Supporting reconciliation

Co-developing new approaches to Indigenous data governance and inclusion of Indigenous language names that recognizes and respects Indigenous people’s rights is a pillar of the Provincial Data Plan (PDF, 3.4 MB).

On this page

• Supporting reconciliation through data
• Key actions
• Project example: Including Indigenous Peoples’ languages in systems and services
• Next up: Increasing evidence-based decision making
• Contact us

Supporting reconciliation through data

In the past, government has not collaborated with Indigenous Peoples on data collection. There are times when data was collected without input from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

We know improvements are needed to better reflect Indigenous Peoples:

• Diversity
• Perspectives
• Interests

Indigenous data governance

B.C. has clear commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). The Province and Indigenous Peoples with co-develop new approaches to Indigenous data governance. These approaches will recognize and support Indigenous rights. 

Including Indigenous languages in records and systems

Working towards reconciling the history of colonization of Indigenous Peoples, we must update our data systems to include Indigenous languages and naming practices. This will allow First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples’ identities to be recognized in their own language and to be used when accessing government services.

Key actions:

• Introduce new approaches for data initiatives prioritized by First Nations and Métis Nation BC
• Approach Indigenous data governance with a commitment to co-development. This will align with or exceed the Interim Approach to Implementing the Requirements of Section 3 of the Declaration Act
• Release a technology standard that requires all new investments into public service IM/IT systems to support Indigenous languages 
• Develop and deliver data standards and guidelines for including Indigenous language names in data systems and services 

Project example: Including Indigenous Peoples’ languages in systems and services

Canada’s colonial legacy includes a history of policies and practices that were devastating to Indigenous Peoples. This caused profound and ongoing harm to Indigenous cultures, languages, communities and connections.

The Declaration Act was introduced in March 2022. It includes an action to adopt an inclusive digital font that allows for Indigenous languages to be included in:

• Communication
• Signage
• Services
• Official records

We are working to ensure Indigenous Peoples can register for government ID and access services using their preferred language that reflects their identity. This work is:

• Extremely complex
• Must include extensive engagement with Indigenous Peoples
• Requires collaboration and cooperation across many organizations

Government is coordinating this work across program areas, the public sector, and beyond. This will identify impacts to service areas, systems, and their dependencies. With guidance from Indigenous Peoples on priority areas of focus, we will develop the needed:

• Policies
• Standards
• Tools
• Technology

Indigenous Peoples will continue to be engaged in decision making. This will to ensure government is implementing options that both:

• Reflect Indigenous Peoples’ needs
• Account for systems and services dependencies

Learn more about how government is Including Indigenous languages in government records, systems and services.

Next up: Increasing evidence-based decision making

Learn more about how the Provincial Data Plan increases evidence-based decision making.

Contact us

Open a service ticket for help with data policies, standards and guidelines. We can also provide guidance on data management and evidence-based decision making in your area.