Indigenous People
The term “Indigenous Peoples” in Canada collectively refers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The provincial government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) into law in November 2019. The Declaration Act aims to create a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples while introducing better transparency and predictability in the work we do together.
According to BC Stats, as of July 2024 an estimated 327,000 individuals self-identified as Indigenous, accounting for 5.7% of British Columbia’s total population (5.7 million):
- First Nations – 201,000 (61.4%)
- Métis – 113,000 (34.6%)
- Inuit – 2,000 (0.7%)
- Other Indigenous people (individuals that identify with more than one Indigenous group) – 11,000 (3.3%)
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
September 30, Orange Shirt Day, now also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) 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).
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.