How to do well in this court

Come ready to talk

In regular court, your lawyer does almost all the talking, and you're usually prepped on the little you'll say. This court flips that. You do most of the talking yourself.

The Elders will talk with you, and there's no script for where that conversation goes. So the best preparation is simple: be honest.

Speak the way you would in a real conversation, but clearly and loudly enough that the judge across the room can hear you. Stay respectful, the way you would with any Elder.

Bring your people

Bring a family member or a friend if you can. The circle has room for them, and they can speak if they want to.

Their presence tells the court something words can't: that you have people around you.

Show the court you can follow through

The court wants to see that you have the support you need to complete a healing plan. That means things like housing, counselling, treatment for addiction if you need it, and access to services.

You don't have to have it all figured out. But lining up support yourself, before anyone orders you to, makes a strong impression.

A Native Courtworker can help you set these things up: 1-877-811-1190. Friendship Centres and other services can help too.

The more willing you are to change your situation, the more this court will feel like a natural part of that process.

What a healing plan can look like

No two plans are the same, because each one is built around a person. But it helps to see the shape one might take.

Yours would be built with you, by the people in the circle, around your needs and your community's. Read more about how healing plans work.