Once again, the residents of Camp Namegans are being evicted from land, while we as residents of the municipalities stand by and watch, and while insubstantial solutions are offered in an attempt to hide the social issue of homelessness.
Shelter mats have been offered, and tent city naysayers can’t seem to understand why the residents of Camp Namegans aren’t immediately packing up their things so they can “live” (sleep on a mat) in a large and monitored space with no privacy or autonomy, only to have to pack up their things the next day and start over again.
I have a great amount of respect to the agencies (such as the Victoria Native Friendship Centre) that have offered up mat shelters in their community, welcoming those who request the support. These agencies are stepping up and filling a gaping hole in our system.
Shelters, however, are not the solution, they are a band aid.
The residents of Camp Namegans (and the people who support them) have had the courage to continue to ask for more. To ask for what every member of our society has the right to – a home and a community.
As someone who lives and votes in Greater Victoria it is my job to demand the same in solidarity, and as a resident of Oak Bay I am pleased to see they have chosen Uplands Park as their next location.
Lorna Mace
Oak Bay