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.
01
Storytelling & Connection
Creating safe and supportive spaces for patients and practitioners to share experiences.
02
Embracing Culture
Recognizing physical health and cultural practice as interconnected paths.
03
Community Partnerships
Working directly with, not for, Indigenous health administrations.
04
Co-Designed Education
Creating tailored, community-specific tools, brochures, and visual maps.
05
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 planReconcili-ACTION Plan
Download PDFOur Support Group
The HeartLife Foundation is a patient-driven charity whose mission is to transform the quality of life for people living with heart disease by engaging, educating, and empowering a global community to create lasting solutions and build healthier lives. Join our Help for Hearts closed Facebook group to get support and share ideas.
HeartLife Women
The HeartLife Foundation is proud to support the Canadian Women with Medical Heart Issues Facebook group. HeartLife joins the mission of this group, lead by our HeartLife Champion Jackie, to inspire and support women living with heart disease to Live Bravely & Love Boldly every day. We are stronger together.