Indigenous rights – Other help
Legal advice
Are you an Indigenous person needing legal help from Legal Aid Ontario?
Legal Aid’s Aboriginal Justice Strategy
In 2007, Legal Aid Ontario (“LAO”) commenced the development of an Aboriginal Justice Strategy, with a mandate to develop a three to five year plan to achieve measurable improvements in LAO’s services to Aboriginal people. The plan will provide specific options and recommendations to enhance legal aid services.
On LAO’s website:
- Part I of Legal Aid Ontario’s Aboriginal Strategy Consultation Report (June 29, 2021) (Direct link to report)
- Getting Legal Help: Aboriginal Legal Issues
- Why it is important to tell your lawyer you are Aboriginal (or download the brochure).
Applying for legal aid
Go to our “Getting help from Legal Aid Ontario” page for more information about applying for help from legal aid.
Legal Aid Ontario has waived all financial eligibility requirements for people who identify as Indigenous and who are domestic violence survivors. This will be in effect until further notice.
Aboriginal Legal Services
Aboriginal Legal Services is a legal clinic that provides free legal assistance to Aboriginal people living on a low income in the City of Toronto. They also provides links to other resources.
Other help
Housing
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte – Housing Office helps people find rental housing on the reserve. Call the housing officer at 613-396-3424.
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services helps Indigenous people find rental housing in Ontario. Apply online.
Indigenous homeowners needing repairs to their homes can consult our Where To Go For help chart, under “Home Repair.”
Family services
KFLA Children and Youth Services has a Guide for Indigenous Families and Children that includes information about indigenous services, community groups and events, as well as service descriptions and contact information for some mainstream services and supports for children and families living in Kingston and area, Tyendinaga, Deseronto, Napanee, Sharbot Lake and area, and Bancroft.
Community resources in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
If you are a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, you can find more information about community resources on their website, including:
Counselling Services
24/7 First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line – access by phone 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
Residential School Survivors
A national residential school crisis line is available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. Call 1-866-925-4419. Line is open 24/7.
ServiceCanada – Benefits for Indigenous people
ServiceCanada has information about benefits and programs for Indigenous people, including education and training, income assistance and more.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
The ministry has information and links to resources including: