Land Acknowledgement

HeartLife was founded on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy ̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil Waututh Nations (Vancouver, BC).
We also acknowledge that our staff and organizational members reside across Turtle Island and recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities.

Our Path Toward
Truth & Reconcili-ACTION

Your voice has power and your health journey belongs to you. Together, we are unlearning, listening, and rebuilding cardiovascular care from the ground up. Reclaiming space, co-designing wellness, and ensuring every Indigenous heart has the power to lead with absolute confidence.

Systemic Health Disparities

Before the 1980s, First Nations communities had lower rates of heart disease. The direct, ongoing impacts of colonization and structural neglect have aggressively reversed this reality. We must name it, face it, and break it.

Relative CVD Risk

2.5×

Disproportionate Burden

Indigenous adults face cardiovascular disease at rates up to 2.5 times higher than non-Indigenous Canadians, yet systemic biases block referrals to life-saving specialist care.

Infection Rates

41%

Group A Strep Burden

First Nations individuals account for 41% of invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, which cause completely preventable Rheumatic Heart Disease, despite representing only 8% of the population.

Mortality Disparity

30%

Higher Mortality for Women

Age-standardized CVD mortality rates are 30% higher for First Nations men and so much higher for First Nations women than non-Indigenous citizens. This is a gap we must shatter.

Five Pillars to Live Bravely and Heal Together

The full plan outlines how HeartLife will address these disparities through five pillars of action. Each pillar was shaped by listening — to patients, practitioners, and community leaders who have lived this reality. Our work is grounded in the understanding that healing must be co-designed with those it serves.

Storytelling & Connection

Creating safe and supportive spaces for patients and practitioners to share experiences.

Embracing Culture

Recognizing physical health and cultural practice as interconnected paths.

Community Partnerships

Working directly with, not for, Indigenous health administrations.

Co-Designed Education

Creating tailored, community-specific tools, brochures, and visual maps.

Amplifying Your Voice in Advocacy

Amplify First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cardiovascular realities globally.

Claim Your Copy of the Reconcili-ACTION Plan

True health equity requires visible action, unlearning, and unconditional support. Our full HeartLife Truth & Reconciliation Plan is our active roadmap to shattering systemic barriers and co-creating a culturally safe future for Indigenous heart health. Download the complete blueprint today and join us in this essential work.

Get the full plan