Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

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
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting after Separation for Indigenous Families (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course is for parents and family members who identify as Indigenous or have children who identify as Indigenous. It helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and using mediation.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Information on Protection Orders

Government of British Columbia
Read about what a protection order is, when you should get one, how it will protect you, and who you can speak with to get more information about how to apply for one.
Last reviewed August 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with title and logo, illustrated with a photo of three generations of women's hands one on top of the other, with the elder's hand at the bottom and the youngest at the top.

Women’s Right to Be Safe

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia
This resource introduces Indigenous children, girls, and women to community services that provide culturally-appropriate support for safety concerns.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Your Home on Reserve — Who Can Stay in the Family Home on Reserve

Legal Aid BC
Describes the laws about homes on reserve. Has information on who can stay in the family home on reserve after a separation or a partner dies, who these laws apply to, and where to get help with this issue.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Your Family and the Law

Legal Aid BC
This page provides information on family law legal issues as they apply to Aboriginal people. Covers caring for children, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, property, and income assistance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with the title an, an image of overlapping silhouettes of women facing each other, and the Battered Women’s Support Services logo. The colours are dark blues and greens.

When Battered Women Are Arrested: A Growing Problem

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
This tool is for women who have been abused by their partner and arrested by the police. It is aimed at empowering women to get support and take action about the arrest.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with the title an, an image of overlapping silhouettes of women facing each other, and the Battered Women’s Support Services logo. The colours are orange and brown.

When Battered Women Are Arrested (A Resource for Front-Line Workers)

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
A growing number of women that Battered Women’s Support Services help have been arrested for allegedly perpetrating violence against their partners, despite the fact that in all cases the women were being abused by their partners. This tool is designed to help advocates provide information, support, and advocacy.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the manual cover showing stylized profiles of women's faces in shades of green, blue, and purple. It includes the (Battered Women's Support Services logo.

Resources for Women and Advocates

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
Provides a list of resources and contacts for women and advocates. This manual is designed to enhance knowledge and strengthen skills of the women and men who are the first point of contact to comprehensively meet the needs of refugee and immigrant women.
Last reviewed March 2024