Last reviewed June 2022 by the Clicklaw Editors

Indigenous peoples live in a unique legal environment - almost every area of the law, from consumer law to family law, is affected by Indigenous legal issues. Some of the most important features of the legal environment for Indigenous peoples are Indigenous rights, treaty rights, the government’s duties toward them, the Indian Act (the legislation that governs "Indian" reserves and band governments), and the effects of colonization, including residential schools. The resources below provide information on key differences in the law for Indigenous peoples.

• Aboriginal Law, from People's Law School, provides an introductory overview.
• Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC, from Legal Aid BC, is a website for people who self-identify as Aboriginal, and the people who help them. It features up-to-date community information, links to community-based resources, and features Aboriginal publications.
• Legal Information for Indigenous People, from the Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program, is a booklet that provides practical legal guidance for Indigenous people. This booklet was created by frontline advocates who understand the everyday legal issues that Indigenous people face.

Need more help?

• Aboriginal Community Legal Workers, from Legal Aid BC, provides legal information and referrals to other services.
• Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (ICLC), from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC, provides legal services to the Indigenous community in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, and throughout the Lower Mainland.
• Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation for Indigenous people. 
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• What does the judge consider in sentencing an Indigenous person?
• See all common questions about Indigenous peoples

tags

Aboriginal rights, Aboriginal law, First Nations, Indian status