Hamilton Indigenous Housing

Christmas Eve: Weeks ago the tenants were asked to make a Christmas wish list of 5 items.   On Christmas Eve I got a knock on my door around 9:30am it was H.O.W. Charles delivering gifts that were donated by anonymous donors outside of   KMHC.   I was glad to see Charles was Santa’s helper for the day.   Charles and I both smiled and wished each other a Merry Christmas.   Aside the fact Ingrid the Grinch doesn’t want the staff to talk to me and the gifts are not from KMHC she has no say in the matter, Charles Jacobs did the right thing. Later in the day I ran into Catherine who’s the oldest tenant in the building. She & I get along great and she’s such a sweet old gal, she introduced me to her son in law and will be spending the holidays with them.   Holy Moses & I met on the elevator…the poor guy he told me he’s not feeling well but is determined to spend time with friends on the rez. I told him to take it easy and wished each other a Merry Chr...

This little tree has a special meaning to me, many moons ago a dear close friend gave it to me just before she died.  In memory of tenant Germaine may she RIP.  I don't spend all my time at my blog site I'm usually involved in discussions on many social websites one of my favorite is Facebook.  Here is a holiday message to the members of my Facebook group.  Feel free to join us.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/26445576221/ Happy Holidays to all members of The "X" Generation Group By Tony King in The "X" Generation Group   I'd like to take this time to thank all those who contributed to the discussions and to the silent ones who just like to read the posts. from Australia, South Africa, the UK, Canada and USA and places unknown. We've shared alot this year, from Harry's dirty comments about his dick to Suzanne's daughter's wedding to Mark admitting he's a nudist it's all been fun to share. Of course it hasn...

This afternoon fellow tenant Deano and I decided to attend the “Idle No More Rally” held at the Hamilton city hall grounds.   The protest rally was a triumph I was inspired by the speaker’s words.   “No more will we Natives be complacent and go along with asinine polices and empty promises from the Federal Government. We will not be repressed”.   As my friend and I were walking towards the rally I overheard a non aboriginal male say to the cops “What’s going on, are the Indians taking over City Hall?”   Ha! I just walked by and shook my head.   Speeches where heard, drumming chants where loud and the people of Hamilton, Natives & non Natives and even pets united in solidarity marched down Main street to the downtown core and back to City Hall.   As we were about to start I noticed the Hamilton Police were helpful by stopping traffic for our march.   You know me I’m an out going person so I approached one officer and said “Thank you for allowing u...

This afternoon I received an N5 notice so I immediately went to the Hamilton legal Clinic for advice, the lawyer read Ingrid Nosel’s claim and asked for my version on this isolated incident and wrote it down.   Her recollection of what happened is totally off base and full of lies, she claims I tried to force my way in the laundry room and yelled obscenities to her which is not true and the hallway surveillance video will prove it.  I was worried about poor Howard who had an accident and there she was raising her voice yelling at me in the hallway.   Howard knew I was there for him yet Ingrid seems to think if a person falls on the ground it’s something shameful and should be hidden.   In her claim she goes on like she’s the victim.   Any sane person would have welcomed a strong man (me) to assist with the fallen man. I have first aid training.  After Howard said "Go Tony I'll be ok"  I left and went back to the luncheon we continued the festivities th...

Well my friends nothing but drama going on around KMHC…an hour ago I got a visit from a police officer in regard to what happened yesterday afternoon.   He asked if we could have a talk and could he come in, I said sure.   The officer was pleasant and we had a good straight forward conversation.   He said the HSC Ingrid Nosel feels intimidated by me so the officer suggested I don’t talk to her & the staff.   According to what Ingrid said to the officer, KMHC staff feel intimidated by me as well as some tenants. I told the officer that’s a false statement because I’m friendly with the O.W. staff and the majority of my fellow tenants and I never sensed fear from any of them.   Gosh! I received 15 Christmas cards & a few gifts from tenants in this building alone, does that seem like people are afraid or don't like me!   Ingrid also said to the officer I loiter and harass the OW staff which is another false statement.  I went inside the office onc...

