Affordable Housing and Indigenous Empowerment | Roxanne’s Story

In honor of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we are proud to share the inspiring story of Roxanne, an indigenous counsellor and Habitat homeowner. Roxanne has dedicated her life to empowering indigenous youth and women, and her journey exemplifies the transformative power of secure housing.  

The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day 

As we observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day, it's crucial to recognize the systemic barriers that indigenous communities face. Secure and affordable housing is often out of reach, making stories like Roxanne's not just uplifting but necessary. Roxanne's journey serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of secure housing. 

"Being selected for a Habitat Home was such a blessing. It felt like I won the lottery. It’s life-changing, not just for me but for my kids, too. It’s such a beautiful process, and I feel so grateful." - Roxanne

For a mother of three like Roxanne, the housing market can be tough. "When there’s 30 people applying, and I have kids, I was always at the bottom of the list," she says. 

Partnership with Habitat 

Prior to becoming a partner family with Habitat, Roxanne was living in Tsawwassen. The rent was high, but she made the commitment to care for indigenous people like herself in the city. 

 "Part of my job is having hard conversations and being a voice for people who don’t know how to speak up on their own," says Roxanne. She was brought in to create an indigenous-led second-stage recovery program with a culture-first approach. "When you connect people with their culture, that’s where healing starts," she adds. 

Roxanne shares that she is Sayisi Dene, treaty 5 territory. Her mother is a residential school survivor, and because of her family's experiences, she has dedicated her life to helping other indigenous people. 

"Our people were displaced from our home through a forced relocation. We went from a band of 600 to less than 200 from starvation, freezing to death, and house fires. The culture that broke us will not heal us." - Roxanne

The Difference Affordable Housing Makes 

Because of Habitat's support, Roxanne can focus on her great work in the Lower Mainland. She also teaches her children the responsibilities of homeownership, debunking myths about indigenous people and housing. 

Roxanne says that the best thing she can do for herself and her children now is to continue to work on herself and demonstrate what it looks like to be a healthy, spiritual, indigenous woman. Through this, she hopes to be able to help inspire and empower others and to build bridges of allyship in the community. 

This Truth and Reconciliation Day, let's take actionable steps to make a difference. Your donation can empower more individuals like Roxanne to transform lives. Donate Today.