Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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
Circular logo for the Restorative Justice Association of BC with abstract green and blue segments, followed by the organization's name in bold black letters.

Restorative Justice in BC

Restorative Justice Association of BC
Provides some examples of restorative initiatives in BC that are offered outside and in relation to the legal system.
Last reviewed August 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 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 March 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 March 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 March 2024