Indigenous Self-Identification Initiative

A confidential and voluntary self-identification process for patients who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Island Health has paused the Indigenous Patient Self-Identification (ISI) Program at all acute care sites. You will no longer be asked if you wish to self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit when you register for care at any Island Health hospital. 

Why is Island Health pausing the ISI program?

We heard directly from First Nations leaders and communities that the ISI Program was not operating in a way that met the needs of First Nations patients, families, and communities. 

This pause will provide us with the time needed to revise the program in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to ensure it better supports our goal of eradicating Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare and upholds Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance principles.

What will happen when I register?

You will no longer be asked if you wish to self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit when you register for care at any Island Health hospital. 

What Indigenous-specific supports are available?

One of the ways Island Health is working towards the creation of safer spaces for Indigenous Peoples is through the support and care offered to First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients, and their families, through the Indigenous Liaison Nurse (ILN) Program and Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPN) Program.

ILNs and IPNs can help provide First Nation, Métis, and Inuit clients and families, with support and advocacy through their journey of care.

How do I connect with Indigenous Liaison Nurses (ILN) or Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPN) while the ISI program is paused?

Indigenous patients can request ILN or IPN supports at any time during their care journey.

To request ILN or IPN support, please visit the Indigenous Liaison Nurses & Patient Navigators Contacts page for contact and schedule information for all ILN/IPNs across Vancouver Island, or you can request an ILN/IPN brochure from the registration clerk.

I have already self-identified. What happens with the information I have already provided?

The information you provided previously is saved in your Electronic Health Record (EHR) and will remain confidential. Any access to, use of, and disclosure of your personal information must comply with the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Read more about how we protect your privacy and confidentiality.

If you have questions about privacy, please contact Indigenous Health at IndigenousHealth@islandhealth.ca.

What happens next?

Island Health is committed to working in a good way with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners. As part of that commitment, we’re moving the ISI program into a shared governance model that gives communities a stronger voice, improves day‑to‑day oversight, and supports ongoing quality improvements. The goal is simple: ensure the program truly reflects and responds to the needs of Indigenous patients, families, and communities. 

How long will the pause last? 

Keep checking this page for updates.

Questions? Let us know.

Island Health and the Indigenous Health team are committed to ongoing communications with Indigenous communities and the public about this initiative. If you have any feedback about this initiative or how it impacts patients, please email IndigenousHealth@islandhealth.ca.

In partnership with: