Elders-In-Residence program at Kikékyelc: A place of belonging

Project

Parent Organization

Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Community and Family Services (LMO)

Territory

Kamloops, B.C.

Grant

Community-Based Tenant Initiative Fund (CBTIF)

Amount

$100,000

Project Summary

Kikékyelc is a 31-unit, culturally safe, supported and affordable housing complex that is home to First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth transitioning from the child welfare system to more independent living. Its Elders-in-Residence program, where five seniors will live among the youth, is one strategy developed to support the ability to transform outcomes for youth while adopting a holistic and Indigenous-led approach. The youth tenants will learn new skills and knowledge, alongside traditional and cultural teachings, that will increase their capacity and readiness to become involved in their new housing and, eventually, to successfully transit to more independent housing. To that end, the Centre has contributed $100,000 from its Community-Based Tenant Initiative Fund that will go toward paying a fee-for-service for the elders for their time and participation in the program and for needed materials and supplies.

Partners

The LMO Métis Elders Council currently participates in supporting the social work team in the delivery of culturally appropriate child protection services. Members of the Métis Elders Council will assist with the selection process of the Elder Mentors and will provide support to the Elder Mentors and co-facilitate programs offered through the Elders-In-Residence Program.

Métis Nation BC will provide support to the Elders-In-Residence through the services they offer to Métis Elders. These supports will be important to encourage positive morale and provide assistance with physical health needs as they arise. Métis Nation BC also has a wealth of cultural resources that can be shared with the Elders-In-Residence to support them in their mentorship and guidance to the youth tenants.

Secwépemc Child and Family Services, the agency serving the First Nations and Inuit population of Kamloops, will support this project by referring youth to the housing project as well as offering recommendations and supports for First Nation and Inuit Elders.

Financial partners such as HRJ Consulting, The Stollery Charitable Foundation, Interior Health, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Community Living for British Columbia have all contributed to ensure youth and elder tenants are provided with access to on-site support services and programming as well as a culturally safe space in which they can see themselves reflected and where they can foster a strong sense of belonging.