In a room softly lit by the sun and the warm scent of cedar, an Elder leads a quiet prayer, creating a safe space for the client, a young Indigenous man caught in the cycle of the colonial justice system. Enveloped in understanding and respect, he is beginning a new journey of healing at an Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC) — a place where legal and cultural support come together to build a foundation of trust and healing through kinship.
For many Indigenous people, Canada’s justice system has long been a source of oppression and isolation. The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is committed to changing the justice system by providing unique wrap around services at Indigenous Justice Centres. These Centres offer more than legal advocacy — they offer kinship-based support rooted in community and healing.
“We’re doing things differently, outside the framework of a conventional law firm,” says Kirsten Barnes, Gitxsan, IJC Clinical Director. “Our approach isn’t just about seeing a client through a legal case; it’s about rebuilding connections and restoring balance. When we support a client, we support their family, community, and Nation. Justice in our Indigenous ways has always been connected to kinship.”
“We recognize that being alone in this work doesn’t create lasting change,” Kirsten continues. “Our lawyers are not only dedicated advocates that are here to support clients with their criminal and child protection matters, but they’re also part of a larger support network, which includes Gladue writers, outreach and support workers, kinship mentors and Elders. It’s a model that provides both practical legal solutions and a path forward that is anchored in community.”
A New Model for Community-Led Justice
This client-centered, kinship-based approach is unique to BCFNJC and requires the involvement of a dedicated, innovative team. Kory Wilson, Kwakwaka’wakw, BCFNJC Council Chair, emphasizes that Indigenous legal values form the core of their work. “Our laws aren’t just written rules; they are part of our identities, traditions and who we are as Indigenous people. For example, restorative justice is foundational for the Justice Council,” Kory explains. “By incorporating community and culture into our process, we are ensuring that justice is something that uplifts rather than isolates.”
Kory notes that BCFNJC’s programs are built on the principle that healing and justice should not be separate and balance pursued. Through programs like restorative justice circles, Gladue reporting, and diversion initiatives, IJC staff help clients reconnect with their communities. “The work we do supports people in reclaiming their place within their community and helps them find their way back to their culture, language, and family,” Kory adds. “Our clients have a place in our communities and in our lives. BCFNJC is here to ensure they do not have to go through this process alone and that Nations can reclaim their kin in the way that fits each Nations protocols.”
The Value of Heart-Centered Lawyering
At the heart of BCFNJC’s approach is the belief that every lawyer, Gladue writer, and kinship mentor plays a unique role in their clients’ lives. “We’re a team of lawyers who understand that this work goes beyond the courtroom,” Kirsten says. “It’s about giving clients a pathway back to their families and communities.”
The team has created a new model of law, one that integrates cultural safety and understanding as essential elements of justice. “The work is life-changing not only for clients but also for the staff who walk alongside them,” Kirsten says. “When our clients strengthen their connection to self, it strengthens their families and communities, rippling through generations.”
For BCFNJC staff, serving clients as kin — whose journey of healing involves a full team effort, from legal advocacy to mentorship and cultural guidance — means breaking cycles of trauma and bringing Indigenous peoples’ self-determination.
“Our work is a partnership with each Nation,” Kory adds. “It’s justice that grows from our histories and our communities, honouring our responsibilities to each other.”
This approach reflects a deep commitment to doing justice differently — one that requires people who are willing to join a model built on kinship, integrity and community-led support.
“We need our people to come home. Our land calls us back, our families depend on us, and we have a sacred duty to uphold. We will stand firm and remain committed to our relational responsibilities we hold for one another, as human beings connected to these lands,” says Kory.
Contribute to the empowering work that is being advanced by our current IJCs in Kelowna, Merritt, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, Kelowna, and the IJCs set to open this December in Kamloops, Williams Lake, Burns Lake, Hazelton, Port Hardy and Cranbrook. Please view a full list of opportunities here.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Attorney General.
About the BCFNJC
The BCFNJC was created by the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs who together form the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). BCFNJC represents BC First Nations on justice-related issues to bring about transformative change to the legal system. BCFNJC is guided by the unique and comprehensive BC First Nations Justice Strategy (the Strategy) which was jointly developed by the BC First Nations Justice Council, BC First Nations communities and the Province of British Columbia. The Strategy advances 25 individual strategies along two tracks of change: reforming the current criminal justice system and restoring Indigenous justice systems, legal traditions and structures.
Today, BCFNJC is a dynamic, expanding non-profit organization that is making a powerful, enduring mark on the justice landscape. Guided by the vision and voices of Indigenous leadership, including our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, we employ over 150 people with diverse professional, cultural, and community expertise who are working hard to implement the Justice Strategy and advance Indigenous self-determination over justice. With the direction and support of First Nations communities, work will continue to transform the mainstream colonial justice system and champion innovative, Indigenous-led justice solutions. Visit Tracking Justice for more information.
PHOTO: Strategy 4 of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy calls for a network of Indigenous Justice Centres in B.C. that provide culturally safe, welcoming places for Indigenous people to directly access culturally appropriate justice services, including legal advice and representation for criminal justice and child protection matters.