Victoria/Chilliwack – UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2026 – Chilliwack’s Indigenous Court has moved closer to the people it serves, from the Chilliwack courthouse to Siyá:m Lálem, a space on Qw’oqw’elith’a (Coqualeetza) grounds owned by the Stó:lō Collective.
“Indigenous courts do their best work when Elders, families, victims and community can participate,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “I want to thank the Stó:lō Collective for welcoming the court into their space, and the Provincial Court, Qwí:qwelstóm and partners for their continued leadership. Together, we are making the justice system work better for Indigenous Peoples and their communities.”
Why the court moved
The new space is larger, closer to the First Nations communities and designed to offer a more culturally appropriate setting for victims, community members and the people who come before the court. The new location will make it easier for Elders, families and support people to take part in the healing-focused process.
The Ministry of Attorney General’s Court Services Branch, which manages courtroom administration, worked with the Provincial Court, the Qwí:qwelstóm Justice Program and the Stó:lō Collective to set up the new space. The move does not change the court process. Independent Provincial Court judges continue to decide how each matter is heard.
What people coming to court should know
* As of Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, people with a matter in the Chilliwack Indigenous Court should go to Siyá:m Lálem (Stó:lō Government House), 8B-7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack.
* Court dates and process have not changed.
* People with questions can contact the Chilliwack court registry at 604-795-8350.
* Free parking is available on site. The location is on a major public transit route and is fully accessible.
ORIGINAL STORY DECEMBER 2025 – 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.”
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’.”
- 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
