Grace Elliott-Nielsen
Director
Grace initially joined the M’akola Board of Directors shortly after its incorporation in 1984. She welcomed the idea of providing housing for Indigenous families. In the late 1970s she recalls seeing apartment buildings with signs stating, “Indians Not Welcome”. She fought hard to have the sign removed and for First Nations rights.
“I think M’akola has been a tremendous success. Our housing has helped out students who are finishing their education, single parents and young families,” Grace said. “We are giving families a proper place to live and over the years we’ve expanded in a positive way.”
Grace is proud of M’akola’s ability to meet the needs of Indigenous Families and its ability to be a professional housing provider while remaining culturally sensitive. “We must always remember that low-cost housing for our people continue to be important”.
“M’akola is a part of cultural events, National Indigenous People’s Day and community events like the Back to School Picnics,” said Grace. “We recognize the importance of being in our communities while always remembering the importance of why it was created in the first place.”
Grace is a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation.