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

Content warning: This web page contains information related to residential schools. Support is available for anyone who has been affected by residential schools.

If you need emotional or crisis support, contact the 24-Hour National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 or access a crisis support.

 

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

In 2020, the provincial government and First Nation in B.C. signed a 25-year revenue sharing commitment to support strong, healthy communities, and services that make better for everyone in B.C.

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 and learn more about 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).

Indian Registration and Status
Indian Status Card

Indigenous Services Canada provides information on how to register for Indian Status:

Indian Registration, Status and Status Cards

Contact information

Call or email if you have more questions.

Address
PO BOX 9100
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC
V8W9B1
CANADA