Hey bloggers today there was a scheduled Pot luck Christmas luncheon at the community room and I spend 3 hours last night preparing my famous potato salad for the function. This year there was a low attendance even the UNH's director couldn't find the time to show up and Santa didn't drop by.  :(  Regardless there was laughter and jokes all around our table from the UNH’s staff and tenants.  Special thanks to Debbie E. for the excellent trifle. :) Unfortunately during the serving of the dinner Deb the driver and I heard somebody calling for help. I immediately put my plate down to see what was wrong.   Poor Holy Moses he slipped and fell while doing his laundry.  Now whenever a fellow tenant is in trouble and needs physical assistance I’m always there for them.   The Acting HSC Ingrid Nosel was standing at the laundry room doorway and rudely told me to move along.   First of all Mr. Moses is a big man and an acquaintance of mine, H.O.W. Charles ...

Hey bloggers today I was asked by a fellow tenant to post this in my blog.   A protest rally is scheduled for: Saturday December 22, 2012 Time 3.00 PM Hamilton Ontario City Hall A collective in Hamilton to support the Idle No More Movement!   Meet at the city hall to voice our discontent with Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s agenda and Bill C-45. First Nations people are here to protect Mother Earth, we need to stand in solidarity to exercise that right.  

This is my second review of the Christmas Community Dinner hosted by The Hamilton Native Centre. To start off a few weeks back there was a notice on the KMHC bulletin board about the event but there was no indication transportation would be available so I decided to ask HOW Charles, he would ask Ingrid and get back to me.  Since Urban Native Homes Inc. motto is "We Have No Money"  I figured Ingrid would pull a sleezy act by cancelling the transportation.  Finally after a week Charles got back to me, we can get a ride there and back.  Fellow tenant Deano and I decided to collect as much food as we can for the food drive also held at the dinner.  I'm pleased to announce we donated 3 large heavy boxes of food for the Native children who are  less fortunate. We arrived at the banquet hall as the volunteers were setting up and found good seats I didn't know if Deb the driver was going to leave or stay so I suggested she join us. Many improvements at the dinner ...

As I mentioned in my previous blog titled “Achilles Heel” I was anxious to read the minutes report to see what would be fabricated and omitted on what really was said at the tenant meeting and Ingrid Nosel the acting HSC did not disappoint.   I truly believe this old woman is existing in a world of denial and I have no desire to acknowledge or believe anything she says in the future. To prove my point you readers are getting a scoop, I arranged to have the meeting voice recorded and is safely stored away, my training in security finally paid off. ;)  Tenant meetings at KMHC are sparse and far between so are they necessary?   I don’t think so. ie: The last meeting only 6 out of 24 tenants including myself showed up.   I remember a few years ago Ingrid went so far as to post a notice “ Tenant meetings are mandatory and we must attend” . (Ha! That didn’t work)  As I reviewed the report I noticed no tenant names are written anywhere ie: who said what and to whom. To...

  http://www.theatreaquarius.org/OnStage/WhereTheBloodMixes/index.html Tenants were invited to a play “Where The Blood Mixes” presented at Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius.   The play is a heartfelt story of two native buddies Floyd & Mooch coming to terms with their past. The one character that stuck out for me was Mooch he displayed all the emotions of a native drunk who thinks winning the big lottery will be the end of his troubles actor Craig Lauzon did a remarkable job in the role.   I’ve never heard of him before so I did some research, he’s has an impressive comedic resume. Lorne Cardinal “Floyd” Who doesn’t know this guy! I’ve seen him many times on television. I was impressed with his stamina, here he was in a slouching position for about 15 minutes and didn’t move while the other female actors were doing a scene. I kept thinking “I bet he feel asleep” :D  The Christine character is a young woman looking for her father because she was giving away as a child...

I just witnessed something I and a few other tenants have suspected all along, the Superintendent Jan Porter entering a unit without proper authorization. This is really disturbing, you may remember a blog I posted last October 2011 about her entering my unit without a 24 hour notice on a non emergency issue.   I was pissed off and received an apology from the previous Housing Service Coordinator.  This evening just before 8 pm I heard her knocking on my neighbour’s door calling for the tenant and a police officer was with her.  The tenant didn’t answer and the superintendent said to the officer “I can open the door if you like” the officer agreed then Jan used her pass key, when in, turned on the lights and called out the tenant’s name. The officer stood at the door and did not enter the unit. The tenant was not home.  If the tenant isn’t home or doesn’t wish to answer the door the superintendent has no right to enter the unit. I think the officer knew this which is...

It's official folks!   Lady Brown is no longer part of the Urban Natives Homes Mickey Mouse Operation. When Lorraine came on board on Feb 2011 some of the tenants including myself were surprised.   Why you ask?  Because she’s a black woman, I don't consider myself a racist and I thought Oh Boy! This is going to turn heads and it did, I’ve never spoke to Lorraine about this.  At first there was whispering and gossip among the tenants in regard to her background which I took as racial ignorance.  Here we had a black minority working among Native minorities which is not an easy feat.  Lorraine Brown is a remarkable woman she went against heavy odds taking the job and broke racial prejudice. I’m not saying Lorraine and I agreed on everything, we butted heads on a few issues and we also had some excellent conversations without breaching protocol. :) From my observation being an Housing Outreach Worker for UNH’s doesn’t mean they’ll have a last...

Facsimile of the automated front door.  Lately I noticed the automatic front door does not always close and lock properly perhaps it’s due to the change of weather or its old and needs to be replaced.  Whatever the reason it’s a security risk to the occupants of this building. Yesterday I brought my concern to the Super’s attention while she was on her smoke break, her response was “That’s why there’s a sign on the door”  Well Jan just because you post a sign on the door doesn't mean the problem is solved. :P Hmm a few things I want to point out, first I’ve read the sign it’s been there for many months and I thought it was temporary.  Also some of the elder tenants have disabilities and need to pay full attention while using their walkers/scooters and shouldn’t be expected to wait around hoping that a slow moving automated door will close properly.  There is not one apt building in Hamilton that has this door problem and if they did it would be corr...

The video was made by the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre. TobyMac is a 47 year old Christian recording artist who I never heard of until tonight, the guy has a great voice and even though I am agnostic I like the song.  How's that for a shocker!  :) Please take a moment to watch the video, we can all make a difference when it comes to children in poverty.  tk

I’m writing two topics today.   Since I’ve been here I noticed the aboriginal women fall prey to bad ligaments in the knee area. It concerns me because two of my sisters have this problem and I wonder is this a genetic flaw, bad diet or not exercising enough when they were younger.   Just recently a tenant on another floor went for surgery to correct her problem so will it help!   There is no guarantee when it comes to surgery.   Holey Moses received a new scooter a few years ago even though he has problems walking I asked him why he doesn’t use it, his reply: “I don’t want to rely on it to get around”.   I was impressed with his answer. :) When I see people around me going through major pain and suffering from physical disabilities I’m just thankful I can still get around on my own and I owe it all to exercising regularly.  This morning I received a call from HOW Charles announcing there will be a nutritional lunch for the tenants followed by a Bluegrass...

I’m writing two topics today.   Since I’ve been here I noticed the aboriginal women fall prey to bad ligaments in the knee area. It concerns me because two of my sisters have this problem and I wonder is this a genetic flaw, bad diet or not exercising enough when they were younger.   Just recently a tenant on another floor went for surgery to correct her problem so will it help!   There is no guarantee when it comes to surgery.   Holey Moses received a new scooter a few years ago even though he has problems walking I asked him why he doesn’t use it, his reply: “I don’t want to rely on it to get around”.   I was impressed with his answer. :) When I see people around me going through major pain and suffering from physical disabilities I’m just thankful I can still get around on my own and I owe it all to exercising regularly.  This morning I received a call from HOW Charles announcing there will be a nutritional lunch for the tenants follow...

Just a few members of the King clan. My mother was from an island reservation located on beautiful Georgian Bay Ontario and had 11 children in her lifetime what’s so interesting is some of us didn’t grow up together we were separated when we were babies it wasn’t until approximately 7 years ago when we finally met the older members of the family. The reunion was a bit awkward at first but we got over it plus we had one thing in common and that was our mother.  I was fortunate to reunite with my mother in my early teen years and watch my younger siblings grow up I would hang out with mother and we got along well I think we had one disagreement when I asked about my father, she got mad at me for asking.  Later as young adults we had a ritual once a year or so my brothers & sisters would meet at a tavern or bar and hang out, we'd be dancing, drinking and laughing until closing time. One time my brother Joey drank so much he barfed on the floor and I had to drive him home. :D...

