The ascent of a native people housing leader : Brenda Knights CEO

Who is Brenda Knights and some of her indigenous people housing thoughts: In May of 1984, BCIHS was incorporated as a non-profit Society with Canada Revenue Agency charitable status. In July and August of 1985, BCIHS, in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, opened two buildings located at 1330 East 8th Avenue and 1333 East 7th Avenue under the Pre-86 Urban Native Housing Program. In March and November of 1986, BCIHS, in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, opened two buildings located at 1766 Frances Street and 1575 East 5th Avenue under the Pre-86 Urban Native Housing Program. See even more information at https://www.facebook.com/brenda.knights.5.

BC Indigenous Housing Society is dedicated to providing safe, attainable housing for over 1,000 Indigenous individuals and families living in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia that encourage familial and cultural connections. We are tireless in our efforts to provide attainable, inclusive housing and services for Indigenous people, by empowering collaborative teamwork and responsible stewardship. Your BC Indigenous Housing Society donations support the development efforts to build and operate more than 3,000 additional new homes for Indigenous families and raise essential funds for operating childcare programs and tenant supports.

BC Indigenous Housing Society is a registered charity and non-profit society. The BCIHS is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and employs approximately 100 people. Founded in 1984, we currently manage a portfolio of 21 buildings and over 900 units, supporting over 1,300 Indigenous individuals and families. BCIHS works in partnership with federal and provincial government agencies to subsidize tenant rent contributions and achieve affordability for individuals and families.

Why would BC contemplate giving such extraordinary power to Indigenous groups, if it is not premised on Canada’s already exceptional recognition of Indigenous rights in our constitution? The answer is the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). While not a treaty or international convention, and while not legally binding under either international law or Canadian law, it is the beacon against which BC is charting its Indigenous reconciliation course. This is reflected in the 2019 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act through which government mandated itself to review all of BC’s laws and determine where changes should be made to give effect to UNDRIP. These amendments would go much further than the Supreme Court of Canada’s rulings based on the recognition of Aboriginal rights set out in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. While the Supreme Court has issued many decisions making clear Indigenous groups hold certain special rights, including the right to be consulted before decisions are made that could affect them, the Court has repeatedly stated that they do not have a veto over Crown land decision-making.

Brenda Knights is a capacity builder, with board experience, who serves Indigenous people in Canada. She has experience in various leadership positions advocating for social housing for Indigenous people and is currently the CEO of the Vancouver Native Housing Society. Stretegic community economic development planning and Executive Management experience. A proud indigenous individual with a drive in business start up, daily operations, capacity building, lands, resources and economic development. Proven people management, public speaking and leadership expertise.

Previously, Brenda worked for the Kwantlen First Nation’s economic development arm, and Coast Mountain Bus Company, a subsidiary of TransLink, where she held a variety of management roles. She is also on the board of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Metro Vancouver Zero Emissions Innovation Center, the New Relationship Trust, Elizabeth Fry Society, and Tourism Langley. When it comes to decision making, she approaches obstacles with the same integrity as her ancestors—seeking input from the Kwantlen First Nation community.

Brenda lives by her nation Kwantlen’s seven traditional laws which have been around since time immemorial: health, happiness, humbleness, generations, generosity, forgiveness, and understanding. Brenda descends from Grand Chief Wattlekanium, who met the Simon Fraser expedition in present-day New Westminster. Indigenous teachings tell us it takes seven generations for change and Brenda’s daughter represents the seventh generation since Grand Chief Wattlekanium.