Join Our Team
M’akola Housing Society is the largest Indigenous affordable housing provider in BC, having nearly 100 employees and about 1,600 units. Come join us in providing affordable housing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, families and Elders. If you are a student looking for an internship, co-op or practicum learn more here.
M’akola Employees Are:
- Aware and sensitive of the housing needs of the Indigenous people.
- Possess the ability to organize and work efficiently with others and to handle stressful and difficult situations in a positive manner.
- Socially sensitive incumbents, who provides a safe, secure and respectful environment for staff, tenants, applicants and clients.
- Representing the M’akola Housing Society and embracing the vision to improve living conditions for Indigenous people while encouraging and reinforcing traditional practices and cultural beliefs.
- Always working in the best interest of the M’akola Housing Society, ensuring the society is represented in a professional, responsible, and respectful way at all times that does not compromise the ability of the Society.
Why Work At M’akola
- Competitive wages and annual reviews
- Competitive vacation to start, one additional day after the 5th year
- 12 paid sick days for full-time staff to use when you are sick, for appointments, or look after a family member
- 14 paid statutory holidays, including National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Flex Days for some full-time positions
- Sick Bank for some full-time positions
- Paid Medical and Dental benefits, excluding insurances
- Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) with employer contributions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and their immediate family members
- Health & Wellness benefit of $250 per year for full-time positions
- Mileage reimbursement and on-call premium for some positions
- Employee Referral Program
- Paid professional development or training upon manager approval
- Complimentary certifications, if required, in Food Safe and First Aid
- Christmas gift
- Birthday acknowledgements and gift cards
- Coffee/tea/hot chocolate provided free
- Complimentary Criminal Record Check
- Six paid bereavement days per year
- Complimentary flu shot
Current Opportunities
Student Opportunities
Our sister society, M’akola Development Services Society, hosts our bursaries and scholarship programs.
Click here to learn more and view the PDF applications.
Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarship
This award was created in recognition of Judy Bourne, an inspirational woman of Cree Ancestry. Judy was a devoted wife and mother of six children, well known for her athletic and coaching abilities, particularly as a nationally and internationally recognized volleyball coach.
Judy taught for many years in a variety of subjects at various grade levels. From 1984-1989, she was the Executive Director of M’akola Housing Society. Under her guidance, the society became a model for housing projects across Canada. During her tenure, she (along with well-known artist Roy Henry Vickers) was chosen by the Aboriginal Nations Education Department as a role model for her contributions to the Indigenous communities in this area.
Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary
This bursary is in memory of Tom Finnie, a former M’akola board member. Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life was one of total service to his country via the Navy. Every community he lived in was enriched by his presence; each life he touched was made better because he cared and let them know they were special.
He was a tireless worker in many organizations throughout his life, including being a tradesperson. He supported all sports and was a Senior Games swimmer. He taught cultural activities with School District 71. He travelled as far as Manitoba, teaching drum making, hunting, fishing, and survival. In recognition of Tom’s commitment to his community and the communities served by M’akola, the organization established an annual Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary.
Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarship
The George Cook Scholarship Fund was created to honour the life, teachings, leadership, and unwavering commitments Elder George Cook made to Decolonization, the Friendship Centre Movement, Affordable Housing, and Urban Planning for Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
Tłatłatlawis (George Cook), born in Alert Bay in 1929 at the Cook family home, descended from noble lines tracing back to several Kwakwaka’wakw tribes, including the Komoks and the Mowachaht of Friendly Cove. George stepped into his political and community leadership by becoming the Chief Councilor of the Namgis in 1969, and was known for his thoughtfulness, humility, and kindness. George was a part of many significant moments in British Columbia’s and Canada’s history – such as advocating against the White Paper policy and the possible devastation it could have caused Indigenous communities or being present for the formation of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
Elder George Cook served as the Elder Advisor for M’akola Housing Society and M’akola Development Services, ensuring that M’akola weaves its commitments to improving living conditions for Indigenous peoples while reinforcing traditional practices and cultural beliefs across every aspect of the Societies’ work.
M’akola Housing Society and M’akola Development Services are honoured to present this award in Tłatłatlawis’ honour.
M'akola Housing Society Bursary
This bursary is offered in a partnership with Camosun College. Thanks to the partnership with the college and the extreme generosity of the late Dorothy Mary Price, the Society created this bursary to provide assistance to Indigenous students. One of the Society’s main objectives is assisting Indigenous people who live off-reserve. Contributing to the affordability of post-secondary education is very important to helping students achieve their financial goals and to providing the support necessary for success.
This bursary is managed through Camosun College’s Financial Aid office. If you are interested in learning more and applying, view the Camosum bursary page.