Mike Holmes to tackle aboriginal housing

[Seth1968]

Holmes says he wants to help address the "neglect and poor conditions for housing" in many First Nations communities.

http://www.630ched.com/News/Entertainment/article.aspx?id=224398

I used to work for a company in which I had to visit aboriginal houses both on and off reserves. As such, I've been inside thousands of aboriginal house and can attest that virtually all those, "poor housing conditions" are self inflicted.

[spikerS]

i agree. I grew up next to a reserve, and I had many child hood friends that lived on the reserve.

In most cases, homes are neglected and the owners would rather drink away their money, rather than maintain the home.

[Thaco]

a hand out is not a hand up, these people clearly have no desire to change, he'll just be like the government and give them free stuff, which they'll have no respect for.

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by spikers
i agree. I grew up next to a reserve, and I had many child hood friends that lived on the reserve.

In most cases, homes are neglected and the owners would rather drink away their money, rather than maintain the home.

It's not just about maintaining their homes, they're deliberately destroying them.

[AndyL]

A good friend of mine lives out on the tsu tsina - he's trying to get his house finished; it's not quite the process the rest of us deal with. Basically he ends up going to the band office and begs for funding for each and every project - for his house that the band is supposed to provide. He's a persistent mofo - I doubt many are the same; I wouldn't want to be going to ask the city for money for every little part of a house build - but that's what he has to do.

Perhaps if the indian act were changed - to give them property rights, allowing them to take out mortgages / equity loans - things might change. Perhaps if the gov't actually made changes and gave the first nations bands a kick in the arse - made them accountable/transparent...

Not making excuses for some of them, but in some cases its a bit more complicated than a simple "they trash the place". Reserve politics are pretty wild from the little I've seen / heard of...

[Sugarphreak]

....

[Masked Bandit]

I saw this time & time again in the very neighbourhood I grew up in. The town housing authority would come in and reno a house from the studs up. And then three years later they would be back in the SAME HOUSE doing it all over again. It's a good publicity stunt by Holmes but it won't actually change anything.

[Phenix]

I even heard stories of a few houses off of the reserve where the people living there used the basement as a giant toilet. So gross

[Seth1968]

Mike will go in and show the typical defects that (surprise!), also occur in non-aboriginal homes!

I doubt Mike will show the damage such as SugarPhreak posted, and what I witnessed day after day.

- Ripped out wood.
- Torn down drywall.
- Constant smashed windows.
- Walls bashed in.
- Appliances that look like they were attacked with a hammer.


I was often afraid to walk into any of these houses. Hell, it was a challenge to make it to the front door given that they turn their lawns into garbage pits.

[masoncgy]

As long as the cameras return a year later to see how all of Mike's efforts were completely disrespected... because you know the place(s) will be trashed in no time.

The housing isn't built with their own money... why would they respect it?

[kamakurakid]

Ever think these houses Holmes is taking on are for those who have respect for their property? Lumping all natives in the same pot is akin to saying all BMW drivers are douches, all Toyota Hybrid drivers are boring and all riggers drive $80,000 F350 trucks.

Or is this just more typical Beyond hate, racist attitudes or those who have direct experience living on reserves?

[kamakurakid]

Originally posted by masoncgy
As long as the cameras return a year later to see how all of Mike's efforts were completely disrespected... because you know the place(s) will be trashed in no time.

The housing isn't built with their own money... why would they respect it?

It is their money, part of a deal made long ago. They can do with it as they wish. Open a casino, build a tollroad, build a Tesla, whatever.

[masoncgy]

Hmmmm.... well, I don't know about you, but I have spent a significant amount of time on a few reserves in BC and here in Alberta.

In fact, my hometown of Smithers BC has a 15% native population, in addition to the large reserve (Moricetown) that is about 30 km west of town. I spent a lot of time out there growing up as it offers some of the best salmon fishing opportunities around... and I also had friends who lived there.

I've also spent a lot of time on a few reserves here on various business trips, Morley for the majority of that time. I've seen first hand how the housing is treated...

Interestingly enough, there were some natives back home who built & maintained beautiful homes & properties on the reserve... but they were built with their own hard earned money... not from government handouts. This situation, however, is a very rare occurence.

It's interesting to note that a number of my native friends moved on to university and now have very successful lives... but these were the same people that did everything without depending on the government for help.

As said, give them a hand up, not a hand out.

For Mike Holmes, this is just a feel good story that will do nothing to address the realities of the reserve system and all of the other problems that go along with it.

There's nothing racist about telling the truth... stop being a whiny bleeding heart.

[kamakurakid]

Originally posted by masoncgy
Hmmmm.... well, I don't know about you, but I have spent a significant amount of time on a few reserves in BC and here in Alberta.

