Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo shows three fish forming a circle in the Pacific coast Indigenous art style, in black, teal, and white. To the right are the words “BC FIRST NATIONS” in black, above the much larger words “JUSTICE COUNCIL” in teal.

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
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

Government of Canada
Explains the anti-discrimination legislation in Canada that protects and advocates for the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You Are Indigenous and Experience Discrimination

People’s Law School
Explains discrimination, which is when you’re treated badly or unfairly because of certain parts of your identity. Learn what your human rights and options are if you experience discrimination.
Last reviewed July 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
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and the logo of the Government of Canada.

Estate Administration On-Reserve: Templates Package

Government of Canada
Contains generic templates to help with the routine tasks of administering a simple estate under the Indian Act. It’s intended to be used with the booklet “Estate Administration On-Reserve: A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia.”
Last reviewed May 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and the logo of the Government of Canada.

Estate Administration On-Reserve: A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia

Government of Canada
Guide for people appointed by Indigenous Services Canada as the executor or administrator of the estate of a family member or friend who has passed away.
Last reviewed May 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
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Wills and Estates on Reserve

Legal Aid BC
Describes how wills and estates on reserve are different from those off reserve for status Indians who ordinarily lived on reserve at the time of their death.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, three photos of elderly people, and the Government of BC logo.

Understanding and Responding to Elder Abuse

Government of British Columbia
This e-book covers the types of elder abuse and risk factors, BC government programs and community services available for older adults who are abused and neglected, and practice tips on how to work with older adults.
Last reviewed March 2024