Gladue & Indigenous Courts
Last reviewed September 2024 by the Clicklaw editors
If you’re an Indigenous person in criminal court, you can get help in different ways. Learn about your rights in the Canadian court system, including Gladue submissions, and whether you can have your bail or sentencing hearing in First Nations or Indigenous Court.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Gladue Services: Information for the Public
BC First Nations Justice Council
Explains Gladue rights and factors, and how to get a Gladue report via a service from the BC First Nations Justice Council.
Last reviewed August 2024
Legal Information for Indigenous People
S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
Indigenous Sentencing Courts
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains Indigenous Courts including court locations, how they work, and their goals.
Last reviewed September 2024
First Nations/Indigenous Courts
Legal Aid BC
Explains that if you identify as Aboriginal or Indigenous and you plead guilty to a crime or are found guilty, you might be able to have your bail or sentencing hearing in a First Nations/Indigenous Court in BC. These are criminal sentencing courts that focus on balancing rehabilitation, accountability, and healing.
Last reviewed September 2024