In fact, my hometown of Smithers BC has a 15% native population, in addition to the large reserve (Moricetown) that is about 30 km west of town. I spent a lot of time out there growing up as it offers some of the best salmon fishing opportunities around... and I also had friends who lived there.

I've also spent a lot of time on a few reserves here on various business trips, Morley for the majority of that time. I've seen first hand how the housing is treated...

Interestingly enough, there were some natives back home who built & maintained beautiful homes & properties on the reserve... but they were built with their own hard earned money... not from government handouts. This situation, however, is a very rare occurence.

It's interesting to note that a number of my native friends moved on to university and now have very successful lives... but these were the same people that did everything without depending on the government for help.

As said, give them a hand up, not a hand out.

For Mike Holmes, this is just a feel good story that will do nothing to address the realities of the reserve system and all of the other problems that go along with it.

There's nothing racist about telling the truth... stop being a whiny bleeding heart.

Thanks for sharing your experience, now let's take it as all experiences and call it a day. There is no need to insult me, why the universal hate? You see nothing good in the Holmes story, is your world that dark?

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by kamakurakid
You see nothing good in the Holmes story, is your world that dark?

It's not about being negative or racist. It's about the truth.

The truth (and what the media doesn't report), is that the poor conditions of these houses is most often due to the home owner.

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by kamakurakid


Thanks for sharing your experience, now let's take it as all experiences and call it a day. There is no need to insult me, why the universal hate? You see nothing good in the Holmes story, is your world that dark?

There's plenty of good in Holmes story. What he's doing is good, but if it will mean anything a year later we'll have to wait and see. What everyone is saying here is pretty logical though. There really isn't anywhere that money can bandage a problem. There's always some under lying issue that must be address or else the same problem will resurface. Sure some might take their new home and treat it like gold. But some won't and that's the problem and it really has been demonstrated time after time. It's not racism we're just pointed out something that happens. And it does happen.

[masoncgy]

Originally posted by kamakurakid
There is no need to insult me

So, calling me (and others) a racist is acceptable? Get bent!

Trust me, I fully believe that there is some good coming out of this story... but it's just that, a 'feel good' story. It won't change a thing... in fact, it will be a gigantic waste of time & money. Send the cameras back in a year and see what's left of all of Mike Holmes' efforts.

[chkolny541]

Originally posted by masoncgy


I've also spent a lot of time on a few reserves here on various business trips,

wait.....what...?

[spikerS]

^ :rofl:

[kamakurakid]

"Or is this just more typical Beyond hate, racist attitudes or those who have direct experience living on reserves?"

Interesting, I mention the word racist as one of the three potentials and many of you jump to this conclusion, interesting and perhaps telling. I'm just sayin', not concludin'.

Yes, give Holmes a follow-up in a year or so, as with anything. And some of you really need to clean those windows in your glass houses.

[masoncgy]

Originally posted by chkolny541
wait.....what...?

Yep. I used to coordinate facilities for the Rural Alberta Midget Hockey League, which often used the arena at Morley... so I was out there all the time, usually dealing with a lack of service/support for that facility...

...and then I have clients (industrial gases) in Morley & on the Siksika, so I'm out to each every so often as well.


Originally posted by kamakurakid
"Or is this just more typical Beyond hate, racist attitudes or those who have direct experience living on reserves?"

Interesting, I mention the word racist as one of the three potentials and many of you jump to this conclusion, interesting and perhaps telling. I'm just sayin', not concludin'.

Actually, it's TWO 'potentials':

A) Typical Beyond hate, racist attitudes. (This was the actual context of what you said, don't dilute it).

"OR"

B) Those who have direct experience living on reserves.

Basically, if we didn't live on reserves, then we are hateful racists in your eyes for sharing our comments.

Tsk.

[kamakurakid]

Originally posted by masoncgy


Yep. I used to coordinate facilities for the Rural Alberta Midget Hockey League, which often used the arena at Morley... so I was out there all the time, usually dealing with a lack of service/support for that facility...

...and then I have clients (industrial gases) in Morley & on the Siksika, so I'm out to each every so often as well.



Actually, it's TWO 'potentials':

A) Typical Beyond hate, racist attitudes. (This was the actual context of what you said, don't dilute it).

"OR"

B) Those who have direct experience living on reserves.

Basically, if we didn't live on reserves, then we are hateful racists in your eyes for sharing our comments.

Tsk.

Wow, must be a joy to be around. We are done here.

And by the way there are three, funny the process of reading what one wishes to see.

[Antonito]

^I'm pretty sure he just has no idea how the english language works

[Seth1968]

Why is it that even though such conversations are civil and logical, there is always someone pulling out the "You're a racist!" card?

Most people have never been to a reserve, let alone been inside the houses. Maybe it's different elsewhere, but from what I've seen, I hope Mike goes to some reserves in southern Alberta.

