NationTalk: Unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesẖ (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Vancouver BC (November 9, 2023) – Housing advocates, policymakers, leaders and frontline providers will soon convene to explore new ways to deliver safe, affordable housing. The Housing Central Conference, running November 20 – 22, 2023, will highlight innovative ideas that address an array of urgent housing needs.

Delegates will hear from housing experts and participate in discussions about how we can move forward equitably in tackling the housing and homelessness crises that are disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples in BC and across Turtle Island. The conference is jointly hosted by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), and the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC).

“The housing crisis that we continue to meet on the front lines requires all hands-on deck; including all levels of government and increased investment within the entire housing sector,” says Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “We encourage you to join us, and other industry leaders in helping to drive solutions and advocacy for our communities, who desperately need our expertise.”

For Indigenous, By Indigenous housing is driven by AHMA members and our local experts on the ground, who work tirelessly to generate a safe future for our children and children to come.

2023 Housing Central Conference Highlights

The conference offers more than 150 educational sessions, panel discussions and presentations from industry experts. AHMA will be offering a variety of learning and connective opportunities including:

• Indigenous Housing: Delivering Housing Beyond the Four Walls – This panel will discuss using Indigenous ways of knowing to create a home that connects culture and community.

When: Monday, November 20, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

• Strategies to Elevate Major Capital Projects for Success – This session will provide key project management approaches to increase success for major renewal projects in social housing. When: Monday, November 20, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
• Collaboration of Indigenous Supports and Services for Adults with Diverse Abilities – This presentation will discuss AMHA and CLBC collaborative efforts and partnership development to advance culturally safe housing solutions for Indigenous people with diverse abilities.

When: Monday, November 20, 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm

• Indigenous Caucus – An engaging and interactive facilitated discussion on how communities can support Indigenous housing needs by exploring innovative housing models and solutions for Indigenous people to live in culturally safe housing.

When: Tuesday, November 21, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

• Youth in Transition: Housing for Indigenous Youth – This panel discussion highlights promising practices and housing approaches that are or have worked.

When: Wednesday, November 22, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

AHMA is sponsoring Grandma’s Kitchen, a culturally safe space for deep connection and mindfulness. We are grateful for the support of Indigenous Elders, who will be in the room to provide conversation and traditional teachings and other activities – with tea and snacks, of course! All are welcome.

A lineup of renowned keynote speakers will share their knowledge to educate, inspire and open our minds to new possibilities – and renewed enthusiasm for the challenging work ahead. Attendees will hear from Wanda Dalla Costa, Michelle Good, and Derenda Schubert as well as other guests and presenting speakers covering a wide range of housing topics.

Additional sessions will explore affordable housing for women, Indigenous leadership, supportive housing, harm reduction and overdose prevention, improved outcomes for youth, energy efficiency, learning from lived experiences of homelessness, and more.

The Art Expo brings together artistic expression and innovation in, Welcome to my House, a theme driven by inclusivity. Welcome to my House invites participants to be fully immersed in over 15 different and cohesive art experiences. The Art Expo provides meaningful opportunities for interaction, connection and engagement through the arts.

Members of the media are invited to attend the Housing Central Conference from Nov. 20 to 22, 2023 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Visit conference.housingcentral.ca for more information.

To arrange an interview with Housing Central leaders and/or keynote speakers, please contact:

Kelly Moon

AHMA Communications Manager

604-353-0427

kmoon@ahma-bc.org

Sarah Payne

BCNPHA Communications Manager

236-521-0617

sarah@bcnpha.ca