Housing Advisor & Economic Development

Lydia Howard
Housing Advisor & Economic Development Officer
250-847-5211 Ext: 203.
Email: housing.advisor@dzelkant.com
Lydia Howard was hired by the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society as Housing Advisor in 2018, to develop and guide the organization’s Indigenous housing objectives. She oversees the development of Dze L K’ant Housing society’s new BC Housing projects, including the Ken’ulh K’it Yikh Project and the Dze L K’ant Houston affordable housing project. She is the project coordinator for the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre’s new facility being developed in Houston.
Lydia has experience in both government and the non-profit sector. In her career, she has worked in the areas of policy development, communications, and community development. During her time at Dze L K’ant she has developed expertise in grant writing, proposal writing and project coordination. Lydia holds a Masters of Arts in Human Security and Peace-building (Royal Roads University), a Bachelor of Arts (University of Otago) and a Diploma in Creative Writing. Lydia is passionate about supporting healthy communities through innovative and proactive culturally responsive solutions to poverty reduction, homelessness and housing. In 2025, Lydia received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded in recognition of her service to her community and Canada for her dedication to housing and homelessness solutions.
The Housing Advisor and Economic Development Officer identifies funding opportunities and prepares proposals; engages with stakeholders; coordinates major housing and development projects and oversees the development of internal organizational capacity and policy relating to housing, homelessness, and a range of other Friendship Centre Initiatives.