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BC Corrections and indigenous justice

Last updated on July 24, 2026

BC Corrections is committed to supporting reconciliation and addressing the over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system. We are working to transform our organization and heal broken relationships.

Indigenous people make up nearly six percent of B.C.'s adult population. They account for:

  • 37 percent of people in custody
  • 27 percent of people supervised in the community

On this page

Working with Indigenous partners

We work with Indigenous justice partners to create programs and policies that:

  • Meet the needs of Indigenous people
  • Support them to change their behaviour
  • Help reduce the number of Indigenous people in the correctional system

Supporting reconciliation

BC Corrections is dedicated to advancing the:

Improving understanding

BC Corrections is working to understand and address the factors that contribute to over-representation. This includes a commitment to ensure staff receive education about:

  • The impacts of colonization
  • Intergenerational trauma
  • The role of culture in healing

This work is led by BC Corrections’ Indigenous Programs and Relationships Unit and supported by:

  • Indigenous cultural liaisons (ICLs)
  • Indigenous justice workers
  • Knowledge Keepers / Elders
  • Other Indigenous service providers

Indigenous justice services in the community

In communities throughout B.C., BC Corrections partners with the federal government to support Indigenous justice workers. The Indigenous Justice Program provides culture-based services, including:

  • Court diversion
  • Client support and supervision
  • Community reintegration planning and support
  • Culturally safe, evidence-based programs that address addictions and intimate partner violence

This enhances our programming and complements the supports and services offered by Indigenous cultural liaisons within our correctional centres.

​Indigenous cultural liaisons in correctional centres

Indigenous cultural liaison services are offered at all 10 provincial correctional centres. BC Corrections relies on and defers to the guidance from Indigenous cultural liaisons and other Indigenous partners to help establish and deliver culturally safe programs and services to people in custody.

This includes support with release planning and work to connect Indigenous people in custody with:

  • Supportive family and community members
  • Gladue supports
  • Other Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers

These supports help people reintegrate into their communities upon release.

While cultural programs vary within each centre, they may include spaces for:

  • Sweat lodges and spirit bathing
  • Language classes
  • Singing, drumming and art
  • Growing and harvesting medicines
  • Traditional cooking

Indigenous justice programs and services

B.C. has programs and services for Indigenous people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. These services are available at all stages of the justice process, including:

For more information, see Indigenous Justice Programs and Services.