We acknowledge the Title and Rights of BC First Nations who have cared for and nurtured the lands, air and waters for all time, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) on whose unceded, occupied, and ancestral territory BCCDC is located. As a provincial organization, we also recognize and acknowledge the inherent Title and Rights of BC First Nations whose territories stretch to every inch of the lands colonially known as “British Columbia.”

BC is also home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people from homelands elsewhere in Canada. We recognize the distinct rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and BCCDC is beginning its work to uphold a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination. All Indigenous Peoples who live in BC have rights to self-determination, health and wellness, and respectful use of their data in alignment with Indigenous data governance principles, including but not limited to OCAP®.

BCCDC is working to address the consequences of colonial policies which have had lasting effects on all Indigenous Peoples living in the province. Consistent with the Coast Salish teaching of thee eat (truth) gifted to PHSA by Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper Siem Te Ta-in, we recognize that ongoing settler colonialism in BC undermines the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples who live in BC and significantly contributes to health inequities and data gaps. While the data shown in this report represent BC residents, there is no stratification by Indigeneity and as such, the results are not reflective of the situation for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples and communities. For public health surveillance and chronic disease indicators pertaining to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in BC, please see:

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