Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
It is very important that you understand your situation and your options. Make sure you ask for help if you do not.
Do not be afraid to admit that you do not understand something your lawyer is saying. Most people need things explained a few times to make sure they understand. You can ask your lawyer or anyone else involved to explain things again or in a different way. You can ask what certain words mean.
If English is not your first language or the language you are most comfortable with, you can ask to bring a translator with you when you speak with a lawyer or anyone else involved.
You also have the right to an interpreter (as an accused or a witness) if you need one to help you to fully express yourself in court. In some cases, like if your charge is being handled by the Cree Court, the judge and court clerk will speak Cree and the Legal Aid lawyer and Prosecutor will have at least some knowledge of Cree.
