A tented area outside the Salvation Army in Regina has been shining the spotlight on homelessness amongst Indigenous people within urban setting.

One man, who is referred to as the Chief, said he’s been out of the housing provided from the Salvation Army since July, 2016. He was aware of the problems around him, and even opted to keep an eye on homeless in the surrounding area. After money became tight, Chief became homeless himself. “This is my reality now,” he said.

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“I used to have everything. I’m a journeyman bricklayer but I can’t find work because I’m Native,” Chief explained. “There’s a lot of good men like me who can’t find work. They take one look at you and decide they’re not going to hire you.”

One woman at the camp said she found out about it walking by one evening. She stopped in and has been welcome ever since. “They take care of me here,” she said.

Another young man visits regularly because he enjoys the company. Although he isn’t homeless himself, he’s been on social assistance for years. “I use social assistance because I feel like the government owes me at least that,” he said.

On 1800 block Osler, the camp is just a block away from the police station. “Cops drive by everyday,” Chief said.

Tent city has been supported through community donations of food, wood, and blankets. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by Chief. “I hope that the Creator watches over everyone who has been kind enough to drop off donations,” he said.

With winter on its way, the highest request for donations is for firewood. “It will be cold, but we all have survival skills for -40 weather,” Chief said.

The camp, which has been up for over a month, recently received direction to leave the lot by the property owner. As of November 4^th, the camp has been packed up and ready to move. “I want to leave this place in the same state we found it,” Chief said. “We’ve already taken one truckload of garbage to the dump.”

 

After forming a community, the group has decided to relocate together. “I don’t want confrontation with landowners,” Chief said, “but no matter where I go, I’m bound to run into it.”

The next tent city is planned to set up on Albert Street in Regina. “That way, we’ll let everyone see what’s happening,” Chief said, regarding homelessness in the city.