Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
The information in this section provides an overview of peoples’ rights in some common situations.
All people in Saskatchewan have the rights described here but Indigenous people face barriers, worse outcomes and increased exposure to certain risks. These can be traced to the colonization of what is now called Canada. Colonization involved violence, loss of life, disruption of culture and knowledge systems and the separation of families and communities. Many of these things continued after the colonial period through things like assimilation policies, residential schools and forced removal of children from their families and communities.
Even when some of these practices stopped, the trauma continued for future generations. Colonial actions and policies were based on racist attitudes toward Indigenous Peoples and systemic racism continues today in Canada. The impact can be seen in all the areas discussed in this section. For this reason, it is especially important for Indigenous people to know and understand their rights under Canadian law.
When might it be different?
There can be differences if you live on a reserve, are registered as an Indian under the Indian Act or are dealing with a federal government department like Indigenous Services Canada or an Indigenous body or government. Where this is the case, we have highlighted potential differences.
NEW IN PRINT!
See our new print resources under "Legal Information for Indigenous Communities" at Order Resources.
Human Rights
Indigenous people experience discrimination at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous people who are not part of a visible minority. Knowing your rights can help.
Ombudsman
You have the right to fair treatment whenever you are dealing with the provincial government or an agency run by the provincial government.
Charter Rights
Everyone in Canada has the rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Tenants
Landlords need to comply with laws that give tenants rights when they are renting a place.
Patients
Patients have rights when receiving healthcare and can make complaints if those rights are not respected.
Victims of Crime
Victims of crime have legal rights when dealing with the criminal justice system.
Financial Support
People with little or no income can apply for income support from Social Services.
Adoption
Family Violence
There are laws and services to help people experiencing family violence.
Debts
A debt is created when you borrow money and there are steps a lender can take to collect.
Consumers
Knowing your rights as a consumer can prevent things from going wrong in the first place. If things do go wrong, it is important to know your next steps.
Legal Help
There are options for getting legal help, including some low and no cost options.
Help from Indigenous Organizations and Governments
There are Indigenous governments and organizations that provide services and supports in many of the areas discussed in this section such as housing, healthcare, older adults, employment, family and criminal law.
