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.

Also on LAO’s website:

• The Development of Legal Aid Ontario’s Aboriginal Strategy (2008 report)
• Getting Legal Help: Are you Aboriginal?
• 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.

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:

• Ontario Works
• food resource centre
• medical transportation
• Red Cedars women’s shelter

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:

• ending violence against Indigenous women
• programs and funding
• reconciliation
• information about Jordan’s Principle
• wills and estates services for Indigenous people