BC government invests in affordable Indigenous housing >» Over 1,100 homes to be built in communities across province Roshni Riar Staff Writer O:: the next two to four years, 26 communities across BC will see the construction of 1,143 units of affordable Indigenous housing, both on and off reserve land. The development of these new homes is part of a 10-year, $550-million investment to provide 1,750 affordable homes to Indigenous communities across the province, as outlined in the BC government’s 30-point plan for housing affordability published in the 2018 BC Budget. The 30-point plan also included a focus on student housing for universities and colleges. This housing program will cost $450 million to create and the project’s aim is to construct 5,000 new spaces. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said in the foreword of the 30-point plan that “these actions represent the first step on the path to reaching our goal of a province where everyone has the secure, safe, and affordable home they need.” A November 24 press release revealed that the province is committing $231 million towards the construction of the 1,143 announced homes. $76 million will be allocated to build 367 on-reserve housing units, which marks the first time in Canadian history that a province will invest in on-reserve housing . The remaining $155 million will go to the construction of 776 off-reserve housing units. The November 24 press release also gave a list of where these projects will be built. Cranbrook, Kelowna, Surrey, Bella Bella, and many more cities and towns throughout the province were listed. Robinson made the announcement Holiday Lunch with Santa >» Ho Ho Ho-lidays are near! Tania Arora Staff Reporter n November 29, the New Westminster Campus had a huge lineup as students waited eagerly for Santa. With Christmas around the corner, the Douglas Students’ Union (DSU) organized a holiday lunch with Santa at New Westminster Campus. The event also took place at the David Lam Campus on November 27. With Ben Cohen dressing up as Santa and DSU members coming together to host the lunch, the event attracted an enormous crowd. A photo booth was set up with Santa being the main attraction. Students could be seen waiting to take photos with the man in the red suit. There was also a never-ending lineup for the free lunch served by the DSU members. Mexican cuisine such as tacos, rice, salsa, sour cream, and beans were served, along with vegan and gluten-free options. Starting at 1am, the whole concourse was filled with students holding plates and staring at the big screen. The DSU played a series of Christmas movies. From The Polar Express to Home Alone to The Muppet Christmas Carol, the entire holiday lunch event was focused around Christmassy holiday celebrations. Prachi Gupta, a student at Douglas College, said in an interview with the Other Press—while enjoying her tacos—that events like these are what make campus life so strong. “What I love the most about our college is how engaging they are,’ she said. “I haven’t seen any occasion pass by where they haven't done anything. I was observing how active the whole team is. They organize such good events all the time, which makes me excited every time I hear about any. [...] They leave no stone unturned to make us happy and help us relive our childhood while realizing that there is no particular age or time to have fun.” Sarabjeet Kaur, another student from Douglas College who attended the event, said with a laugh that it was perfect timing that the DSU served free food. “Well, lam happy that they are serving food today as | didn’t have my breakfast,” she said. The Students’ Union also promoted the DSU Study Hall event which they organize every semester at both the campuses. The Study Hall is a space created for students who wish to come together and study individually or in groups ina quiet environment. Free coffee is served throughout the day, along with some study tips and tutoring sessions offered. At New Westminster Campus, the Study Hall events will take place from December 3 to 7 and 10 to 14 from 1am to 6 pmat the Concourse Fishbowl. David Lam Campus will offer the Study Hall on the same days and times at the Tim Hortons cafe. Photo via The Province of British Columbia on Flickr in Pitt Meadows on the Katzie First Nation reserve, which will see $7.8 million invested into 39 on-reserve housing units. Chief Grace Leon Cunningham of the Katzie First Nation expressed his gratitude for the approved housing and looked at the opportunity surrounding the incoming affordable homes as part of a path toward healing. “(The homes are] a monumental gift for our community that will have significant impact for generations to come,’ Chief Cunningham said, thanking Robinson and BC Housing for the support. Robinson stated the current housing situation for Indigenous individuals and communities is unacceptable. “Through these new homes, [BC Housing is] working together with First Nations, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and the Indigenous housing providers to take an important step toward addressing this critical need in every corner of the province,” Robinson said. Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation also shared his thoughts in the November 24 press release. “Long-term, stable housing is critical for keeping Indigenous families together and their communities thriving,” he said. “This housing project is exceptional news for Indigenous peoples who have faced extraordinary housing challenges that are out of proportion compared to other Canadians.” The press release stated that BC Housing will work together with First Nations and various Indigenous non-profit housing providers to solidify the proposed projects in the coming months, with a second proposal slated for release in spring 2020.