Our Projects & Workshops

Expanding access to legal knowledge through community-based education, outreach, and resources.

Addressing the Public Legal Education Gap

Federal laws often interact uniquely with Indigenous, First Nation, Metis and Inuit people yet very few supports are available on everyday legal issues. Plain language federal legal resources specifically tailored to these audiences has been too scarce for too long, contributing to yet another barrier to justice.

This is now slowly changing

BCLAP tries to address pieces of this critical gap. We develop specialized resources and outreach programs serving the communities of Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Anahim Lake. We created Legal Information for Indigenous people: National Edition for a national legal audience that is not always recognized as such. We try to identify and share existing resources coming out of different communities.

Also, check out our BCLAP Facebook page that has been going for over 10 years! There is a wide mix of plain language BC and federal legal topics, community announcements and community justice work that inspires us @BCLegalAdvocates

Current Community Workshops

Bringing legal information and education directly to our communities.

BCLAP offers community workshops on legal issues that are relevant to the people and communities we serve. Our workshops provide accessible, practical legal information and opportunities for community members to learn, ask questions, and connect with legal resources.

We can provide presentations in person or virtually on Zoom.

Information about our current and upcoming workshops is updated here.

Wills and Estates on Reserve

Legal Information for Indigenous People (Booklet)

Our Workshop History

Connecting communities with legal information since 2010.

Since 2010, BCLAP has organized and delivered public legal education workshops across Mid-Coast communities, including Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Anahim Lake.

Over the years, community members, Justice workers, lawyers, and other partners have joined us to share knowledge, answer questions, and help make legal information more accessible. We are grateful to everyone who has joined us, and we look forward to many more opportunities to come together, share knowledge, and connect with communities.

Gladue Rights

ISC Estate Management

Pensions and Elder Benefits

Youth Law

Indian Act and Other Federal Laws

Employment and EI

Wills & Estates

Supporting individuals and families in navigating complex legal processes.

Wills Clinics have been offered regularly since 2012 across all constituent communities, helping individuals understand what makes a valid will and how to navigate estate processes. Many families face challenges due to the complexities of the Indian Act and the lack of accessible legal guidance.

At the same time, many legal professionals are not fully trained in these specific requirements, leaving a significant gap in support. This work helps bridge that gap by providing guidance, education, and access to resources tailored to the realities of Indigenous communities on reserve.

Legal Information Resources

Creating accessible, plain-language legal information for Indigenous communities.

BCLAP has contributed to the development of legal information resources designed specifically for Indigenous people living on reserve. These materials help address a major gap in accessible legal knowledge by providing clear, relevant, and practical guidance on federal legal matters.

This work is part of a broader national effort to improve access to justice through education, collaboration, and resource development, ensuring information is presented in a way that respects and integrates cultural contexts.