Report Finds No Links Between Deaths and Indigenous Cultural Safety Programming at Goodacre Place in Smithers

A recently released review found no link between the deaths of six Indigenous men and cultural safety practices at a supportive housing complex in Smithers.

Conducted by BC Housing, the review came about after allegations were levied against Goodacre Place, run by the Smithers Community Services Association.

Those allegations came to light last April, in a Dze L’Kant Friendship Centre release alledging the deaths were connected to inadequate cultural supports.

In response, BC Housing launched the review, with the support of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association.

While the review did not specifically look in to the deaths of the residents, it did not find any direct connection with the facility’s cultural safety measures.

Instead, the review looked in to SCSA’s management practices, and found that they are making efforts to create cultural safety at Goodacre, and are committed to further improvements.

According to the report, tenants overwhelmingly agreed that their culture was respected at the facility, and in some cases, their access to cultural programming was improved.

As a result of the report, BC Housing and the AHMA have committed to providing further support for cultural programming at the facility.

31 recommendations on how to further improve services were made in the report, which can be found at the bottom of the page linked here.