Recommendations for Health Care Providers & Authorities Collecting Indigenous Identity Data

Press Release

Attention Health Managers: One of our partner organizations, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), is seeking input on the collection of Indigenous patient information.

Over two years ago, CIHI identified the need for standardized Indigenous and race-based data to help identify, monitor and address inequities that stem from bias and racism, including systemic racism in health systems. To ensure the standards and the data collected are useful for your work as Health Managers, (including for planning and advocacy)—we need your input.

CIHI recognizes the importance of appropriate data collection and use, and are preparing guidelines for health care providers and health authorities related to:

• Safe data collection that minimizes risks of harm
• Local community engagement and customization
• Indigenous data governance and data sharing

CIHI Recs for health care providers collecting Indigenous identity data Oct2021- for feedback is a brief slide deck describing CIHI’s work, with questions for your consideration on slide 23.

If possible, we would ask you to review and please email your feedback or any questions to Victoria Tenasco-Commanda (VTenasco-Commanda@cihi.ca) by November 9, 2021. If you prefer to discuss by phone or video, please let her know.

CIHI is also interested in bringing together a few people for a focus group over video. If you are able to participate, please notify them by October 29, 2021 and they will follow up to schedule a session in early November.

On behalf of FNHMA, our very sincere thanks for considering this request. We know how busy everyone is and we so appreciate you taking time to provide your expertise so that we can together, ensure accurate, relevant and culturally appropriate data and standards to help guide our work as First Nations Health Managers.

IHT5