Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Vancouver – The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that affirms a shared commitment to advancing affordable, safe, and culturally appropriate housing for Métis people across British Columbia, while strengthening pathways to improved health and well-being.
Métis Nation British Columbia, established in 1996, is the Métis government in B.C. and represents the section 35 rights of approximately 31,000 registered Métis Citizens, while advocating for the more than 113,000 people in the province who self-identify as Métis. MNBC works to promote Métis rights, recognition, and priorities, and create opportunities that enable Métis individuals, families, and communities to flourish by addressing the significant socioeconomic gaps and inequities experienced by many Indigenous people.
AHMA is the leading voice for Indigenous housing in British Columbia, representing and advocating for the off-reserve Indigenous housing sector across urban, rural, and northern communities. Through its administration of operating and capital agreements, AHMA supports over 5,500 housing units serving First Nations, Métis, Inuit, non-status, and self-identified Indigenous families. AHMA’s 55 member organizations manage more than 95% of Indigenous housing units located in municipalities across BC. AHMA members deliver critical programs and services that prevent homelessness and support community well-being through shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, complex care, and assisted living.
“This MoU reflects a shared understanding that housing is foundational to health, dignity, and self-determination,” said Margaret Pfoh, Chief Executive Officer of AHMA. “By formalizing our partnership with MNBC, we are strengthening collaboration to better respond to the distinct housing needs of Métis people, which will complement AHMA’s broader work across British Columbia.”
Under the MoU, AHMA and MNBC recognize their mutual commitment to improving health and wellness outcomes for Métis people and to working together at the intersection of housing, social infrastructure, and the social determinants of health. The agreement also establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration, information sharing, and coordinated advocacy in support of Métis individuals, families, and communities throughout the province.
“This MoU marks an important milestone in MNBC’s relationship with AHMA,” said Patrick Harriott, MNBC Minister of Poverty Reduction. “We are grateful to formalize this collaboration and work on community-driven, Métis-specific solutions to the housing needs of our people throughout the province.”
The MoU reflects a long-term commitment by both organizations to meet regularly, align priorities, and develop collaborative strategies that support improved housing and wellness outcomes for Métis people in British Columbia.