Indigenous justice programs and services

British Columbia has programs and services throughout the province for Indigenous people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. They are available at all stages of the justice process, for example, in the areas of victim support, support for going to court and helping offenders return to the community.

Indigenous justice strategy programs

The Indigenous Justice Strategy helps Indigenous communities have increased involvement in the local administration of justice. The programs provide cultural alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Programs are working to lower the high rates of victimization, crime and incarceration among Indigenous people in their communities. The goal is to help the mainstream justice system become more responsive and sensitive to the needs and culture of Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Justice Strategy supports Indigenous justice programs across Canada in Indigenous communities. In B.C. there are additional Indigenous justice programs that are jointly funded by the federal Department of Justice and BC Corrections.

A large proportion of the community programs involve alternative dispute resolution in a variety of community contexts.  In particular, the restorative justice approaches employed by many communities promote a holistic environment and serve as a valuable alternative to formal court processes. Examples of these approaches include:

• Peacemaking, healing or sentencing circles
• Community justice committees
• Elders’ councils
• Diversion protocol
• Conflict resolution
• Mediation

Access to Indigenous programs and services

Victim Services

Indigenous victims of crime can find victim services in their communities by calling VictimLink BC. VictimLink’s services are available in 130 languages and dialects, including 17 North American Indigenous languages. To learn more, visit Victim Services.

More information

For more information, please visit:

• Indigenous services
• Indigenous policing
• Indigenous corrections
• Department of Justice Canada and the Indigenous Justice Strategy
• BC Corrections
• Correctional Service Canada - Indigenous Corrections
• Parole Board of Canada - Indigenous Initiatives