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Distinctions-based approach: Indigenous Peoples and names in B.C.

Last updated on July 15, 2026

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Distinctions-based approach

Begin your work with a distinctions-based approach. This approach acknowledges the distinct histories, cultures, and priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Which populations you include depends on the context of the content.

For example, for land-based decisions in B.C., 'Indigenous Peoples' would be defined as First Nations whose territories are within B.C. Do not use broad terms like ‘Indigenous Nations’ when you mean First Nations in B.C. In B.C., First Nations are the rights-holding groups usually represented by their governments in negotiations. When that is what you mean, be clear and say ‘First Nations’. If you are not only talking about First Nations, choose words that better match who you are referring to. 

For example, if the context is social and health determinants, then 'Indigenous Peoples' would be defined as including:  

  • First Nations’ members living on reserve 
  • First Nation governments when indicating government to government relations 
  • Métis 
  • Inuit 
  • Urban Indigenous populations, and  
  • First Nations members who live in B.C. but whose nation is outside of B.C. (for example: Mohawk, Navajo) 

The term ‘Indigenous Nations’ is correct in a federal context. It can include self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments and their communities. 

Make sure to explain the context of your work clearly and fully and seek consent: Listen. Understand. Learn. Act. 

Examples: Using a distinctions-based approach  

These examples show what to avoid and what to do instead:

  • Not distinctions-based: The top priority was to create a Path Forward Community Fund that Indigenous Nations could access. This would allow Indigenous governments to create culturally safe and appropriate solutions to issues that lead to violence. 
  • Distinctions-based: The top priority was to create a Path Forward Community Fund that is accessible to:  
    • ​First Nations governments and their member communities 
    • Urban and off-reserve organizations 
    • Métis 
    • Inuit 
    • 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities 

So Indigenous Nations governments and their communities could create culturally safe and appropriate solutions for issues that result in violence. 

Resources for using a distinctions-based approach 

Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples can mean First Nations, Métis and Inuit living in and outside of B.C. Over 290,210 people in B.C. identify as Indigenous. This represents almost 6% of the overall population (2021 Census). Of that:

  • 1,720 identified themselves as Inuit
  • 97,865 identified themselves as Métis
  • 180,085 identified themselves as First Nations
  • 39% of First Nations people in B.C. live on-reserve and 61% live off-reserve. First Nations people were moved to a reserved piece of land when their homeland was taken away. Some First Nations people that live outside of their community (off-reserve), refer to themselves as “away from home”, meaning they are away from their family, away from their community.

Urban Indigenous Peoples

Urban Indigenous Peoples refers to Indigenous individuals who live in cities or towns rather than their home community. 

First Nation, Inuit and Metis people migrate to urban areas for various reasons, including: 

  • Enfranchisement
  • Forced or chosen relocation
  • Disconnection from their home communities
  • Economic opportunities
  • Education
  • Health care access

There is a large population of Indigenous peoples living in urban areas, including First Nations that have been denied registered Indian status. Inuit and Metis do not have Indian status, as defined by the Indian Act. Urban First Nations People without status are impacted very differently and are often considered in important discussions like treaties, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Indian Act.  

Urban Indigenous populations face unique challenges including systemic racism, socio-economic barriers and difficulty accessing culturally appropriate services and resources.   

Nation names and pronunciation

Whenever possible, use Indigenous names and spelling for Indigenous people. See the First Nations A – Z Listing for names and spellings as a starting point.

If you aren't sure which terminology to use, consult the First Nation's website as the Nation may have changed their name, spelling, etc. You can look up videos on YouTube to hear how a Nation introduces themselves and how to pronounce their name. You can also try calling the First Nation contact number after hours to hear the pronunciation on their voice mail.

Another useful resource is the Guide to the Pronunciation of Indigenous Communities and Organizations in B.C. Using the correct pronunciation of an Indigenous Community is a sign of respect. Stay open to correction if you initially get something wrong. 

Identify individuals by their Nation, if that’s their preference, rather than by the generic term ‘Indigenous.’ For example:

  • They’re Dakelh, of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, and presented to the board about the Nechako watershed
  • I worked with the Kisumkalum Band, Kitselas First Nation and Haisla Nation

Indigenous place names

Whenever possible, identify places by their Indigenous names. For example, Daajing Giids is the restored ancestral Haida name for what was known as the Village of Queen Charlotte.

Where the Indigenous name is not widely known, include the colonial name in brackets. For example:

  • Ch'ich'iyúy Elxwíkn (The Lions) are a pair of pointed peaks along the North Shore Mountains in Metro Vancouver

To find out more information on place names in B.C. visit our Geographical Names website.

To explore an interactive map of Indigenous languages, arts and heritage in B.C., visit the First Peoples Cultural Council’s First Peoples' Map of B.C.  The map is a living document created in collaboration with First Nation communities and knowledge holders. It reflects the dynamic nature of Indigenous languages, cultures, and heritage but does not claim to represent official or legal boundaries. We encourage you to connect directly with individual Nations to deepen your understanding of their territories, histories, and cultural practices.

Contact information

If you have questions about applying a distinctions-based approach, please reach out to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR).

MIRR Comms Team
MIRRcomms@gov.bc.ca