Our Nation Student Housing
Our Nation Student Housing is an organization designed to promote success for First Nation students coming off Reservations attending post-secondary education. The unique challenges these students face are similar to that of immigrants facing a new country. Due to culture shock these students have difficulty finding resources outside of post-secondary institutions. Some students choose not to engage in school activities or resources. That is where Our Nation Student Housing comes in, with peer support and the help of support workers. Our Nation Student Housing utilizes already existing resources in the community and promotes self-advocacy and self-reliance.
Housing is a stepping stone to success, however the housing shortage we are currently experiencing is deterring students from attending post-secondary institutions. We strive to offer solutions to some common issues First Nation students encounter with safe, comfortable and affordable student housing.
Below are a few of the primary issues we seek to solve with our organization:
Overcome the stereotypes and assumptions that are deeply instilled in today’s society in and around the success of First Nations individuals.
Create a safe space that allows individuals to create connections with their peers and feel comfortable while adjusting to the shock that can come with leaving their reserve.
The limited knowledge individuals have of what resources and supports that are available to them.
Difference in costs of living that are included in transitioning into an urban area.
The sense of community that is lacking for individuals, the feeling of isolation.
The solutions we offer and can provide to the residents are:
Encourage individuals to participate in community events and workshops.
Promote and teach cultural practices within the home.
Show individuals where they can find resources available to them, like community centres, schools, libraries, and events etc.
Coach individuals on financial planning and direct them to organizations that can help with planning their finances.
With the peer support structure and other like-minded residents, they will be able to relate to their lived experiences of what brought them to this point in their life. There will be less of a feeling of being alone and isolated.