Walking gently together: Co-developing an Indigenous-led evaluation framework for BC Kidney Check

18 December 2025

A 2024 Kidney Check screening at XaaydaGa Dlaang Society Skidegate Health Centre. (Courtesy/Can-SOLVE CKD).

Traditional measures of research impact are rooted in colonial systems and often fail to reflect what matters to Indigenous communities.

That’s why the BC SUPPORT Unit is supporting an Indigenous-led evaluation of Kidney Check, a kidney health screening program in BC First Nations, using Indigenous measures of success that honour community values, relationships, and self-determination. The work will create a learning bundle of resources in partnership with Indigenous communities, so that practical learnings can be shared to support equity in Indigenous health research.

Kidney Check is a national screening program and one of nine projects within the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, a Canada-wide patient-oriented kidney research network. It brings mobile screening and kidney health education directly into communities, using culturally safe approaches co-developed with First Nations partners. The program is tailored by each Nation to reflect its unique values, needs, and context with a focus on building long-term partnerships with First Nations communities and facilitating self-determination of health.

Individuals get a finger-prick blood test, a urine test, and a blood pressure check. On-site, immediate results minimize delays in accessing potentially needed care. Depending on their results, individuals receive counselling and an appointment with a doctor for treatment recommendations. Individuals can also be referred to a kidney specialist.

By providing accessible, culturally safe screening for kidney disease and its risk factors, Kidney Check addresses an important health issue for First Nations communities. Indigenous people experience higher rates of chronic kidney disease, with rural and remote communities facing barriers to early diagnosis and care. Kidney Check supports early detection that can delay or prevent dialysis, transplant, and other serious complications, enabling better kidney health for individuals and communities.

The program was built on a successful screening initiative in 11 rural Manitoba First Nations communities. It now operates in Manitoba, BC, and Alberta.

This BC evaluation will help determine how Kidney Check can expand to more rural and remote communities. It will be guided by the six Rs of Indigenous research:

Respect
Relationship
Relevance
Reciprocity
Responsibility
Representation

The BC SUPPORT Unit is contributing $300,000 over two years to help assess the impact of the Kidney Check program.

Graphic recording of Indigenous measures of success for the Kidney Check program. Credit: Sam Bradd/Can-SOLVE CKD. — Credit: Sam Bradd/Can-SOLVE CKD.

The evaluation runs from September 2025 to March 2027 in collaboration with up to four First Nations communities in BC. The Indigenous Initiatives Team and Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council at Can-SOLVE CKD Network will work in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority on the project.

“We express deep gratitude for the privilege of collaborating with First Nations communities in BC, who have graciously welcomed us into their territory for the BC Kidney Check,” says Catherine Turner, Indigenous Liaison Manager, Can-SOLVE CKD Network.

Kidney Check is delivered in BC in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority, where Catherine works in the role of Senior Research Coordinator.

“This partnership empowers these communities to educate researchers, physicians, and policymakers on the essential principles of fostering health equity for First Nations and all Indigenous Peoples.”

“Indigenous Peoples know what research outcomes matter most to them and their communities,” says Monica Mamut, Unit Director, BC SUPPORT Unit. “This evaluation of Kidney Check will measure what the program’s success looks like, as led by and with Indigenous Peoples. We’re grateful to fund this work, in collaboration with Can-SOLVE CKD, as a next step to support Indigenous Peoples’ health in BC.

So far individuals from 17 BC communities have been screened with Kidney Check, allowing for treatment for those at risk of kidney disease to begin to improve quality of life.

Learn more about the BC SUPPORT Unit

The BC SUPPORT Unit bridges research and healthcare, partnering researchers with patients to move evidence into practice. Part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, it also supports patient-oriented research across Canada.