Introduction
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is proud to support Métis communities and individuals across the province. Our approach includes four divisions that aim to serve specific populations, meet our Nation’s health needs, and provide advocacy for all Métis in B.C. To view our programs and services available in your area, visit MNBC’s Programs and Resources.
Learn more about the work we’re doing by reading our mandates below.
24/7 Métis Crisis Line For immediate support at any time, call 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722)
Community Facing Roles
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has a team of community facing roles to better support your health and wellness journey. These include Regional Health Coordinators, Regional Mental Wellness Coordinators, Youth Mental Wellness Coordinators, Harm Reduction Coordinators, a Harm Reduction Family Support Specialist, a Health Promotion Coordinator, Health Experience Advocates, and Miyaayaawin (wellness) Workers.
Mental Health and Harm Reduction
Our Ministry is working towards fully realized mental health and wellness for Métis people in B.C. We advocate for culturally appropriate mental health and harm reduction programs and services at the national, provincial, and regional levels. We continue to highlight and address the gaps in existing services and advocate for changes needed to better foster the health, wellness, and resilience of Métis individuals and communities. We seek to develop and implement mental wellness programming that is grounded in Métis culture and Métis ways-of-knowing. Métis-led mental health, harm reduction, and substance use programs, policies, and initiatives are at the core of our Ministry. We strive to create whole-life, wraparound mental wellness initiatives; centered in community wisdom and rooted in the idea of “culture as medicine”.
Thriving Spirits: Métis Perspectives on Wellness Magazine
Thriving Spirits is a magazine that showcases Métis community voices on mental health, harm reduction, healing, and cultural strength. Formerly titled Resilient Roots, this yearly publication explores diverse experiences related to mental wellness with poetry, personal stories, photo art, and informational pieces; offering individuals a space to share what it means to thrive, overcome challenges, and stay connected to Métis identity and teachings. At its heart, the magazine is a celebration of Métis resilience, creativity, and community.
Read Past Thriving Spirit Issues
Elders
MNBC supports Elders and Seniors by advocating for culturally appropriate health programs and services at the national, provincial and regional levels. The goal is to improve health services and increase access to programs to meet the needs of Elders and Seniors across the province. As services become more automated and digitally based, our Elders often need additional help navigating and accessing available programs and services.
Our Ministry is proud to consult with the Elders Circle to identify priorities and direction. Composed of Elders from across the province, this group discusses issues affecting Métis Elders and Seniors in B.C. and makes recommendations to MNBC.
We offer the Métis Elders and Seniors Assistance Program (MESAP), which supports Elders and Seniors in purchasing health related necessities.
To view all relevant programs and services, visit MNBC’s Programs and Resources.
Health Governance and Research
Understanding the intricacies of Métis health governance is paramount to fostering a healthcare system that respects and addresses the unique needs of Métis individuals. Through diligent research and collaborative efforts, we strive to develop a distinctions-based approach that acknowledges the diverse cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors shaping Métis health. By doing so, we aim to cultivate a healthcare landscape that ensures equitable access to services and promotes the overall well-being of Métis communities.
Health Authority Partners
Reports
Métis Perspectives on Cannabis Use: A Community-Based Research Study
The project we embarked on was a community-based research project to discover how cannabis use is viewed by and affects the Métis population in British Columbia.
Taanishi aen tamaashchihooyayhk? (How are you feeling?)
Métis Population Health Program Interim Update 2026
Métis Community Health Indicators Capacity and Need Report
This project attempts to close the gap in health information on Métis in B.C. by discussing the use of health information in Métis Chartered Communities. The report discusses how the project was carried out and makes recommendations.
Provincial Health Officer’s Annual Reports
The Provincial Health Officer is required by the Public Health Act to report annually on the health status of those living in B.C., and on the need for policies and programs that will improve their health. Some reports produced to date have given a broad overview of health status, while others have focused on specific topics such as air quality, diabetes, food, drinking water quality, immunization, injection drug use, Indigenous health, injury prevention, school health, alcohol policy and prevention, women’s health, gambling, and HIV among gay and bisexual men.
Taanishi Kiiya Report
MNBC initiated the Métis Public Health Surveillance (MPHS) program to monitor the health and wellness of registered Métis Citizens in B.C. This report discusses MPHS results across many health topics and measures.
Island Health LOU – What We Heard Report
An in-person Leadership Roundtable Engagement Session in Nanaimo invited Métis Chartered Community (MCC) leaders and representatives, MNBC, and Island Health to gather and engage in a dialogue around the guiding principles and core values of the Letter of Understanding (LOU) between Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and Island Health to help inform its renewal. The conversation began with the need for a renewed LOU, but evolved into a broader conversation about the intricacies and barriers in the relationship between the three partners, best practices for engagement with communities, and Métis specific health priorities for Vancouver Island.
Métis Health and Wellness Plans
Working with the Health Authorities
MNBC’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is pleased to present the Métis Health and Wellness Plans in collaboration with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and three regional health authorities (Interior Health , Northern Health, and Fraser Health ) which represent a collaborative approach to improving Métis health and wellness outcomes across each region. These plans are a strategic roadmap that builds on the existing partnership between MNBC, the regional health authority and local Métis Chartered Communities. Guided by a commitment to culturally safer and equitable care for Métis, these plans identify specific areas for change, outline joint actions and envision transformative outcomes over five years grounded in cultural wellness.
Developing the Plans
Addressing the priorities outlined in the Taanishi Kiiya? Métis Health Public Surveillance Baseline Report and the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care Report, the plans were informed by community members, health system partners and subject matter experts. Ensuring our work is grounded in Métis voice is imperative to MNBC. Therefore, community engagement was a key component in developing these plans. The priorities and goals were shared in each region through in-person community engagement sessions, town hall webinars, and a public online survey. Participants were invited to share priorities of their own health and wellness journeys and give feedback on the goals outlined.
Community Engagement
Métis Chartered Community representatives, members and Elders provided valuable feedback to ensure the plans were grounded in diverse needs while addressing barriers faced by Métis in B.C.
The findings and themes that emerged from these engagement activities have guided and informed the development of the wellness plans. The plans are dynamic, will be monitored regularly, and are adaptable to ensure ongoing responsiveness to Métis communities.
Looking Forward
The Métis Health and Wellness Plans mark a significant step toward achieving health equity for Métis in each health region. Grounded in collaboration, cultural wellness and a commitment to Métis-specific approaches, these plans serve as a model for transformative change in the provincial healthcare landscape. By prioritizing community voice and a Métis-specific approach, MNBC, with the support of health authority partners, aims to create a future where Métis health and wellness flourishes.
Health and Wellness Plans
Interior Health
Northern Health
Fraser Health
Letters of Understanding
The Ministry of Health is taking significant steps towards improving healthcare for Métis people by signing Letters of Understanding (LOUs) with health authorities. These agreements are designed to address the unique healthcare needs of Métis communities, ensuring culturally appropriate and accessible services. By fostering collaborative partnerships, the Ministry aims to enhance the quality of care, reduce health disparities, and promote better health outcomes for Métis individuals. This initiative underscores a commitment to inclusive healthcare, recognizing the importance of tailored approaches to meet the diverse needs of all populations.
Métis Nation BC and Northern Health
Métis Nation BC and Interior Health
Métis Nation BC and Island Health
Métis Nation BC and Fraser Health
Métis Nation BC and Vancouver Coastal Health
Métis Nation BC and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer
Métis Nation BC and the Provincial Health Services Authority