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Aboriginal
A Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC
Welcome
Do you identify yourself as an Aboriginal person? Do you help people who do?
The term Aboriginal includes:
- status and non-status Indians,
- Métis,
- Inuit, and
- anyone who self-identifies as Aboriginal (if you think of yourself as Aboriginal).
This section has information and publications about the issues that are important to Aboriginal people. It also has information about the help that legal aid and other groups can give.
If you want information about applying for legal aid, please see How to apply for legal aid or call the LSS Call Centre.
The Legal Services Society is committed to increasing awareness of unique Aboriginal legal rights and supporting the strengths of Aboriginal cultures and communities.
Important information regarding the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement: The deadline to apply to the Independent Assessment Process has passed.
If you experienced sexual abuse or serious physical abuse at an Indian residential school and you have not yet talked to a lawyer, call a lawyer on the settlement agreement list to find out what your options are. Or call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. The society can also provide you with information and emotional support.
For more information, click the Indian Residential Schools Settlement button below.
Click the images below for more information on this and other issues.
Deadlines
Upcoming events
Training opportunities
Resources
Deadlines
Indian Residential Schools Settlement deadline: September 2012
The deadline for Independent Assessment Process (IAP) applications has passed.
If you experienced sexual abuse or serious physical abuse at an Indian residential school and you have not yet contacted a lawyer, call a lawyer on the settlement agreement list to find out what your options are. Or call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. The society can also provide information and emotional support.
For more information, click the Indian Residential Schools Settlement button below, and see the updated government fact sheet.
Update — Common Experience Payment (CEP) deadline
See the updated government fact sheet about CEP payments and the possibility of making a late application.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events.
Training opportunities
Gladue report writing
Are you interested in learning how to write Gladue reports? The Justice Institute of BC provides training. For more information, see the course description. Or contact:
Tami Pierce
Coordinator,
Centre for Aboriginal Programs & Services
Email: tpierce@jibc.ca
Phone: 604-528-5608 (Greater Vancouver)
Resources
Health, Crime, and Doing Time — Ministry of Health report
The Ministry of Health's report, Health, Crime, and Doing Time: Potential Impacts of the Safe Streets and Communities Act on the Health and Well-being of Aboriginal People in BC, explores the potential impact of the Act on Aboriginal people in BC. Includes a discussion on the relationship between poor health and involvement in crime and the rates of incarceration of Aboriginal people.
The Provincial Health Officer's presentation summarizes the report.
First Nations Court opens in Kamloops
Kamloops has opened its own First Nations Court. The court will meet once a month. The court will take a restorative justice approach to sentencing, with elders providing guidance and support. Duty counsel will be available to defendants.
There is already a First Nations Court in New Westminster.
Aboriginal people in the justice system — Toronto Star article
Unequal justice: Aboriginal and black inmates disproportionately fill Ontario jails — This article discusses the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in youth and adult jails.
Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Justice Newsletter
Justice newsletter — Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Justice administers and delivers justice programs and services for Aboriginal adults in the Secwépemc territory.
Cross-border issues (Jay Treaty)
The Jay Treaty is an agreement that allows Native Americans born in Canada to travel freely across the United States/Canadian border.
Find out more about the Jay Treaty and other cross-border issues from Washington LawHelp. The US Embassy also has information on the Jay Treaty.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder & Justice
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder & Justice — A website where justice system professionals and others can learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how it affects clients. Includes information on strategies for effective intervention.
New free legal clinic in Victoria
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is now hosting a weekly clinic for help with legal matters. Read more.
Matrimonial property rights
CBC radio's The Current addresses the interim federal law that came into effect last fall concerning matrimonial property rights for Aboriginal women. Line Paré of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Aboriginal lawyers Pamela Palmater and Jean Teillet are the guests. Listen to the episode.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
The first report from the TRC was released February 24, 2012. Watch a CBC news story, and read the interim report and a new historical publication also prepared by the Commission.
Aboriginal rights — New resource for lawyers
Preparing an Aboriginal Rights Case — An Overview for Defence Counsel is a booklet for lawyers that explains Aboriginal rights and what's involved in Aboriginal rights cases.
Gladue reports
LSS is continuing a pilot project to fund Gladue reports for legal aid clients. Read more.
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