The climb of an indigenous people capacity builder leader : Brenda Knights

The growth of an indigenous people social housing top professional : Brenda Knights Canada: In December 1994, BCIHS, in partnership with Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation, opened a building under the Post 85 Urban Native Housing Program located at 1725 East Pender Street. In November 2000, BCIHS opened Ian Lehman Place at 27 West Pender, just on the boarder of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. This innovative structure designed by architect Joe Wai combines Vancouver Heritage style yellow brick with a number of unique elements which recognize both the Indigenous residents, as well as their Chinese neighbours. See extra info at Brenda Knights Canada.

Demonstrating Strong Leadership in the Sector – BCIHS is a purpose-driven organization that has pivoted creatively and skillfully to establish a clear strategy and framework for transformative change and growth. We will continue to attract and develop a high-value workforce team, support Indigenous culture and celebrate accomplishments in pursuit of our vision. We will set the bar high within the sector and stakeholder community, and we will demonstrate and inspire a servant-leadership mindset from the Executive team and Board of Directors to the front-line team.

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.

Earlier this month the BC Government posted (without any media release) a topic “Land Act Amendments” on a little-known website www.engage.gov.bc.ca. Up until now, these decisions have always been made by the Minister responsible for the Land Act (or her or his delegates in the senior ranks of the public service), with a corresponding duty to consult affected First Nations. These types of decisions are a major part of governing the land base and economy in BC, and these decision-makers are supported by well-drafted and comprehensive Crown Land policies and procedures manuals. Under the amendments being proposed by the BC government, changes will be made to enable agreements with Indigenous groups such that they will be provided a veto power over decision-making about Crown land tenures and / or have “joint” decision making power with the Minister. Where such agreements apply, the Crown alone will no longer have the power to make the decisions about Crown land that it considers to be in the public interest.

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.