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Using identity variables and values

Last updated on January 29, 2026

This section provides details on variables, values and usage in the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and the Racial Identity Data Standard. It also:

  • Explains how to apply the standards 
  • Provides the right order for asking questions about Indigenous and racial identity
  • Provides guidance on how to ask questions, how to enter and code responses, and how to handle changes to responses 

On this page

Asking the identity questions

Each variable has one question to be asked when collecting Indigenous and racial identity data.

What to do:

  • Always use the questions exactly as written in the standards for each identity variable
  • Only ask other questions about Indigenous identity if they are needed to provide a service or program. Contact data-act@gov.bc.ca for assistance on how to ask these questions in a culturally-safe way
  • Ask all the mandatory questions in the standards
  • In addition to the mandatory questions, you may choose to ask any optional identity questions that best align with your purpose   
  • Use digital formats whenever possible
  • Provide preambles as they help explain the purpose of the questions. See the values and variables section for the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and the Racial Identity Data Standard for more information on shorter preambles that may be used for verbal collection

Avoid:

  • Changing the wording or the order of the preamble, questions or data values unless shortening the preamble to align with the guidance for verbal collection in the standards

Data entry and coding

What to do:

  • Where possible, use digital forms and drop downs to prevent unclear responses
  • Allow people to skip questions unless the information is required for program delivery
  • If someone changes their answer on a paper form (for example, crosses something out and picks a different option), record the most clearly selected answer. If the answer is unclear, then treat it as a combination response (see table below for more information on how to code responses)
  • Store data as raw values to make future analysis and disclosure easier

How to code responses

Situation How to code
Only identity values selected Record as given
Only "Prefer not to answer" selected Record as given
Only "I do not know / I am not sure" selected Record as given
Response is written in an open text box provided Record as given
No answer (for example, question skipped)

For measuring response rates, record as “Response Unknown”

For data register, record as NULL
Combinations not allowed (for example, identity + “Prefer not to answer” or identity + “I do not know/I am not sure”)

Check variable-specific usage rules

For measuring response rates, record as “Response Unclear”

For data register, record as NULL

Order of data collection 

The Indigenous Identity Data Standard and the Racial Identity Data Standard specify different variables and values for collecting Indigenous data and it’s important to understand which have precedence during collection. While the order outlined below is required, it may not reflect how individuals see themselves. For example, someone may view their ethnicity as more central to their identity than their race. 

What to do:

  • Ask the questions in the Indigenous Identity Data Standard before the questions in the Racial Identity Data Standard and use the Indigenous identity variable as the source of truth when doing research about First Nations, Métis or Inuit people
  • If collecting both Indigenous and gender identity, ensure that only people who indicate Indigenous identity in the Indigenous Identity Data Standard can choose Indigenous gender identities specified in the Gender and Sex Data Standard (for example, Two-Spirit)
  • When using the Racial Identity Data Standard to collect information under the Anti-Racism Data Act, the race question is mandatory and must be asked before any other questions in the Racial Identity Data Standard that you may be asking  
  • You may choose to ask any of the optional questions that are relevant to your program area in any order, with the following restrictions:
    • Ensure that the ethnicity question is asked before the religion or spirituality question if both questions are being asked
    • Ensure that the religion or spirituality question is asked before the visible markers of religion question if both questions are being asked
    • Ensure that the English language proficiency question is asked before the service language question if both questions are being asked

Handling changing responses over time

A person’s identity may change or be reported differently over time, including at different points of data collection.

What to do:

  • If multiple responses exist for the same person, programs should decide how to interpret them and document their decisions. Considering, for example: is the source reputable and/or authoritative? What data has been collected more recently, and is it likely to be more accurate for present time analysis?
  • Consider whether some of the responses represent responses that were withdrawn or updated following the procedures for updating or withdrawing information covered under the section on collection and use notice requirements