource-centre/public-policy/indigenous-youth-housing-strategy/

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For more information about AHMA, visit www.ahma-bc.org

Media contact: Kelly Moon
604-353-0427
communications@ahma-bc.org

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