Good day, Métis Housing Residents!
I hope you all had a great summer and are ready to kick off another beautiful time of the year. Like many of you, Fall is my favourite time of the year. I love to watch the leaves change colour and birds flying south. The last few days have been chilly and crisp. I spent the weekend with my kids enjoying the festivities organized by our community league. It was interesting to experience how the collective efforts of a few people can make the simplest time everlasting and enjoyable.
I witness similar collective efforts by our staff at Métis Housing to make your housing experience unique. We work to advance and ensure we equip ourselves with adequate tools to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. A Tenant Satisfaction Survey is one way we improve our processes, add resources where we need them, and support families to the best of our abilities. We received the results of our first Tenant Satisfaction Survey, too. I congratulate the winner of the Tenant Satisfaction Survey and encourage everyone else to participate in this survey by leaving remarks, thoughts, and feedback. It is another way we can communicate and support each other.
Through the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Capital Housing Corporation has supported many Métis families by disbursing funds under Home Programs. This support strengthened our Nation. The new Métis Nation of Alberta’s Constitution will open doors for similar long-term support. We urge all Métis Citizens to vote for the Constitution this Fall. Together, we will make our Nation stronger and fulfill our dreams.
If you are still facing challenges or barriers due to the pandemic or otherwise, please do not hesitate to reach out to our regional resource workers. We will make every effort to support you most effectively.
I hope you all enjoy the festivities this season has to offer and make progress in your journey. At Métis Housing, we are always here to help our people!
Sincerely,
Bindu Bonneau
Senior Director of Operations
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TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY |
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September 30 marks the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. We acknowledge the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school legacy. Nationwide acknowledgment is a necessary step in the reconciliation process.
As an Indigenous organization, many of us have personally been impacted by residential schools. We know a day will not heal the deep wounds that have been inflicted. We also recognize that acknowledgment is only the first step. There is so much more to do by governments and organizations at all levels. We will continue to fight hard to lift our community up with culturally-sensitive programming and services.
This day is difficult. Do not be afraid to reach out for support if you need it.
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Métis Urban Housing Corporation will be building a new accessible and affordable housing development at 12038 - 37 Street NW to help mitigate a critical housing shortage in Edmonton. Our goal is to rebuild affordable homes and create healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods.
Our new energy efficient, highly adaptable, and accessible homes will integrate seamlessly with the neighbourhood. These new green-build homes will revitalize the neighbourhood and respect the mature community’s sentiments.
We are proposing a two-bedroom home, a barrier free one-bedroom home, and two three-bedroom affordable homes on this property to accommodate the housing needs of four Indigenous families. The two-bedroom home and a one-bedroom barrier free home will be basement suites to make the best use of the land. These homes will be made with concrete and wood to enforce durability and be equipped with geothermal heating, cooling technology, and a solar-powered system.
You can find more information, including timeline, Good Neighbour Plan, and imaging here. Community engagement is currently underway and we encourage everyone within the community to participate.
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Earlier this year, Métis Capital Housing Corporation was chosen to be a part of a federal land housing initiative to provide meaningful housing for our Indigenous community. The development will comprise 127 affordable units for low-income Indigenous families, focusing on women and children. It will be a place of inclusivity, community, and healing. The sites will be located adjacent to the future Metro Line Northwest Light Rail Transit in the Griesbach community, located 12 minutes north of downtown Edmonton.
“We, the Métis Nation of Alberta, are honoured to play a part in providing housing to hundreds of low-income Indigenous families in Edmonton,” said President Audrey Poitras. “To have a safe place where our community can gather and our families grow roots is an important step toward healing and reconciliation. As an Indigenous-owned and operated organization with 40 years of experience, Métis Capital Housing is ready and equipped to house our people.”
There will be 42 barrier-free suites with 10 fully automated units to meet the needs of severely handicapped people. Fifty suites will be assigned to women and children fleeing domestic violence who seek permanent and safe housing. Further, the remaining suites, a mix of one-bedroom to four-bedroom suites, will be available for growing families, focusing on single parents and children.
The proposed project will give women and children a safe zone to start their healing process surrounded by cultural programming, teachings, healing circles, and group and one-on-one counselling.
We will provide further details, such as construction timelines, as they become available.
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On August 24, 2022, the MNA Provincial Council (PC) met to create a plan to implement the decision of the 94th Annual General Assembly, and to ensure that as many MNA Citizens as possible have the opportunity to be heard in this province-wide ratification vote. At this meeting, PC voted to determine what that vote and months leading up to it will look like.
