Island Health allowing people to self identify as Indigenous at all care facilities

Island Health says it is improving safe, culturally appropriate care by allowing patients to voluntarily self identify as Indigenous at care facilities.

The Indigenous self identification program (ISI) applies to all care settings where patients are registered to receive services.

The ISI program launched at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Nov. 15, 2023, and regional rollout of the program is expected to begin in spring 2024.

Patients will be asked if they wish to self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Island Health says the program will enable them to work with Indigenous partners and communities to work together to improve health care for people across the region and close gaps in health and social disparities for Indigenous people.

“The information provided to us will better help our staff connect Indigenous patients with Indigenous-specific services available at their care site, such as an Indigenous Liaison Nurse or Indigenous Patient Navigator,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health Board Chair.

“If a patient has Indigenous ancestry, they can self-identify and choosing to do so is completely voluntary. The information collected will be used for the sole purpose of providing the best possible care for our Indigenous patients.”

Everyone registering at an Island Health facility will be asked if they wish to self-identify as Indigenous as no assumptions are made about a person’s identity. Proof of Indigenous ancestry will not be required and all information is completely confidential and protected by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Once a patient provides their response, it will be saved in their electronic medical record and they will not be asked again when registering in the future, Island Health says.

“This work is a great step forward for Island Health as we continue to respond to The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action related to health care, and the recommendations coming out of the In Plain Sight report: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care,” said Dawn Thomas, Aa ap waa iik, Vice President of Indigenous Health & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“We know Indigenous people face inequities in health care access and experience a higher rate of chronic disease and injury when compared to non-Indigenous people; the ISI will help us in closing that gap and addressing accessibility through improved patient care. I raise my hands up to all the Island Health staff who have been working on this initiative for many years now to bring it to this point, and for ensuring it reflects the needs of community."

“ẊAẊE EN SNA’ means ‘your name is sacred’,” said TELAXTEN. “Our names are sacred to our people. When we use our language and names, it is carried for life. It is used in ceremony and out of respect. In a long house, there are certain things I can and cannot do because I carry my name and this is the same for data; it should be respected the same way.”

“By knowing if patients are Indigenous, our staff and physicians will be able to tailor care to their health needs in a culturally safe and respectful way, and integrate traditional practices, if requested, into a patient’s care plan,” said Hollins. “This may include additional support navigating the health care system, assistance transitioning from hospital to home, advocating for choices and decisions with care providers, or connections to community services and organizations.”