West Edmonton receives Metis Housing Co-op

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Housing has always been a major concern with Native people in Edmonton,

but now with the recent corporation of Wotena Settlement Housing Co-operative, the problem may be alleviated somewhat, especially in the urban centres.

Wotena is a program designed to provide housing for Metis people in Edmonton. Entwined with the concept is the desire to also establish a community-type atmosphere says the founder, Muriel Stanley-Venne. She spoke to whoever she could about the concept and it grew from there.

When asked whether the concept might be a duplication of sorts given the existence of services like Metis Urban Housing (MUH), Stanley-Venne informed Windspeaker, "I don't seen any competition; it's an alternative." As a matter of fact, she proudly attests to how pleased MUH is about the program because MUH cannot keep pace itself with the pressing demands for housing.

Much of the initial groundwork for the project was executed by Stanley-Venne who negotiated with the property owner and CMHC. The project was fortunate in that the Oblates contributed $5,000 and may have some further involvements if a request from the co-op is accommodated. Right now, that prospect is looking good according to Stanley-Venne who also serves as the corporate advisor to Wotena.

The principle foundation on which Wotena functions is the co-operative doctrine by which members purchase shares. At present, there are 16 member but the program is seeking additional members as that is the underlying strength of any co-op venture. Marggo Pariseau, chairperson for Wotema, explains further.

A member is required to purchase at least one share valued at $25 to become a voting member and to be entitled to become a resident in the co-op. If the individual wants to take up occupancy, they must have purchased at least 10 shares. After that, their holdings must increase to a total of 40 shares.

Wotena has purchased a total of 40 housing units which range from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet. They are condominiums located two blocks west of Edmonton Mall. The units are three and four bedrooms and range in price from $555 to $610 per month. Twelve of the units are eligible for subsidization through Alberta Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Currently, only eight units are spoken for but the demands are there and the remaining 32 should not take much time in becoming occupied. They are situated directly across from an elementary school. A small mall with a post office and medical centre is nearby as is a day care centre and bus service.

When contrasted to MUH, Pariseau points out differences which do make Wotena an attractive proposition to potential residents. A major one is that occupants do not have to have children and at least for now, there is no waiting list. In addition, the decision-making process is up to the members at large. Realizing that many Metis families care for extended family members, there are no barriers to having one's relatives or anyone else cohabit a given unit. As a co-op, the project is also eligible for the lowest tax rates from the city.

A huge plus factor for the co-op is the community-mindedness as alluded to in Wotena's objectives. Two of them in particular warrant mention: (1) to create and encourage in each member a viewpoint of co-operative ownership which shall imply a sense of pride and responsibility not only toward the individual unit and private space,

but also to the common structures and property; and (2) to develop on a co-operative basis, a community environment which will support human development and growth both as individuals and as members of responsible communities.

Both Stanley-Venne and Pariseau are emphatic about the community atmosphere that the co-op is meant to instill. With Metis people living in close proximity to one another, it will provide a sense of identity and unity says Pariseau. She also mentioned that people must put forward a sincere effort and be actively involved to make the concept work. tanley-Venne is of the same mind and draws attention to this being the establishment of a land base in Edmonton for Metis people whose presence would then be a reality.

Wotena has contracted Communitas Inc. as consultants to the co-op. The development co-ordinator, Andrew Rogers, explained their role. They will run a member development training program. The program entails workshops that focus on financing, maintenance, conducting meetings and elections, small claims issues and so on.

When contacted by Windspeaker, reactions were offered by two of the members. Melita Kulay likes the idea of direct participation. "The members have a voice in the decisions made...it'd be the closest one could get to calling a place home," she said. She also mentioned that, "it'll be a safer place for children because parents will look out for one another and there'll be unity among the children as well."

"I think it's an excellent idea," quipped Sandra Hyunds. She feels good about the decision-making component as well, especially in situations where tenants are often threatened by the landlords for minor incidents. "It's up to the (co-ops) council to decide whether someone would have to leave," she said.

Overall, there appears to be very good feelings, toward the project. If anyone is interested, they are asked to contact Muriel Stanley-Venne at 479-3634 in Edmonton.