By Chad Klassen
Metis agency behind historic social housing project proud of contributions by former homeless youth
A historic social housing project that will see Indigenous youth and elders all under the same roof is well underway.
Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging
KIKÉKYELC is a culturally safe, fully supported, 31 unit condo style development that houses Indigenous youth between the ages of 16 & 27, along with Indigenous Elders. The project was developed as a response to the over representation of Indigenous youth who had aged out of foster care and into dire situations including homelessness, addictions, poverty and unemployment. Indigenous youth who have had experience in the child welfare system are not well prepared to live independently upon reaching the age of adulthood.
Location: 975 Singh St
PH: 250-312-5118
FX: 250-312-5124
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Progress Tour
Media
Media Coverage on Kikekyelc: A Place of Belonging
By Michael Potestio
Housing project for Indigenous elders, youth set to open in September
The $4.7-million housing complex — known officially as Kikekyelc: A Place of Belonging — was originally scheduled to be operational by June, but has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Chehala Leonard
A place to belong: Metis agency creates housing for youth aging out of care
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services builds model based on Indigenous perspectives to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth.
Building a Brighter Future
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services uses
traditional values and social innovation to empower Métis
and other Indigenous youth in Kamloops, B.C., including
developing a new housing complex where the young people
will live with Elders.
Indigenous youth transition with help from community elders
In Kamloops, B.C., an innovative approach to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth aging out of foster care is the talk of the town. Kikékyelc [pronounced Kee-kek-yel-c] is an affordable housing complex where youth is teamed with elders to promote natural opportunities for mentorship. The Community Housing Transformation Centre lends financial assistance and support.
vhttps://centre.support/indigenous-youth-transition-with-help-from-community-elders/?fbclid=IwAR3fINDIGENOUS YOUTH TRANSITION WITH HELP FROM COMMUNITY ELDERS
New Housing for Indigenous Youth and Elders Opens in Kamloops
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why the Government of Canada partnered with the Government of British Columbia, the City of Kamloops, Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society (LMO), among others, to build new affordable housing options for Indigenous youth and elders in Kamloops.
Photos
Our Youth along with D&T Development have been doing such wonderful job in building Kikékyelc: a place of belonging from the ground up. Enjoy some photos of the progress.
We would also like to give a warm Michif Maarsii (Thank-you) to Philip Shupe, who has been working alongside our youth and taking all these photos.
Maarsii for all of your hard work and dedication.
