Legal Information for Indigenous People

Cover of Legal Information for Indigenous People

This booklet from Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program provides basic & accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues, incl. the justice systems, children & families, rights & protections, death & taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.

Contents

• Acknowledgements and Foreword
• Introduction
• Justice Systems
  • Circuit courts · Legal supports · Legal aid eligibility · If you are charged · Restorative justice · Gladue reports · Indigenous courts · Youth criminal justice
• Children and Families
  • Child protection laws · Child protection resources · Jordan's Principle · Rights of child · Family law
• Know Your Rights
  • Government authorities · Police encounters · Police custody and arrests · DFO & COS · RCMP complaints · Justice system complaints · MCFD social workers · Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) · Rights as a tenant · Freedom of information
• Protections
  • Aboriginal rights · Hunting and fishing · Human rights
• Death and Taxes
  • Wills · Estates · Representation Agreements · Taxation
• Income Security
  • Employment Insurance · Disability benefits · Persons with Disabilities · Employment standards · Debt
• Class Actions
• Glossary of Laws and Legal Reviewers
• Afterword

About Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program

The Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program (BCLAP) provides free and confidential services in the communities of Bella Coola, Anahim Lake, Bella Bella, Klemtu and Wuikinuxv, the traditional territories of the Nuxalk, Ulkatcho, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais and Wuikinuxv peoples, respectively. The BCLAP provides free and confidential legal advocacy services including information and referrals, summary advice and support, and full representation in many legal matters including housing (on & off reserve), income/social assistance, debt, police accountability, human rights, disability, Indigenous legal issues, elder issues, child protection, family, criminal, legal aid, wills/estates (on & off reserve), EI, employment (on & off reserve), pensions, etc.

© Copyright 2022, Bella Coola Legal Advocacy Program (BCLAP).