This vote is an important piece in moving forward as a nation. Make sure your voice is heard.
Update your contact information to stay informed on the ratification vote.
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Are you ready to vote this November? Learn all there is to know about our Constitution before you head to the polls!
The MNA Constitution Commission is coming to a town near you to answer your questions about the MNA Constitution. Come to learn and for a meal before heading to the polls in November.
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Drayden Insurance Scholarship |
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Drayden Insurance has graciously created a scholarship to better support Métis post-secondary students in their academic careers. Three lucky students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their tuition through Métis Housing.
T his scholarship is by nomination. Do you know a deserving student? Nominate them today: metishousing.ca/news/
“We truly feel that children are our future,” began Cindy McGinnis, Branch Manager with Drayden, “… and the best way we can be a part of their success is to help provide them with the opportunity of a greater education.”
Completed nomination forms can be sent via email or mail.
Mail: Drayden Scholarship Nominations, 11923 121A Street, Edmonton, AB T5L 0A2
Scholarship Deadline: December 31, 2022
If you have any questions about nominating a Métis student for the Drayden Scholarship, contact:1-877-458-8684 Ext. 1132
Thank you, Drayden Insurance for investing in our youth!
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After what seemed like an eternity of isolation, we spent a wonderful summer celebrating our residents and staff.
Renaissance Tower held events for the residents.
Our Housing staff came together for an emotional intelligence workshop, an 80’s themed golf tournament, and a sweat.
The Family Reunification Program celebrated program graduates and joined together for traditional healing sessions and workshops.
We held workshops across the province for our tenants.
And of course, we can’t forget our 40th Anniversary BBQ.
We thank everyone who came out to our events. They are only possible because of you. You are the reason behind everything we do.
Make sure to follow our social pages to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events!
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We are constantly working to improve the quality of services we offer to our tenants. To accomplish this, we have the best team supporting our tenants by listening to and acting on what our tenants say.
We recently sent out a Tenant Satisfaction Survey and received the results. The answers have proven invaluable. We appreciate everyone who took the time to respond. We drew a winner from the tenants who responded.
Congratulations Tanya Roy on winning the draw for a $100 gift card!
We encourage everyone else to participate in this survey by leaving remarks, thoughts, and feedback. It is another way we can communicate and support each other.
If you are a tenant and you have not yet received a link to a survey, please reach out to your Tenant Relations Officer or the office at 780-452-6640 or via email at info@metishousing.ca
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40 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT MÉTIS HOUSING |
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This year marks 40 years since Métis Urban Housing Corporation (MUHC) first opened its doors. Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC) followed in 2007. Today, the two make up what we call Métis Housing. Collectively, MUHC and MCHC maintain and manage rental accommodations, providing housing to over 3,000 residents in 14 urban centres throughout Alberta.
To recognize our 40 years of providing affordable, adequate, and sustainable housing to low and moderate-income Métis and Indigenous families in Alberta, we have compiled a list of 40 things we love about Métis Housing.
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- Our tenants – they are the best!
- The staff
- Culturally sensitive programming
- Shared desire to raise our community up
- Continually expanding
- Subsidized housing
- Affordable housing
- Reaching Home Program
- Family Reunification Program
- Transitional supports for Métis youth
- Indigenous housing run by an Indigenous organization
- Housing programs for Métis Citizens
- Traditional cultural teachings and values
- Tenant Relations Officers to provide one-on-one assistance to our tenants
- Environmentally conscious – have you seen our solar panels?
- The laughter in the office
- The many different personalities and strengths of the staff
- New building projects
- Impressive grant writing skills – we are determined!
- Strong partnerships with other housing organizations throughout the city and province.
- The maintenance team – what can’t they fix??
- Front office staff and their vibrant personalities
- The leadership team and their strong direction
- We are female lead
- The staff get you – they are just like you and me
- Our seniors and all the wisdom and fun they bring
- We’re active in the community.
- A safe working environment – thank you OH&S
- Métis values and ethics
- Strong board leadership
- The food – the best food at every event!
- The music – whether it's traditional Métis music or rock, we always have fun
- Dancing – there’s always people dancing at our events
- Security personnel at Renaissance Tower. They always go above and beyond to help residents!
- There’s always someone on call for our tenants
- Confidentiality is respected
- Up-to-date systems
- We are province-wide
- There’s a program for every stage of life
- The future is limitless!
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We wish everyone a cozy Fall 🍂☕️
Follow us on social media to stay up to date!
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