I can see it now, as Mike and the crew arrive:

Mike: Why is there garbage all over the place?

Producer: Don't worry about it, the stuff just blows in from somewhere else.

Mike: But what about the fridge, microwave oven, and the other refuse on the front lawn?

Producer: The media doesn't usually report those things.

Mike: Why?

Producer: Do you want a paycheck or not? Just keep to your contract and find a house that the home owner has lived in for decades, then tell them it's about to fall down and they have to leave immediately.

Mike: Okee Dokee! That's sumpthin I'm good at!

(Mike now starts to inspect the houses, and a few hours later...

Producer: What did you find?

Mike: I'm finding that most damage has nothing to do with how the house was built. I also found some minor code violations, but I see those code violations in every house I go to. I'm thinking of telling everyone in this community to evacuate, as these houses are about to explode.

Producer: Ignore the deliberate house destruction thing and find something that screams in the headlines: "Aboriginal housing is a disgrace! Builders found to be at fault". Don't EVER mention that lawn thing again, or the deliberate house damage: and especially don't mention that they were given those houses for free.

Mike: Soooo.....I'm not actually lying by holding back the truth?

Producer: Now you're getting it Einstein.

Mike: What's Instine?

Producer: Do you want a paycheck or not?

[masoncgy]

Originally posted by Seth1968
Why is it that even though such conversations are civil and logical, there is always someone pulling out the "You're a racist!" card?

It's a knee jerk/nonsensical reaction from bleeding hearts who find whatever 'cause' to attach themselves to... usually whatever is 'in style' that particular day...

...funny how you call them out and all they do is take their ball and go home.

BTW: You're a racist. ;)

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by masoncgy


It's a knee jerk/nonsensical reaction from bleeding hearts who find whatever 'cause' to attach themselves to... usually whatever is 'in style' that particular day...

...funny how you call them out and all they do is take their ball and go home.

BTW: You're a racist. ;)

Nice:)

I hate all ignorance equally.

Now can I please stop working to pay back something I didn't even do?

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by AndyL
A good friend of mine lives out on the tsu tsina - he's trying to get his house finished; it's not quite the process the rest of us deal with. Basically he ends up going to the band office and begs for funding for each and every project - for his house that the band is supposed to provide. He's a persistent mofo - I doubt many are the same; I wouldn't want to be going to ask the city for money for every little part of a house build - but that's what he has to do.

Perhaps if the indian act were changed - to give them property rights, allowing them to take out mortgages / equity loans - things might change. Perhaps if the gov't actually made changes and gave the first nations bands a kick in the arse - made them accountable/transparent...

Not making excuses for some of them, but in some cases its a bit more complicated than a simple "they trash the place". Reserve politics are pretty wild from the little I've seen / heard of...

It seems like your friend has a decent head on his shoulders. Why does he not get out of that lifestyle and integrate himself into western civilization? Really, he can do something about his problem.

I am not trying to sound like a dick, just trying to use some common sense. If it is such a struggle, he should get out and do what he wants on his own.




Anyway, back on topic.

This is a great publicity stint that Mike is doing. I have a feeling that no matter what they will try and put on TV, the average person will recognize what is going on in the reservations. This might shine some light on the living situations that these people put themselves in which could lead to some interesting outcomes. I still think all of the work that Mike will be doing is going to be a big waste of time and money.

[D911]

Originally posted by AndyL
give them property rights, allowing them to take out mortgages / equity loans - things might change.


They can, its called getting the fuck out of the reserve and being a part of the rest of society.

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by D911


They can, its called getting the fuck out of the reserve and being a part of the rest of society.

LOLZ! :rofl: :rofl:

[bignerd]

Originally posted by AndyL

Perhaps if the indian act were changed - to give them property rights, allowing them to take out mortgages / equity loans - things might change. Perhaps if the gov't actually made changes and gave the first nations bands a kick in the arse - made them accountable/transparent...



They can get mortgages, however it is quite the process as they basically have to be tripled insured (CMHC, the government, they are high ratio loans even if the amount borrowed is low etc...) because it is virtually impossible to repo a home on the reserve or to get any value for it since you have a very limited market to sell it too...

[dirtsniffer]

hahaha, whitey isnt even allowed on the reserve to repo the house. our police cant even go in and arrest anyone, we have to wait for them to leave.
my dad works for an insurance company and he has told me some funny stories about trying to repo things from reserves.
basically some natives will buy a truck with credit and then take it back to the reserve, only to not pay a cent of the loan back. As long as the truck stays on the reserve, no one can touch it.
So basically, if a native has a mailing address on the reservation, they are not getting any sort of credit.

I worked with a native a few years ago, decent guy, worked hard, lived in the city. He couldn't even get a car loan, had to save up the 30 grand to buy his mustang cash.
:hijack: