Legal Resources

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn about funding and financing programs for reconstructing, renovating, or preserving housing for Indigenous communities, whether on reserve or off reserve.

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.

A 12-page booklet about how the BC Human Rights Code applies in three main areas of daily life: work, housing, and access to services and facilities. It explains racial profiling, what it means to be discriminated by a landlord or a health care provider or harassed at work, and what you can do if your rights are violated.

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.

Provides information on how to legally change your name.