What is First Nations Court?
First Nations Court is a sentencing court for Indigenous people charged with a crime in BC. It uses restorative justice and traditional ways to work toward balance and healing. Instead of rows of benches, you sit in a circle with the judge, Elders, lawyers, and your supporters.
The path
- Ask about it. You, your lawyer, or duty counsel can ask for your case to move there. A judge or Crown counsel can suggest it too.
- Plead guilty. This court is for people who take responsibility. Get legal advice first.
- Join the circle. You sit with the judge, Elders, lawyers, and support people.
- Build a healing plan. The circle helps create a plan that can become part of your sentence.
- Come back for reviews. You report your progress, usually every few months, and get feedback and support.
- Graduate. When you complete your plan, some courts mark it with a blanket ceremony.
Who can use it
Anyone who identifies as Indigenous: First Nations with or without status, Métis, and Inuit, living on or off reserve. There are no trials in this court, so it is for people who plan to plead guilty.
Learn more
Read the full guide at FirstNationsCourt.ca. Current court dates are posted by the Provincial Court at provincialcourt.bc.ca/court-locations