Indian housing and welfare : a study of the housing conditions and welfare needs of the Mission Reserve Indians

The survey arose out of the interest of the Indian Affairs Branch in present and future housing needs of the Squamish Band. The information gathered was to be used for the purpose of planning an adequate housing scheme and for the development of a modern community. The plan of the study was to present some historical background of the Squamish people, to show through the survey of the reserve, the need for better housing, and the rehabilitation possibilities of the people through the development of a modern community project on the Capilano Reserve. Implicit in the study of housing needs were the welfare needs of the people. Two surveys were made, and two schedules were involved in the gathering of the material. The method used was that of visiting the homes and families on the reserve, and having the questionnaires completed. There was thus a day to day visit to the reserves, and a continuous contact with the people over a considerable period of time. Although almost all homes on the reserve were visited, the information used in the tables was based on a random selection of twenty-seven homes. The study revealed in its broad outline that the second-class status of the Indian people has resulted in second-class living conditions. Housing conditions are sub-marginal and overcrowding is general in almost every instance. The welfare program lacks coordination and is inadequate to the needs of the families. Breakdown of family life is general. It appeared obvious that only a comprehensive program meeting the social and psychological needs of the people could adequately solve the many inter-related problems of the Squamish people. In addition it seemed clear that no program could really succeed unless the people themselves were intimately involved in its development.Arts, Faculty ofSocial Work, School ofGraduat