Path to Measuring Racism (2024-2025)
In this research project, we took an initial step in responding to:
In Plain Sight Recommendation 9
That the B.C. government establish a system-wide measurement framework on Indigenous cultural safety, Indigenous rights to health and Indigenous-specific racism, and work with First Nations governing bodies and representative organizations, MNBC, the Indigenous Health Officer, and the Indigenous Health Representative and Advocate to ensure appropriate processes of Indigenous data governance are followed throughout required data acquisition, access, analysis and reporting.
Identifying a Path Forward to Measure Racism as a Determinant of Health Within BC Population Health and Wellness Reporting Project set out to identify a way forward for measuring racism as a root determinant of health within BC’s public health system to contribute to collaborative work.
Our goal was to identify a path towards to measuring racism in ways that are grounded in lived experiences and uphold the rights of Indigenous and racialized communities.
To do this, we brought together Knowledge Keepers, public health professionals, and people with lived experience of racism from across BC to share guidance and shape this work through relationship-based engagement and dialogue.
Key Findings:
Five actionable themes emerged from the Knowledge Summit discussion circles that must shape any effort to measure racism in BC:
1. Racism data is necessary
Participants noted there is an inadequate amount of data explicitly measuring racism, which contributes to its invisibility in public health systems. They emphasized that racism data is needed to make systemic harm visible.
2. Data governance is essential
Participants were clear that data governance must be in place prior to collecting racism data. Indigenous and racialized communities must be involved in decision making processes. Participants noted that without governance, there is the risk of data being weaponized to further harm communities.
3. Approaches must be grounded in community teachings and intergenerational purpose
Participants called for approaches rooted in inherent rights, lived experiences, and worldviews of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities. Anti-racism work must be grounded in relational accountability: to those who came before, to those doing the work now, and to future generations.
4. Data isn’t enough; we need accountability, systemic change, and action
Measurement without follow-through risks reinforcing the harmful status quo. The public health system must have a plan to take action and accountability if they collect racism data.
5. Systems must be held accountable
Rather than focusing solely on those harmed by racism, participants urged us to turn the gaze toward institutions and those in power – making whiteness, settler colonialism, and institutional power visible.
Implications
Building strong foundations before moving forward with a system-wide plan to measure racism in BC is key. Meaningful progress depends on public health institutions embracing relational, rights-based, and action-oriented approaches to addressing racism.