Bruce Underwood
Director
Bruce has been a member of the Board of Directors for a number of years, he joined the board in 2007. “We are definitely growing for the better and the communities we serve value the opportunity of affordable housing.”
Bruce has seen overcrowded homes on reserve and says it is a major reason why family members often move to urban centres. “Overcrowding forces our members to move off reserve and it can be a lack of education or income that limits them. M’akola is seen as a provider of opportunity to these families,” he said. “It’s nice to see our children have a safe place to live.”
Bruce’s proudest moment at M’akola is when it opened it’s first assisted living building in Langford and equally proud when it opened its second assisted living project on the reserve of Cowichan Tribes.
“M’akola is working with First Nations and this is important, it shows that we are working with the same vision and towards the common goal,” Bruce said.
The cultural element M’akola bring to the table is a success Bruce appreciates. “It’s part of our governance, we respect all the cultures of Vancouver Island and BC. We have an elder at the table to ground our discussions and our thoughts.”
Bruce is a member of Tsawout First Nation.