Indigenous Courtwork Program

Overview

Since 1978, federal financial support for the Indigenous Courtwork Program (formerly the Aboriginal Courtwork Program) is provided through contribution agreements with participating provincial governments.

In the three territories, federal financial support is provided through the Access to Justice Service Agreements. These Agreements integrate federal support for criminal and civil legal aid, Indigenous Courtwork, and Public Legal Education and Information.

In most jurisdictions, Indigenous Courtwork Services are delivered by Indigenous service delivery agencies under contract to the provincial or territorial government. In Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories, Courtworkers are employees of the provincial/territorial government. In Nunavut, Courtwork services are provided through Legal Services clinics.

Indigenous Courtwork Programs currently operate in every province and territory with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. Nationally, over 180 Courtworkers provide services to approximately 60,000 Indigenous clients in over 450 communities each year.

Who is eligible?

Provincial and Territorial governments are eligible to receive federal financial support for Indigenous Courtwork Program services.

All Indigenous people in conflict with the law in Canada are eligible to receive Courtwork services regardless of their status, age or residency.

Objectives

The purpose of the Indigenous Courtwork Program is to help Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain, fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment.

The objectives of the Indigenous Courtwork Program are to:

Activities

Courtworkers help Indigenous clients by:

Official Languages

In support of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, the Department is committed to facilitate the participation of official language minority communities and their organizations in the development and assessment of the Department’s policies, programs and services having significant impact on the development of the communities; and to take measures to ensure that the Department of Justice’s programs and services reach official language minority communities. In the context of project funding, these measures include:

Sustainable Development

The Department of Justice encourages you to submit all documents electronically. If you submit documentation on paper, please consider printing on both sides of the paper. These actions will minimize environmental impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a Courtworker help me in Court?
A Courtworker can help you to request legal counsel and to prepare to appear before the court. They can go to court with you (except where not authorized). They can also give you information about the court procedures; explain any directions given by the court; provide cultural interpretation; and, help you to speak with court officials.
Courtworkers can also help you to access, interpret and prepare documents and conditions given by the court. They can provide information on the nature of the charges against you and explain your rights, roles and responsibilities. They can explain alternative/restorative justice options, provide emotional support and help you to find appropriate resources, services and contacts.
How can I become a Courtworker?
The federal government does not hire Courtworkers. If you are interested in becoming a Courtworker, you should contact the provincial or territorial delivery agency listed below.
What training I do need to become a Courtworker?
Courtworkers come into the job with diverse qualifications and backgrounds. Service delivery agencies provide training to all Courtworkers, both new and experienced, to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. You should contact the provincial or territorial delivery agency listed below for further information. 

Publications and Resources

Evaluations of Indigenous Courtwork Program

List of Indigenous Courtwork Programs across Canada

British Columbia:

Alberta:

Saskatchewan:

Manitoba:

Ontario:

Quebec:

Nova Scotia:

New Brunswick: Note: Indigenous Courtwork Services are currently in development

Prince Edward Island:

Newfoundland and Labrador: Note: Indigenous Courtwork Services are currently in development

Yukon:

Northwest Territories:

Nunavut:

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Indigenous Courtwork Program
Programs Branch, Department of Justice Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H8
Or electronically to: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca
Or by phone at: (613) 941-4193
Or by fax to: (613) 941-5446