Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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
Yellow emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Indigenous Sentencing Courts

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains Indigenous Courts including locations, how they work, and their goals.
Last reviewed September 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 September 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

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
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, text, and the Government of British Columbia logo.

Sentencing (information sheet)

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains what a judge considers when sentencing in criminal court and the types of sentences can be given. It also talks about pre-sentence reports, victim impact statements, and the sentencing of Indigenous persons.
Last reviewed August 2024
Logo features a dove in a circle outlined with a chain, with one link broken. The organization name is to the right.

Booklets for Indigenous Prisoners

Prisoners’ Legal Services
Various booklets that explains your rights and the programs available to you as an Indigenous person in federal or provincial custody.
Last reviewed August 2024
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 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