Indigenous Identity Data Standard

The Indigenous Identity Data Standard provides a consistent, distinctions-based way to collect, use and share Indigenous identity data. It reflects the unique rights, experiences and data needs of Indigenous Peoples.

Created under the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA), the standard supports better outcomes in three key areas:

• Safely and accurately reflecting the identities of people in B.C.
• Improving accuracy, interpretability and comparability of data
• Supporting the collection of a core set of Indigenous identity information

The Indigenous Identity Data Standard can also be used when collecting Indigenous identity information for administrative and program purposes. This type of collection may be carried out under a legislative authority other than ARDA, for example, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).

Following the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and accompanying guidelines can assist in ensuring that the information being asked for accurately reflects Indigenous identities.

For more information on how to apply the standard, see the Guidelines to the Indigenous Identity and Racial Identity Data Standards.

Table of contents

• About the Indigenous Identity Data Standard
  • Overview
  • Application
  • Authority
  • Who to contact for advice on this standard
  • Distinctions-based
  • Acknowledgments
  • Standard as a living document
• Standard requirements
  • Core collection requirements
    • What you must ensure
    • Respecting rights and consent
    • Who is considered Indigenous in data
    • Preferred language for reporting
    • Handling conflicting or incomplete responses
  • General usage
    • Supporting cultural safety
    • Asking the identity questions
    • Data entry and coding
• Standard variables and values
  • Mandatory variable: Indigenous identity
  • Optional variable: First Nations status
  • Optional variable: On-reserve or Treaty Lands
• Data standards and guidelines definitions