Just a few members of the King clan. My mother was from an island reservation located on beautiful Georgian Bay Ontario and had 11 children in her lifetime what’s so interesting is some of us didn’t grow up together we were separated when we were babies it wasn’t until approximately 7 years ago when we finally met the older members of the family. The reunion was a bit awkward at first but we got over it plus we had one thing in common and that was our mother.  I was fortunate to reunite with my mother in my early teen years and watch my younger siblings grow up I would hang out with mother and we got along well I think we had one disagreement when I asked about my father, she got mad at me for asking.  Later as young adults we had a ritual once a year or so my brothers & sisters would meet at a tavern or bar and hang out, we'd be dancing, drinking and laughing until closing time. One time my brother Joey drank so much he barfed on the floor and I had to drive him h...

Last week there was an invitation on the bulletin board for the annual KMHC Thanksgiving pot luck luncheon the starting time was scheduled for 11 am but things didn’t get started until noon. I was not the only tenant getting impatient but since I spend 2 hours the night before preparing my infamous potato salad I waited it out and didn’t complain.   Half of the tenants in the building showed up and we were all in a good mood for the feast. HOW Charles & tenant Norma were Mr.& Mrs. Harvest Moon. (They wore Autumn leaf decorations around their head & neck.) :D Five UNH’s staff members showed up late along with an older gentleman who apparently is a board member, he didn’t say a word to us so I later approached him and said hello.   The acting HSC sat at the other end of the community room she avoided eye contact and didn’t say a word to me throughout the luncheon, looks like she’s still upset after I called her out at the last tenant meeting. Aww poor baby ...

DAY 1 and beyond : DAY 2749 While surfing Blogger I came across this interesting blog about food banks in Hamilton I think it's very informative, accurate and a topic people don't really like talking about.  Please click the link above. I applaud the author. Tk

 The other day as I was walking in the hallway something came to mind.   Ever since my Eagle Feather blog many moons ago there hasn’t been any big Native events in the KMHC community room.   No smudge ceremonies, no Native foods, no Native prayers and no Native speeches to inspire …Zippo!  I’ve never seen the Housing Service Coordinator Ingrid Nosel ever host a Native ceremony I doubt she knows or speaks her own Native language which is quite pathetic and UNH’s hired her to run this place! :P  Jeezus! As far as aboriginal artifacts there’s not much in the common areas of the building, in the basement they have a few pictures on the wall of native elders from “God knows where” they are certainly not past or present tenants. In the community room there is a smudge bowl that is never used and a few strands of sweet grass that is so old it’s not sweet anymore. No dream catchers, no Native art on display. The late famous Native artist Norval Morrisseau who I ...

Friday was the last day for the young office trainee.   When she first attended the tenant meeting and introduced herself to us she was shy and soft spoken…she was warned that has to change if to survive around here. :) Seriously she’s a polite, courteous and friendly individual, I don’t know what grade KMHC gave her but she get’s an A+ from me for just sticking around here. Whenever I walk by the office even when I was in a shitty mood she had a smile and waved a good morning. Lorraine & Jessica were a ray of sunshine in a dismal cloudy KMHC office. We all shared a few laughs and when I had a serious question to ask Lorraine, Jessica knew to leave the room for privacy.  This summer was bearable thanks to Lorraine Brown and Jessica Gauthier and they will be missed. I gave Jessica a lovely parting gift in hopes she’ll remember the good tenants at KMHC.  :) I know she'll be reading this so I'll say Farewell & Good Luck young lady. TK 

I think this is a excellent idea, this will kick start organizations to be more self sufficient and not rely on the Federal Govt for funding handouts. I know this move will piss off the Natives but they have to learn to independently stand on their own two feet especially the young native population. I believe the youngsters in our culture should get an education, find a job/career in the private sector or be an entrepreneur and hopefully be successful.  Aboriginal political organizations should seek corporate sponsorships, says Duncan during Enbridge-sponsored event

