BC's Indigenous sentencing courts, explained simply
What is First Nations Court?
First Nations Court is a different way to be sentenced if you are Indigenous and facing a criminal charge in BC. You sit in a circle with a judge, Elders, lawyers, and people who support you. Together, you build a healing plan that deals with what happened and what is behind it.
A plain-language guide, checked against official sources, August 2026
Is this court for you?
This court is for people who identify as Indigenous. That includes First Nations with or without status, Métis, and Inuit. It does not matter if you live on reserve or off.
The name changes from place to place: some locations are called First Nations Court, others Indigenous Court. Whatever the name, these courts serve First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
It is a court for people who plan to plead guilty and take responsibility. There are no trials here.
Saying no to First Nations Court never takes away your Gladue rights. Any criminal court that sentences you must still consider your circumstances as an Indigenous person.
Read more about who can use this court or read about your Gladue rights
How it works, step by step
Every court runs a little differently, but the path usually looks like this. Each step links to a page with more detail.
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Know your rights
Gladue rights protect you in every criminal courtroom, here or in regular court. Knowing them helps you choose.
Your Gladue rights, explained -
Getting your case there
You, your lawyer, or duty counsel can ask for your case to move to First Nations Court. A judge or Crown counsel can suggest it too, and the Crown usually has to agree to the move.
How referral works -
The guilty plea
This court is for people who take responsibility. You plead guilty first, and you should never do that without legal advice.
What pleading guilty means -
The circle
Court happens in a circle, not rows. You sit with the judge, Elders, lawyers, and your supporters.
What a court day looks like -
The healing plan
The people in the circle help build a plan for you. It can include counselling, treatment, and connection with your culture.
What goes in a healing plan -
Review hearings
You come back, usually every few months, so the judge and Elders can see your progress and support you.
What happens at a review -
Finishing
When you complete your healing plan, you graduate. Some courts mark it with a blanket ceremony.
How it ends
Where the courts are
There are ten of these courts in BC right now: New Westminster, North Vancouver, Kamloops, Duncan, Merritt, Prince George, Williams Lake, Hazelton, Lillooet, and Chilliwack.
Each court runs on its own schedule. Some sit every month, some every two months. The Provincial Court posts the current dates.
Where to get help
All of these services are free. You do not have to figure any of this out alone.
First Nations Court duty counsel
Free lawyers at First Nations Court. You or your lawyer can call them to ask if your case can move there.
604-601-6074Greater Vancouver. Elsewhere in BC: 1-877-601-6066
Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
Free legal help in Vancouver for Indigenous people who cannot afford a lawyer. Call and do an intake to see if they can help.
604-822-1311148 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Native Courtworkers
Support people who help you understand the court process and connect you with housing, treatment, and other services.
1-877-811-1190Toll free, anywhere in BC
Indigenous Justice Centres
Free legal and outreach help for Indigenous people facing criminal or child protection issues, in 16 communities and online.
1-866-786-0081Virtual centre, BC-wide