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
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
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Parents Legal Centres

Legal Aid BC
Describes Parents Legal Centres (PLCs), a Legal Aid BC service that provides a free lawyer and an advocate to help parents address child protection issues early on. The service is available to eligible parents any time after the social worker contacts them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Mediation — Child Protection and Aboriginal Families

Legal Aid BC
Describes the role of mediators in the child protection process, how they can help Aboriginal families, and how to find a mediator. Mediators are professionals who are specially trained to help people reach an agreement. They are also trained to not take sides.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Legal Changes of Name

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Provides information on how to legally change your name.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover illustrated with an Indigenous family of two children, two parents, and two grandparents with trees and stars in the background.

Keeping Aboriginal Kids Safe: Your Family’s Rights

Legal Aid BC
Illustrated booklet that explains the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families. Describes delegated Aboriginal agencies, mediation, the court process, and the Family Extended Program. Has a flow chart of the child protection process.
Last reviewed March 2024