The late crazy cat lady. Last night around midnight the Late Crazy Cat Lady's family were in her unit removing some of her belongings, the family was partying and boozing it up and being quite loud. There are times when we have to make allowances for a family who lost a loved one so I ignored the noise.  Later I heard arguing in the front hallway a neighboring tenant was giving the family shit for making so much noise at such a late hour.  Just so it wouldn't get physical I decided to intervene and I calmed the situation, eventually everybody went their own way.  Boy! There was one person who was so inebriated she could hardly stand I just hope she wasn't driving plus there was talk the family is thinking of suing KMHC....could be drunk talk for all I know. On Other News:  This morning I said hi to Chad G. I assume he's back as transportation driver and playing "Big Brother" with the surveillance cameras.  Personally I have no problem with the guy but I k...

Grim Reaper, The Symbol Of Death This has been an unusual week in the land of KMHC first off the passing of a tenant who I disliked, the Crazy Cat Lady has used up all her 9 lives and is now in another place.   So who will look after the cat!   I suggest the acting HSC Ingrid since she has a flair in feeding cats. Check out the cartoon in my previous blog “Achilles’ Heel “and you’ll know what I mean.  KMHC held a small luncheon for the deceased but I didn’t attend, it didn’t seem appropriate because we didn't like each other plus I’m not a hypocrite. The other night vandalism had struck the building someone who the Super referred to as a “scone” apparently shattered the glass at the front entrance. I knew what she meant its slang for “native person”.   I had my windows open and I did hear something strange like breaking glass but from my vantage point I can’t see the front entrance. Whoever it was must have issues with the KMHC office or a tenant. A reliable so...

I have to congratulate the tenants who sat out in this very hot humid day to sell their goods, they gave a good effort.   I dropped by and hung around for a bit throughout the day, we laughed, joked and they welcomed all the potential customers. At the tenant meeting I offered to help the ladies when it came time to put away the tables and take down the tents and I stuck to my word.  I got the chance to socialize with tenants Marie and Linda…these women are funny as hell. I have no idea how much money was raised but I hope it was worth it. At the end I asked fellow tenant Deano to assist with the tables and tents, those suckers are heavy and I was sweating bullets.  Deano & I make a great team similar to Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck, I'm Bugs and guess who's Daffy. LOL  Then we got a surprise Mr. David Christopherson Hamilton Centre NDP dropped by, I introduced myself, shook his hand and he asked what we're all about…I told him we’re fundraising and he said ...

The similarity to the HSC is remarkable. :D  Hey Everybody!  I found Ingrid’s Achilles' Heel.  Today there was a tenant meeting scheduled for noon we had the usual light lunch before the discussion on tenant matters and all went well until it came for the acting HSC Ingrid Nosel to speak.  She went on about tenants shouldn’t do this or do that so I decided to challenge her with a few hard questions of my own. One was “Do you think this place has improved?”   Yes she said, we do so much for the community then she went on like this was the Landmark Place on Main Street.  My response: Really! To be honest KMHC has a bad reputation among the native community, I can’t find anyone from outside the building including former tenants who have anything nice to say about this place”. This is where the soft spoken Ingrid Nosel displayed her true personality, she got irate and defensive, doesn't like being put on the spot and can't handle criticism from ...

Today UNH's held a free BBQ for all tenants at Gage Park near the Bandshell, it's too bad I was hoping for a large turn out instead it was an awkward event due to low attendance.   Picture this: you arrive at a house party expecting 30 other guests but only 10 show up...Boring!  Thumbs up to the employees & volunteers they did their best with what they had to work with in accommodating the tenants. :) Glitches - Lousy portable P.A. system from where we were standing we couldn't hear the Native prayer or any general announcements, burgers & hot dogs complete with condiments but no beverages were available and I overheard one elder complain the water coolers were not working.  Jeezus! Who wants to drink warm water. You couldn’t ask for better weather and those who did show up didn’t stick around for long but I'm glad I got the chance to chat with a few tenants from the Kenatah Complex as well as some UNH’s staff.  There was one rule on the BBQ invitation th...