Indigenous People
The 2011 National Household Survey reports that of the over 232,000 Indigenous people in B.C., 67% were First Nations, 30% were Métis and just under 1% was Inuk (Inuit). First Nations people live both on- and off-reserves. Métis and Inuit live in urban and rural communities throughout B.C.
Indigenous people have distinct cultures, world views, languages and traditions that form a part of the richness of B.C’s society today.
Services and information topics
BC Residential School Response Fund
B.C. is committed to supporting First Nations-led strategies to investigate, protect and commemorate the sites of former Indian Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals in B.C. and providing the mental health, wellness and cultural supports required to do this in a safe, supportive and culturally appropriate way.
Guide to Indigenous Organization and Services
The Guide supports the relationship between the Province and Indigenous people and their communities. It provides other community service organizations, government ministries and agencies, and non-Indigenous citizens an insight into the scope of Indigenous services and organizations offered in British Columbia.
BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership
A 25-year revenue-sharing commitment between the provincial government and First Nations in B.C. was reached in 2018 to support self-government and self-determination, strong healthy communities, and services that make life better for families.
British Columbia: Building relationships with Indigenous peoples
As part of its work to create true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in B.C., the provincial government is implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Supporting Communities
The Province works in partnership with First Nations, Métis, non-government organizations and the federal government to provide services and programs to improve social outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.
Minister's Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW)
The Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation created MACIW in June 2011 to provide advice to the Government of British Columbia on how to improve the quality of life of Indigenous women across BC.
Economic Development
The provincial government is committed to improving the participation of Indigenous people and communities’ in the economy. Government must work in partnership with Indigenous people to identify shared goals, strategic outcomes and progress.
First Citizens Fund
The First Citizens Fund is a perpetual fund created in 1969. It supports cultural, educational and economic development programs for Indigenous people, communities and businesses in B.C., and it helps fund Indigenous organizations offering services in these areas.
New Relationship Trust
The New Relationship Trust is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in B.C. through capacity building. The Trust invests in First Nations in B.C. by providing support in five key capacity development areas:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system.
New Fiscal Framework
B.C. is committed to co-developing a new fiscal framework with Indigenous Peoples that supports the operation of Indigenous governments, and recognizes Indigenous rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PDF, 150KB) (UN Declaration).
Find out more about Indigenous peoples' history, culture and languages.
Indigenous Services Canada provides information on how to register for Indian Status:
Contact information
Call or email if you have more questions.