Misty Schofield, a community social worker in Saint John and Red River Métis woman, advocates for more culturally appropriate housing and support systems designed by and for Indigenous people. While Saint John has 18 agencies addressing homelessness, Schofield believes there aren’t enough resources tailored to Indigenous needs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population in the city is Indigenous, a reflection of colonialism’s lasting impact, along with a high number of youth who aged out of the child welfare system.
Indigenous individuals often end up in cities like Saint John for economic reasons but lack access to culturally relevant services, which contributes to prolonged homelessness. Schofield cites the Under One Sky Friendship Centre in Fredericton as a model, emphasizing the need for a similar space in Saint John that could provide housing, employment, and health services while promoting cultural connections.
Schofield also highlights the importance of Indigenous-centered housing, pointing to successful examples in British Columbia. These projects incorporate traditional knowledge, natural materials, and communal spaces, all crucial for multi-generational living. Schofield calls for more Indigenous-led initiatives in housing development, where communities can have a say in design, governance, and healing processes, shifting from a compliance-based model to one that recognizes housing as a human right.
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