Summary:

• B.C.’s 10th Indigenous sentencing court opened Dec. 11, 2025, in Chilliwack
• Offers alternative sentencing options that honour traditional cultural practices, support rehabilitation and acknowledge the impact the person’s actions have had on others
• Designed to support better outcomes for people in conflict with the law, help reduce the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system

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Indigenous Peoples within S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō territory) will be able to access culturally appropriate justice informed by local Indigenous traditions and practices, with the opening of the Chilliwack Indigenous court.   

“Indigenous sentencing courts give Indigenous Peoples going through the criminal justice system a chance to heal and move forward in a way that respects their culture and community,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “I would like to thank our Indigenous and Provincial court partners for coming together to work with us to address the harm caused by colonial systems and create space for accountability and hope. We will continue to work to build a justice system that better respects and addresses the needs of Indigenous Peoples.”

Indigenous sentencing courts help contribute to safer communities in B.C. by strengthening community connections, creating a justice system that works better for all.

The Chilliwack court, which is the 10th of its kind in B.C., was developed in partnership with the Qwí:qwelstóm Justice Program, the Provincial Court, and local First Nations, Elders and leaders, as part of government’s ongoing commitment to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system. Each Indigenous court takes a holistic and restorative-justice approach to sentencing and is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the community it serves.

How the court works

The Chilliwack Indigenous court will operate as a pilot until March 2027. Future decisions will be informed by discussions with Indigenous communities and justice partners and will take into account available funding and resources.

Indigenous courts focus on understanding the root causes of offending behaviours. Participants collaborate with a team that includes Elders, a judge, legal counsel and Native court workers to develop an individualized healing plan tailored to their needs and the community.

By working with Elders and justice partners, the court helps participants reconnect with culture and community, access supports such as counselling and housing, and reduce the risk of reoffending.

“The opening of the Chilliwack Indigenous court is an important step toward community-driven solutions to justice that meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples,” said Melissa Gillespie, chief judge of the Provincial Court. “Indigenous courts focus on sentencing and use a holistic, restorative approach in which Indigenous people before the court take responsibility for their actions. I look forward to the opening of the court and continuing to work with Indigenous communities interested in creating Indigenous sentencing courts.”

Other Indigenous courts in B.C.

There are currently nine other Indigenous courts operating in B.C.:

• New Westminster First Nations court
• North Vancouver Chet wa nexwníw̓ ta S7eḵw’í7tel Indigenous court
• Kamloops Cknu'cwentn First Nations sentencing court
• Duncan First Nations court
• Nicola Valley Indigenous court
• Prince George Indigenous court
• Williams Lake Indigenous court
• Hazelton Indigenous court
• Lillooet Indigenous court

Supporting Indigenous justice

Indigenous sentencing courts are one of the services and programs designed to build a justice system that better respects and addresses the needs of Indigenous Peoples, which includes Indigenous Justice Centres and the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy.

These initiatives are part of B.C.’s ongoing work to advance reconciliation and create a justice system that is fair, accessible and culturally responsive for everyone.

Quotes:

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“The new Indigenous court in Chilliwack will make it easier for Indigenous people to navigate the justice system and obtain support. A restorative approach to justice that offers a healthy path, grounded in community and culture, is an important part of our commitment to make life better for Indigenous people.”

Alisha E. Peters, Qwí:qwelstóm wellness co-ordinator, Stó:lō Nation –   

“The Chilliwack Indigenous court reflects this vision by focusing on healing and accountability, not shame or punishment, so individuals, families and communities can move forward together. The Stó:lō Elders Panel unanimously supported the establishment of an Indigenous court in S’ólh Téméxw. Hon. Steven Point stated, ‘I think we just need to open our doors, hang a shingle out, and start doing the work’.”

Quick Facts:

• Indigenous people represent about 6% of B.C.’s population but account for roughly 36% of those in provincial custody.
• Indigenous courts do not conduct trials.  
• Indigenous sentencing courts are available to people who identify as Indigenous and have Crown counsel’s agreement to participate.
• Eligibility depends on the types of offences that the Elders and Indigenous Court Advisory Committee have agreed to accept, with most cases being for less serious offences.   

Learn More:

• For more information about Indigenous courts, visit: https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/navigating-court-case/criminal-adult-and-youth/indigenous-sentencing-and-specialized-criminal-courts/indigenous-sentencing-courts
• To learn how an Indigenous court can help you, visit: https://aboriginal.legalaid.bc.ca/courts-criminal-cases/first-nations-court