Hamilton Indigenous Housing

Yesterday KMHC tenants were invited to a “Sharing Circle” introduction in the community room.   Elizabeth Potskin is the new Cultural Resource worker for UNH’s.   My plan was to be a fly on the wall and listen.   Even though I and fellow tenant Joanie arrived late we were still included in the native smudge ritual.   During the presentation Elizabeth came up with some interesting and fun ideas for the tenant elders to participate and she’s very knowledgeable in native traditions.   From native arts & crafts to physical activity the young lady knows her stuff.   I could see the tenant elders took a liking to her. I was impressed with her confidence, likeable personality and humor, I wish her well in her new job position. :) It’s unlikely I’ll attend many of her programs due to an active lifestyle and involved in other community activities in Hamilton plus tenant Dean is most annoying person at KMHC programs to the level of village idiot.  I...

I’m happy to announce a select group of tenants at KMHC has helped Miss Judy adjust being back home.   Last weekend I traveled to a east end pharmacy to fetch her pain medication then the next day I traveled to Limeridge Mall to sort out her cable bill.   But I am walking on a fine wire meaning I don’t want Judy to always rely on me to do things for her.   Judy is very sensitive so in a subtle way I mentioned I would like to see her up and about being active that’s the key to longevity.   I think she understood. Tenant Albert is a soft spoken man and relatively new to KMHC.   I was impressed how he decorated his rental unit and he’s considerate to the other Native elders (except when he’s drinking)   At first Albert hung around tenant Dean which is not a good thing but now I think he’s found his own way.   After my recommendation Albert decided to join the downtown YMCA.   Health and fitness is the way to go buddy.  :) On March 8 ...

Late Wednesday afternoon while talking on the phone I heard a knock on my door.   I wasn’t expecting anyone so I thought who could it be!   I looked out the door viewer and I see a tiny figure with a walker I was totally blown away….it's tenant elder Miss Judy.    You see Judy and I have been friends since she moved here then during the Christmas season 2016 her health declined rapidly and was hospitalized.   According to her family she will not be coming back to KMHC instead will be moved to a retirement home.  Anyway she’s baaaack and looking well rested.   I reminded her to take it easy and not get stressed out.   Since she had no food in her unit she asked me to go to the store and pick up bread, luncheon meat and diet pop for her.   No problem I said.  :) I’ve known Judy’s family since I was a little kid running around the streets of Cabbagetown.    Her mother Jean and companion Monroe were friends with my father and...